Description
Castle Rock State Park, clinging to the hillsides near the highest point in the Santa Cruz Mountains, draws many visitors year round. Rock climbers find challenge among Castle Rock's massive sandstone boulders, and backpackers often use the park as a starting point for the 28-mile Skyline-to-the-Sea trail. Most day hikers start and finish on an out-and-back trail, then create a loop on two connecting paths. The nearly-5 mile loop descends through towering Douglas fir, climbs to Goat Rock, heads downhill along a ridgeline, traversing mixed woodlands, then returns on a very rocky and exposed course past tafoni sandstone monoliths. All the trails are diminutive paths, and you'll face short scrambles through the rocks and boulders, where the footing is often tricky. Trekking poles are useful, particularly if you've got knee issues; layers of clothing are recommended for spring, autumn, and winter. There is no off season at Castle Rock. Although the rocky trails get slippery in the wettest months, that's when you'll find peak runoff at Castle Rock Falls. Starting in late winter and persisting into summer, chaparral shrubs and annual wildflowers put on a spectacular show, and in autumn the park's black oaks bring a taste of New England to Santa Cruz County.
Trail Stats
