15000 Skyline Boulevard
Los Gatos, CA 95030

408-867-2952

Open daily for hiking from sunrise to sunset. The hours are strictly enforced.

Map to Park

View Trail Map

$8.00 day use parking
$15.00 per night for backpacking camps
$2.00 map

Located along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State Park is a treasure of diversity and wilderness that is seldom seen next to a large metropolitan area. Ranging in elevation from a peak of 3,820 feet near Mt. Bielawski (Mt. McPhersen) to a low of 960 feet along the San Lorenzo River, 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. The park is crisscrossed by 32 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. These trails are part of a more extensive trail system that links the Santa Clara and San Lorenzo valleys with Castle Rock State Park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park and the Pacific Coast.

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. From Highway 280 in San Mateo County, take Highway 92 west, then turn south onto Skyline Boulevard (Hwy 35). Drive about 25.5 miles, to the junction of 35 and 9 (Saratoga Gap). Continue about 2.5 miles further south on 35, and look for the park entrance on the right side of the road.

Camping
Primitive campsites for backpackers only. $15.00 per night. Limit six people per site.
Reservations: Call Big Basin at (831-338-8861)
See General Info, below, for more camping info.

Climate/Clothing
Layered clothing recommended due to changing weather conditions.

Amenities
Pit toilet
Pay phone at parking lot and main backpack campground
Primitive hike to camp sites for backpackers
Trails for horseback riding (call ahead)

Educational Activities
Interpretive exhibits

General Info/Trails
For a map of the park please send $1.00 with a self-addressed legal-sized envelope with two stamps.

More Camping Information
JUVENILES (those under 18 years of age) not camping with a parent or legal guardian must have WRITTEN permission to camp in the park. Permission letters must include the name of the park, the name of the juvenile, the dates they may stay and the name, address, phone number and signature of the person's parent or legal guardian. The parent must be reachable at all times during the juvenile’s visit. Children 14 years of age and under may not camp without a parent present during the stay.