Castle Rock State Park

Such diverse trails: huge boulders, massive trees, calm and serene nature, you can find it all in this park. Paid parking lot at trailhead, but there is also free parking on the sides of the street outside if you can beat the rush (ideally before 8:30am). I also saw a lot of people bouldering on these boulders.

The drive up and down was the hardest part of the visit, but totally worth it. It's a gorgeous park, scenic, and has lots of fun rocks to climb. We ran into some rock climbers in fact. We did the 5.15 loop, and will definitely be back.

A few weeks ago I hiked the Castle Rock Loop Trail and Saratoga Gap, which were amazing and relatively easy to hike. Parking was easy to find, with many trail maps and guides available. Castle Rock was a pretty amazing sight, interestingly shaped and great for photos. While walking on the Saratoga Gap trail, I came to the vista pointe, which had breathtaking views and a waterfall coming down the rocks. The elevation change overall isn't too bad, and the trails are very well marked. Overall a great place to hike and enjoy spectacular views!

Great place for hiking! In relaxed pace hike took 3.5 hours. Similar to hiking in Yosemite.

We did the more casual hike and enjoyed it. Clear paths but just natural enough to still feel like a hike. Take a picture of the map as it is easy to take a wrong turn onto a harder trail and there is no reception up there. Because of the altitude and slightly more complex trails, you may get a little short of breath if out of shape like myself. Don’t forget to bring water as well!

## Ridge Trail Review I recently hiked a moderate to strenuous ridge trail that offered breathtaking panoramic views. The trail was challenging, with steep inclines and uneven terrain, but the scenery made it well worth the effort. The ridge walking provided stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape, and I felt a sense of accomplishment at the end. The trail was well-marked, and the terrain was varied, with rocky outcroppings and wildflowers adding to the scenery. However, the exposure to wind and weather was significant, and I had to be mindful of changing conditions. Overall, I'd recommend this trail to experienced hikers looking for a challenge. The views are spectacular, and the sense of accomplishment is rewarding. Be prepared for a workout, and don't underestimate the terrain. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers for changing.

Castle Rock State Park, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, is absolutely beautiful. I hiked the Saratoga Trail partially and Castle Rock Trail, which form a loop. The Saratoga Trail led to a lovely waterfall and had stunning views of the mountains throughout. Some parts of the hike are easy, while others can be more challenging—especially the Ridge Trail above Saratoga, which I only completed a bit of it due to its steeper climb. The rock formations on the Castle Rock Trail were especially unique and worth seeing. I went on a weekday (Wednesday) and was able to park outside for free since the lot gate was closed—it was quiet and peaceful. On weekends, it may be busier with a $10 fee. The park is huge with many trails left to explore. While I personally prefer the mountain views at Russian Ridge, Castle Rock’s waterfall and rock features make it a place I’d definitely recommend. Note: no dogs allowed. I filmed parts of this hike for my YouTube channel @dilaysayer if you want to see the trail in action!