Castle Rock State Park: A Santa Cruz Mountain Jewel
Explore sculpted sandstone, redwood forests, and panoramic vistas in this Santa Cruz Mountain wilderness. Hiking, climbing, and backpacking await!
Castle Rock State Park, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, offers 5,242 acres of sculpted sandstone formations, lush forests, and panoramic vistas. Popular for hiking, rock climbing, and backpacking, the park provides a rugged wilderness experience just a short drive from the Silicon Valley.
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 quickly.
- Bring your own water, as there are no water filling stations within the park.
- Be aware of poison oak along the trails and stay on marked paths.
- Check the park's website for current operating hours and any trail closures.
- Note that cell service is unreliable in the park, so download maps and information beforehand.
Getting There
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Driving
Castle Rock State Park is located off Highway 35, a few miles from where you leave Highway 9. From Highway 35, follow signs to the Robert C. Kirkwood Entrance. Parking is available in the park's lot for $10 per day, payable at self-serve kiosks. Note that the Kirkwood Entrance gate is closed and locked every day at sunset. Limited free parking may be available on the road.
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Public Transport
While there is no direct public transportation to Castle Rock State Park, you can take a bus to a nearby town like Los Gatos and then take a taxi or ride-sharing service to the park. Be aware that cell service is unreliable in the park, so arranging a ride back may be challenging. Taxi/ride-share from Los Gatos to Castle Rock State Park will cost approximately $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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John Steinbeck House
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Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
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Emmett's Point
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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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Vista Hill
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Extra Space Storage
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Tortoise Ranch
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Larkspur Landing Campbell
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Campbell Plaza
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Boy Scout Troop 80 of Mountain View CA
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Campbell Skatepark
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Carlyle Hotel Campbell
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Casa Lupe
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Unmissable attractions to see
Sanborn County Park
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Portola Redwoods State Park
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Fremont Older Open Space Preserve
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Saratoga Memorial Arch
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Saratoga Historical Park
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Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
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Los Trancos Open Space Preserve
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San Lorenzo Valley Museum, Grace Episcopal Gallery
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Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park
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Vasona Lake County Park
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Heritage Grove
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Jack Fischer Park
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San Tomas Park
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Sam McDonald Park
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Essential places to dine
Capers Eat & Drink
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Sorelle Italian Bistro
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Nonno's Italian
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LeQuy
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Effie's Restaurant & Bar
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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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El Greco Grill
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La Casa Mia
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The Stand - American Classics Redefined
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Locanda Sorrento
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One Fish Raw Bar
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BackAYard Caribbean Grill
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Marvel Cake
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Kirkwood Plaza
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Redwood Store
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Home Consignment Center - Campbell
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Soccerkraze
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Blossom Valley
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B K Collections
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Heroes
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Grant Park Plaza
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Nob Hill Foods
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Best Buy
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Coach's Sports Bar & Grill
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Cardiff & Cocktails
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Khartoum Lounge
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The Halford
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Court's Lounge
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The Sportsmen's Lounge
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Camino Karaoke
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Aces Icehouse
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Rootstock Wine Bar
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Opal By Arena
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Molly Magees
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SSG
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St. Stephen's Green
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