Featured Hike: Castle Rock Falls
Explore waterfalls, sandstones and forests in one magical visit
Length
1.3 miles
Rated
Easy*
Trail Type
Out & Back
Elevation Gain
320 feet
Looking for a challenge in your health and wellness journey? The trail to Castle Rock Falls might be perfect if you are looking for a short but challenging trail experience.
Although rated “easy” by California State Parks, this 1.3-mile out-and-back trail is rugged, with a few switchbacks, occasionally steep climbs or descents, narrow paths, and rocks, roots, and the occasional washout to navigate. But the rewards may well be worth it.
Forested, you will follow and cross a stream to sandstone formations and the real prize: a viewing deck to enjoy a 75-foot waterfall and expansive mountain valley views to the west.
*Trail ratings vary and in this guide you will find information to make the best choice for your health and wellness goals.
Enjoy the health benefits of time in nature on the Castle Rock Falls trail at Castle Rock State Park in the Santa Cruz mountains.
Why is this a healthful experience?
Plan Your Hike
Address: Castle Rock State Park, Robert C. Kirkwood Entrance, 15451 Skyline Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 95033
Hours: Check the park website for current Robert C. Kirkwood Entrance operating hours are 8:00 a.m. to sunset, daily. Weekdays are optimal days to visit the park to ensure you get a parking spot. NOTE: The Kirkwood Entrance gate is closed and locked every day at sunset.
Directions: click here for Google maps directions
Park Activities
At Castle Rock State Park, there is something for everyone:
- Legend has it that the sport of rock climbing actually started here!
- The Castle Rock Trail Camp is open year-round on a first-come, first-serve basis
- Castle Rock State Park includes 34 miles of hiking trails
- The start of the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, a 32-mile backpacking trail, that continues through Big Basin Redwoods State Park to Waddell Beach. Backpacking reservations required
- There are several short walks perfect for families with young children that are also accessible to people with limited mobility.
Park Amenities
- 90-car parking lot with environmentally friendly permeable paving. Parking is $10.00 per day, which you can pay for at self-serve kiosks. California State Parks Annual Parking Pass holders should display their pass when parking. The old parking lot, located about one-quarter mile further south on Highway 35 / Skyline Blvd., is reserved for overnight guests and may be used for overflow parking at the discretion of park staff. Overnight guests with reservations will receive a gate code to access the old parking lot. NOTE: The Kirkwood Entrance gate is closed and locked every day at sunset. Weekdays are optimal days to visit the park to ensure you get a parking spot.
- A Native Plants Garden, planted and tended by the Amah Mutsun Land Trust and the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe, that illustrates how Native Americans use local plants for medicinal and other purposes
- A restored native black oak forest, planted with the help of Sempervirens Fund volunteers
- Free Wi-Fi and a downloadable trail map app
- Free charging stations for electric vehicles
- 60-seat, accessible amphitheater for events and programs.
- A drinking water station and accessible pathways and picnic areas
- And perhaps most importantly: bathrooms with flush toilets!
- Rentable facilities at the Robert C. Kirkwood Entrance include a projector and screen for outdoor movies and presentations at the outdoor amphitheater. Please contact the State Park Special Events Office for details.
People like you supported Sempervirens Fund’s purchase of the 33-acre parcel, which was a former Christmas tree farm. In total, Sempervirens Fund donors provided $8.7 million to design, plan, permit, and build this important addition to Castle Rock State Park. Thank you!
Volunteer
Throughout the year, Sempervirens Fund holds a variety of volunteer events, including invasive species removal, trail clean ups, and more! Check out our Volunteer Page for more information. You can also volunteer with the Amah Mutsun Land Trust in the native garden or with get involved with Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.
More to Explore
- Learn more about Castle Rock State Park
- Visit the official Castle Rock State Park website
- Map of the Robert C. Kirkwood Entrance (PDF)
- Find Volunteer opportunities at the park