Castle Rock State Park: A Santa Cruz Mountain Gem
Explore sculpted sandstone, redwood forests, and panoramic vistas in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Hiking, climbing, and natural beauty await!
Castle Rock State Park, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Los Gatos, California, offers a diverse landscape of sandstone formations, redwood forests, and panoramic vistas. Established in 1968, the park spans over 5,200 acres and features over 34 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and a connection to the famed Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail.
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, especially on weekends, as the parking lot fills up quickly.
- Bring plenty of water, as water availability within the park is limited.
- Be aware that cell service is unreliable in the park.
- Check for climbing restrictions due to weather conditions, as the sandstone becomes fragile when wet.
- Wear appropriate footwear for hiking on rugged and rocky terrain.
Getting There
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Driving
Castle Rock State Park is located off Highway 35, approximately 2.5 miles southeast of its junction with Highway 9. From Highway 9, follow Highway 35 south towards the park entrance. Parking is available at the Robert C. Kirkwood Entrance. Be aware that parking costs $10 per vehicle per day. Weekdays are optimal for finding parking.
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Walking
From the parking lot, several trails lead to the park's main attractions. The Castle Rock Trail is a short, mostly shaded path leading to Castle Rock. To reach Castle Rock Falls, follow the Saratoga Gap Trail. Remember to stay on marked trails and carry a map.
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Public Transport
Limited public transportation options are available. The closest bus stops are located in nearby towns such as Los Gatos. From there, you would need to take a taxi or rideshare service to the park entrance. Due to the lack of cell reception in the park, arranging a rideshare for your departure may be difficult. Taxi/rideshare estimate from Los Gatos to Castle Rock State Park: $30-$50.
Discover more about Castle Rock State Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Historic house of Mr. Fremont Older
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Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
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Forthright Oyster Bar & Kitchen
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Ohlone Indian Village Town of Los Altos Hills Historical Site No. 1
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Larkspur Landing Campbell
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Campbell Plaza
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Campbell Skatepark
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Campbell Community Center
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Saratoga Memorial Arch
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Saratoga Historical Park
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San Lorenzo Valley Museum, Grace Episcopal Gallery
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park
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LeQuy
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Hash House
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Negeen Restaurant
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Sizzling Lunch
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Brew City Grill
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One Fish Raw Bar
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Kirkwood Plaza
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Redwood Store
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