Discover the Natural Wonders of Castle Rock State Park
Explore Castle Rock State Park, a breathtaking natural escape in California's Santa Cruz Mountains, filled with hiking trails and stunning rock formations.
Castle Rock State Park, nestled in the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains, offers breathtaking views, diverse hiking trails, and remarkable rock formations, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
A brief summary to Castle Rock State Park
- 15451 CA-35, Los Gatos, California, 95033, US
- +1408-868-9540
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early in the day to secure parking and enjoy cooler temperatures for hiking.
- Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, as facilities are limited within the park.
- Check trail conditions and maps at the entrance, as some paths may be temporarily closed for maintenance.
- Consider visiting during weekdays or off-peak seasons to avoid crowds.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning views and unique rock formations.
Getting There
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Bus
From Menlo Park, head to the nearest bus stop for the SamTrans Route 296. Board the bus going towards Palo Alto. Stay on the bus for about 20-25 minutes until you reach the stop at 'El Camino Real & Menlo Park Ave.' From there, transfer to the VTA Route 63 bus towards Los Gatos. Ride for approximately 30 minutes, and get off at 'Highway 17 & Castle Rock State Park.' Walk about 10 minutes along the highway until you reach the entrance to Castle Rock State Park at 15451 CA-35.
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Bicycle
Start your journey in Menlo Park and head towards the Bay Trail, which is a scenic route. Follow the trail south until you reach the junction with CA-35. Turn left onto CA-35 and follow the road for about 7 miles. Be cautious as the road can be busy. After approximately 30-40 minutes of cycling, you will arrive at Castle Rock State Park, located at 15451 CA-35. There are bike racks available at the park entrance.
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Walking
Walking directly to Castle Rock State Park from Menlo Park is quite a long trek. However, if you are up for an adventurous walk, start by heading south on Middlefield Road until you reach the intersection with El Camino Real. Continue on El Camino Real for about 2 miles until you reach the intersection with CA-35. Follow CA-35 north for about 7 miles. This journey will take approximately 2-3 hours of walking, so prepare with water and snacks. Once you arrive, the entrance to Castle Rock State Park will be on your left at 15451 CA-35.
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