Hike: Castle Rock Park Hike (moved from Purisima Creek)
Event Details
08:30AM - 01:00PM
Map address
This was our original route but we may have to reduce the distance due to trail closure.
This is a challenging hike of about 6 miles, with 1,200 feet of climbing. It includes some traversing over rocks. Please take this into account when deciding to participate.
From the main entrance on Skyline Boulevard the hike will follow the Saratoga Gap Trail downhill to the Castle Rock Falls observation platform (now closed), and on over a very rocky trail with great views of the San Lorenzo Valley, the Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean to Russel Point and almost to the Castle Rock Trail Camp. The trail alternates between brushy hillsides and madrone and oak filled canyons, about a quarter of it exposed to the sun. For a snack (or early lunch) stop, we will find a shady place among the rocks with a good view of the San Lorenzo Headwaters. Coming back we will follow the Ridge trail to the Goat Rock, the Castle Rock formation and on to the parking lot. Long pants to avoid poison oak are advised. Bring food and water.