Castle Rock State Park Hike and Mapping Party

Co-listed with Sierra Club - Loma Prieta Chapter and Bay Area OpenStreetMappers

Open to everyone. New and prospective members are especially invited to this Hike at Castle Rock State Park (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=538) near Saratoga Gap. Get to know the Sierra Club (http://sierraclub.org/), Loma Prieta Chapter (http://lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/) and the Peninsula Regional Group. There is a parking fee of $8. No pets allowed.

HIKE DETAILS: 5 miles round-trip, about 500' elevation gain, 1A. This is a moderate hike at an easy pace (about 2 MPH) that starts with a steep decline (keep this in mind for the way back!) followed by up-and-down elevation gains and losses throughout. Roughly half of the hike is shaded (along the Saratoga Gap Trail), but the return trip along the Ridge Trail is sunny and uphill. Please note: this is NOT a beginner's hike. There are boulders that must be traversed and anyone afraid of heights should NOT come on this hike.

WHAT TO WEAR: hiking shoes/boots and light colored clothing

WHAT TO BRING: Plenty of water, snacks, lunch, a hat, sunglasses, sun block, your love of nature, and a willingness to hike in a group!

START TIME: 9:30 AM SHARP from the park entrance (we will LEAVE at 9:35 a.m., so arrive EARLY). The park is located on Highway 35, just 2 1/2 miles southeast of the junction with Highway 9. Castle Rock State Park (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=538), CA Latitude / Longitude: 37.2317 / -122.1158

CAR POOL LOCATION: Be Cool, Car Pool at 9:00 AM at Los Gatos Municipal Parking Lot (Highway 9 between University Ave & Santa Cruz Ave, behind Chase bank). If you end up on Santa Cruz Ave , Chase bank, Starbucks or Safeway, look out for driveways leading to the back of those places, which connect to the Municipal Parking lot.

NOTE: Limited to 20 people (waitlist available). Please do not RSVP unless you are sure to attend. This hike is intended for prospective members (and Sierra Club Members). Non-members may attend our events for an unlimited period of time before joining the club.

HIKE LEADERS: Lise Strom 408-772-4766 and Shawn Britton 408-242-5092

Mapping Party Details (https://www.meetup.com/Bay-Area-OpenStreetMappers/events/132951552/)

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/2/4/6/event_266381542.jpeg

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees."

• John Muir