Castle Rock State Park, Saratoga Gap Trail

Location: Los Gatos, Santa Clara County
Hike Date: 2017, June 10, Saturday
Hike Stats: 5.4 miles, 4 hours, 1700 feet

Previous Visit: 2015, October 4, Sunday

One of the Sandstone Outcrops on the Saratoga Gap Trail

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

For my previous trip to this state park in 2015, check out this post.
For other trails in Castle Rock State Park, check out this post on Skyline to the Sea Trail.

TOP

* Parking	* About the State Park
* Restroom	* Route
* Trailhead	* Route Map
* Exposure	* Shots from the Hike

PARKING

Parking Lot: Castle Rock State Park Parking Lot. No cellular reception inside the preserve.
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.

RESTROOM

Next to the parking lot/trailhead (‘A’ in the route below)

TRAILHEAD

Next to the parking lot

EXPOSURE

Mostly shaded, some parts exposed

ABOUT THE STATE PARK

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

ROUTE (LOOP, 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’