Hike Castle Rock: 8.6mi, 1.7kFtElevGain, Moderate Difficulty

Let's hike the popular North side of Castle Rock State Park in the hills beyond Saratoga!

Course
Check out the route on AllTrails or Komoot. You can view the overall Castle Rock map PDF. The hiking paths we take will add up to roughly 8.6 miles in length with around 1,700 feet of total elevation gain. Depending on how the group feels, we may grab food in town after the hike.

Trailhead Parking
We will be using the main Castle Rock parking lot (Google Maps, Apple Maps). The lot has a fair amount of parking space however there is a $10 parking fee.

Bathroom Availability
There will be bathrooms at the main Castle Rock parking area and near the midway point of the hike at the Castle Rock camp grounds (Google Maps, Apple Maps) and end of the hike when we reach the main parking area again.

Equipment & Hydration
Wear appropriate hiking shoes, comfortable clothing for the exertion and sun protection for the weather (sunscreen, UPF clothing). Sections of this trail are shaded but there are large portions that will be open to the sun and warmer (especially during the summer).

Bring adequate water and/or snacks to stay hydrated and fueled during the hike. Not sure how much water you'll need? Check out this REI Hydration Guide.

I encourage everyone to download the park PDF map to their phone and sync the GPS routes to their smart device(s) ahead of the hike.

Wildlife Safety
Hiking involves a chance of encountering ticks, cougars, snakes, spiders and other wildlife on the trails. Here is a guide from REI for how to interact during various wild animal encounters (snake, cougar, etc.).

For mountain lion (aka cougar, puma, catamount) encounters, follow these tips tips from the US Fish and Wildlife service.

For rattle snakes, follow these recommendations from the US CDC.

Regarding ticks, please read this helpful guide from REI and consider the option that works best for you. If you do find a tick on yourself, here is a helpful video and info guide from the US CDC on carefully removing it.

Cancellation
Hike will be cancelled if there is heavy rain or other unsafe conditions.

Disclaimer & Assumption of Risk
By joining this event, you acknowledge that hiking and outdoor recreation involve inherent risks, including but not limited to slips, falls, wildlife encounters, changing weather, trail hazards, water crossings, dehydration, illness, vehicle accidents, and delayed access to medical assistance.

Participants should remain alert for ticks, rattlesnakes, mountain lions, poison oak, uneven terrain, and other outdoor hazards common to Bay Area trails.

Participation is voluntary. Each participant is responsible for determining their own fitness, health, preparedness, equipment, hydration, navigation, and personal safety needs. Participants are responsible for carrying any personal medications or emergency supplies they may require.

Event organizers and hosts are volunteers, not professional guides, medical providers, or rescue personnel. Routes, pace, distance, weather, trail conditions, and group plans may change at any time.

By attending, you agree to assume all risks associated with participation and release the event organizers and hosts from liability for injuries, damages, losses, or claims arising from participation in the event, except where prohibited by law or caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation, personal property, and interactions with other attendees. Participants may choose to leave the group, continue ahead, or turn back at their own discretion and responsibility.