Hike Castle Rock: 8.6mi, 1.6kFtElevGain, Moderate Difficulty

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

RSVP Cancellations
Attendees are asked to cancel by 12pm PST (noon) Saturday (9/12) to allow enough time for folk on the wait list to prepare for the hike. Attendees who cancel after that will be marked as "no-show".

Hiking Route
Check out the route on AllTrails or Komoot. You can view the overall Castle Rock Park map PDF (scroll down to page 5 for the map). The hiking paths we take will add up to roughly 8.6 miles in length with around 1,600 feet of total elevation gain. Depending on how the group feels, we may grab food in town after the hike.

First time Hiking? Check out this guide to prepare and see the additional links below for more tips.

Trailhead Parking
We will be parking in the Castle Rock main visitor lot (Google Maps, Apple Maps). There is a $10 parking fee. There should be plenty of parking.

Bathroom Availability
There will be bathrooms at the parking lot (Apple Maps, Google Maps).

There are also bathrooms halfway through the hike at the campgrounds (Google Maps, Apple Maps).

Equipment & Hydration
Wear appropriate hiking shoes, (the right shoes/boots for your hike) comfortable clothing for the exertion and sun protection for the weather (sun-protective clothing and sunscreen lotion.

Bring adequate water stay hydrated (how much water to bring) and snacks/lunch to stay fueled during the hike.

I encourage everyone to download the 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.

Weather
Hike will be cancelled if there is heavy rain, extreme heat or other unsafe weather 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.