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Wild Recovery San Jose, California

December 15, 2007 Castle Rock State Park

The Place

        Castle Rock State Park contains numerous plant communities including redwood forest, chaparral, grassland, riparian, and mixed hard wood forest. Steep canyons are sprinkled with unusual rock formations that are popular with rock climbers.

Getting There

        DIRECTIONS:  Located on Highway 35, just 2.5 miles southeast of the junction with Highway 9. From San Jose or Santa Cruz, take Hwy 9 to Hwy 35. Turn south onto Hwy 35. Drive about 2.5 miles and look for the park entrance on the right side of the road.

Drive time is 1 Hour – Parking $6 – Dogs Not Allowed

Walking the Walk

        (Level 4 - Miles: 6.5 - Elevation ~4000')  We will be starting the hike at the entrance to Sanborn Park on the east side of Skyline Blvd. just south of the entrance to Castle Rock Park heading to Indian Rock then back and take the Summit Rock loop Trail to Summit Rock then the Service Road Trail to the Camp Shelter for the meeting. We will go back along the Ridge Trail passing Goat Rock and descending to Falls Overlook. We leave there and go to Castle Rock 3214 ft. then drop down to the Parking Lot ending the hike.

Know Before You Go

        RECOMMENDED:  Parking along road free if available. No Smoking. Vaulted Restrooms and Phones at both the Parking Lot and the Campground. 

Drive time is 1 Hour – Parking $6 – Dogs Not Allowed

Trail Map: Castle Rock Trail Map