Hike Date: Saturday, June 10, 2017
(Previous Visit: Sunday, October 4, 2015)

Exquisite sandstone formations and sculpted caves are among the treasured features within this park’s vast wilderness.

For other routes in Castle Rock State Park, check out this other post on Hike in Castle Rock State Park – Skyline to the Sea Trail.

Features

• Castle Rock Falls – there is an observation platform
• Numerous sandstone outcrops with ‘tafoni’ formations including the Castle Rock and Goat Rock
• Panoramic views
• Russell Point

ABOUT THE HIKE

1. Parking Lot: Castle Rock State Park Parking Lot. No cellular reception inside the preserve.
2. Parking Fee: $8 inside the parking lot, which can get full quickly on weekends. Street parking is free, but even the street parking spots are limited.
3. Restroom: Next to the parking lot/trailhead (‘A’ in the route below)
4. Trailhead: Next to the parking lot
5. Route (clockwise):
   • Trailhead (A)
   • Lower trail at the fork after the bridge, signs for ‘Campground’ / ‘Castle Rock Falls’ –> Saratoga Gap Trail (B)
   • Ridge Trail (C) — turnaround point
   • Stairs down after the Goat Rock –> Ridge Trail (C)
   • Saratoga Gap Trail (D) — repeat of a part of ‘B’
6. Route Map:
   
7. Distance: 5.47 miles
8. Time: 4 hours 12 minutes (3 hours 20 minutes in 2015)
9. Elevation Gain: 1700 feet
10. Exposure: Mostly shaded, some parts exposed
11. Company: Friends. In all, 4 people.

photos from the hike

Restroom Next to the Parking Lot

Saratoga Gap Trail (B) – also the way to the Castle Rock Falls

Panoramic View of the Santa Cruz Mountains

A Creek Bridge

Turning Around to the Ridge Trail (C)

Tafoni Ribs Inside a Sandstone Cave

Ridge Trail (C)

Some of the plants spotted in the park:

Orange Bush Monkeyflower

Yellow Bush Lupine

Morning Glory

Common Yarrow

Indian Paintbrushes