Black Mountain Hiking Section - Castle Rock State Park (Partly Exploratory)

Level: Moderate (2B) Approximately 6.8 mi, 1,250 ft gain

Meet: Summit Rock Trailhead Roadside Parking on the east side of Skyline Blvd. Parking is free in this lot that is part of Sanborn County Park.

Description: We will meet at the roadside parking for Summit Rock, about 1.5 miles south of the intersection of Skyline Blvd and Highway 9. We will hike along Skyline Trail briefly, before crossing Sklyine Blvd and continuing down Loghry Woods Trail. A short stint on the Service Road Trail takes us to Castle Rock Trail Camp and the junction with Ridge Trail, which will take us a long way past several interesting and unique sites. We will travel the Saratoga Gap Trail to observe Castle Rock Falls, and then to reach the main park entrance. We will cross Skyline Blvd once more and regain the Skyline Trail. The exploratory section will be on the Summit Rock Loop, which provides a longer path and some elevation loss and gain compared to the Skyline Trail path to Summit Rock, which is closed most of the year in support of Peregrine Falcon nesting habitat. Skyline Trail will take us back to the roadside parking for Summit Rock.

We will hike at a moderate pace with a few stops to enjoy the surroundings. Exposed sections will come and go, with much of the hike being canopy covered.

At the trailhead there is no water, nor bathrooms, so be sure to stop along the way if these are needed before the hike. We will pass vault toilets at Castle Rock Trail Camp and at Castle Rock’s Main Park Entrance.

Possible hazards include ticks, yellowjackets/wasps, poison oak, rattlesnakes, uneven terrain and some steps that we will descend. Bicycles are not allowed on most of our paths, though they can use some sections of Skyline Trail. Another unpleasant aspect in some sections is the near continuous sound of firearms discharging at the nearby shooting range.

Please see Castle Rock’s web site for more complete information on the park and the areas where we will be hiking, if interested: Castle Rock State Park

Adverse weather or trail conditions may shorten or cancel the hike. We practice "leave no trace" and carry out everything we carry in.

Cold drinks and light snacks after the hike (optional).

This is a back country hike. Please complete your medical form and carry with you (hikers will be asked to confirm this with the leader)

Wear/bring: at least 1L water, lunch and something to sit on, completed Medical Form, sun protection, sturdy shoes / boots, layered clothing, poles if you use them.

Signup Instructions:

1. Signup for this hike via Sierra Club site ONLY (Meetup site is for people to coordinate carpool amongst themselves only. Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.)
2. Please provide emergency contact name and phone number as well as your email and phone contact information when you signup.
3. Complete, print and bring with you the medical form for this outing. You will show me that the form has been completed and then you will stow it in your own first aid kit. In the event of a medical emergency, the form will be given to first responders, so include information that they should be aware of when providing you with emergency medical treatment.

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Join our email list: If you would like to be on our email list to receive our hike announcement and cancellation notice, please sign up here.

Sierra Club guide for our hike outings: Neither vaccinations nor masks are required. But if you are experiencing any COVID symptoms, are sick, or have recently tested positive for COVID do not hike with us on this day. Every participant is responsible for reporting these conditions to the leader if symptoms develop after the hike. We will then notify the other participants.

Cancellation Policy: steady rain; excessive heat; poor air quality