Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area: A Natural Oasis
Explore scenic trails, sandstone formations, and swimming in this East Bay park, a natural escape in Walnut Creek, California.
Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area, nestled in Walnut Creek, California, is a scenic park featuring oak woodlands, sandstone formations, and a swimming pool, offering hiking, picnicking, and swimming.
A brief summary to Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area
- 1700 Castle Rock Rd, Walnut Creek, Brooktree, California, 94598, US
- +1510-544-3086
- Visit website
Local tips
- Bring a wagon to transport picnic supplies from the parking area to the picnic sites, as it can be a quarter-mile walk.
- Swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are on duty; check the schedule in advance.
- Be prepared for a short walk from the parking lot to the pool; wear closed-toe shoes for the gravel path.
- Reservations can be made for picnic sites by calling 888-327-2757.
Getting There
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Driving
From I-680 in Walnut Creek, exit onto Ygnacio Valley Road heading east. Drive approximately three miles and turn right onto Walnut Avenue. After about two miles, turn right onto Oak Grove Road, then bear right onto Castle Rock Road. Follow Castle Rock Road to the Orchard Staging Area on the right, or continue further to the parking area near the park entrance. Parking is free. Note that the Orchard Staging Area is unpaved and closed during wet weather.
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Public Transport
While public transportation directly to Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area is limited, you can take a BART to the Walnut Creek station. From there, utilize a rideshare service or taxi for the final approximately 7-mile drive to the park entrance. A rideshare from the Walnut Creek BART station to Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area typically costs between $20 and $30, depending on demand and time of day.
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Walking
From the Orchard Staging Area, it's a short walk to the trailhead. From the main entrance parking, it is approximately a quarter-mile walk to the pool area. The path from the parking lot to the swimming pool is mostly shaded and made of crushed gravel. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes.
Discover more about Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area
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