CASTLE ROCK STATE PARK
Hike Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Leader: Gary Weiss
Leader Email: gary@sfhiking.com
Leader Phone: 415 279-5570
SF Meeting Location: Whole Foods; 2001 Market St. @ Dolores (on the Dolores St. side); parking on the street or below. Please only show up at Whole Foods if you've arranged to meet your ride or driver there.
East Bay Meeting Location: Rockridge BART, bottom of escalator.
Carpooling Meeting Times: SF: 8:45 AM, departing shortly afterwards;
Rockridge BART: 8:30 AM, departing shortly afterwards.
Rating: Level 3
Mileage: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1475'
Description: Castle Rock State Park is known for its "tafoni" or Swiss-cheese rock formations, and having about the highest elevation in the Santa Cruz mountains, outstanding views of the mountains and the Pacific.
We'll start (from the main Castle Rock parking lot) by visiting Indian Rock, then head south on Skyline Trail before crossing over to the top of the gorgeous Loghry Woods Trail. We'll be visiting some of the park's more famous features on the return, including the namesake Castle Rock. There are several incredible rock formations along the way, and view points that we'll hike out to. The park has some enormous madrones, live and California black oaks, knobcone pines and Douglas firs. We'll be in the shade for about 90% of the hike. Hopefully we'll have some clear skies to take advantage of the views. Dogs are not permitted in State Parks.
Bring / Wear: Please bring plenty of water, lunch, sturdy hiking shoes, poles if you use them and sunscreen. And chocolate!
Weather Policy: Check with hikeleader in the event of questionable weather.
Trailhead Meeting Place: We'll meet at the main Castle Rock Parking Lot. Continue south for 2.6 miles past Saratoga Gap/Big Basin Way/Highway 9. The park entrance is clearly signed on the right side of the road.
(We'll meet to the left - south - of the Information window as you face the building from Skyline/Hwy 35). Google Maps Link
Trailhead Meeting Time: 10:00 AM, departing at 10:15.
Total driving distance, there and back: 111 miles = SF; 121 miles Rockridge.
Passenger Carpool Fees (SF): $17 (including $10 entrance fee) ($9 for seniors)
Passenger Carpool Fees (Rockridge): $20 (including entrance fee)
(I will inform you of carpooling arrangements by late Thursday or early Friday.)
Level-1
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Level-2
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Level-3 |
Level-4 |
Level-5 |
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easiest
< 5 miles
< 500' gain
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moderately easy
5-7 miles
< 1000' gain |
moderate
7-9 miles
< 1500' gain
|
strenuous
9-12 miles
< 2000' gain
|
very strenuous
12-15+ miles
>2000' gain |
