Castle Rock Hike from Saratoga Gap - Route XVIII
6.5 miles     900 ft
14 Nov 2010
Summary

Great shaded hike through redwoods. The last two miles are along a paved road with residences.

Location: Castle Rock State Park

Elevation Profile
Trip Planning

Trail Maps

» Official Trail Map: Good for trails near Park HQ. Other trails are not shown in this map.

» Official Trail MAp: Shows all parts of the park. Mileage and contour information missing.

» Redwood Hikes Map: Bay Area Trail Map: Saratoga to Big Basin, First edition, 2010. This is an excellent map sold by Dave Baselt ($6.95 in Dec 2011). This map is useful for exploring many parks in this area. Highly recommended for avid hikers.

Route

Trail Heads: There are several trail heads at the junction of Highways 9 and 35. This hike starts at the trail head for Skyline Trail, which is next to the parking lot (north west of the junction). Trail head for Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve is on the other side of Highway 9 (north east of the junction). Trail head for Skyline to the Sea Trail is across Highway 35 (south east of the junction).

Route in brief: Skyline Trail (1.1 + 0.5 + 0.1 miles) → Loghry Woods Trail (1.8 miles) → Service Road Trail (0.2 miles) → Frog Flat Trail (0.6 miles) → Service Road Trail (0.4 miles) → Saratoga Gap Trail (2.1 miles).

Notes: Saratoga Gap Trail is a paved road with residences on either side. There are signs warning you of trespassing unless you have a permit from Castle Rock State Park.

Trailhead

Location: Intersection of Highway 9 and Highway 35 (Skyline Blvd) . Parking area is visible in Google Maps if you zoom in sufficiently.

Directions: From Highway 85, take Exit 14 for Saratoga Ave going south. After 1.8 miles, continue along Big Basin Way (Highway 9) for 7.3 miles to reach the junction with Highway 35 (Skyline Blvd)

Google Maps:

Parking Fees: None (last visited: October 2010)

Capacity: About 20 cars.

Latitude: 37.258513     Longitude: -122.121955

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