South Bay 50+ Social Hikers

This hike is not in the main part of Castle Rock State Park. There is no rock scrambling. We will be starting at the Saratoga Gap "Vista Point" parking lot.
This is a mostly shaded 7.9 mile, 1270' elevation gain loop trail on the Skyline to the Sea, Saratoga Toll Road, Beekhuis Road, and Summit Meadows Trails. Lots of redwoods enough elevation to make you wish you had slept in on Saturday morning.
But then it turns out it was all worth it because a 14 minute drive, all down hill and you will be noshing at Mint Leaf Restaurant
14420 Big Basin Way, Saratoga CA 95070

No restrooms at the start point. However, there is a restroom at Sempervirens Point parking lot about half way.
Parking can be limited, good idea to carpool. Click the link below
https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/qshneu

DO NOT ATTEND if you're experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, have a compromised immune system, or if you've been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19.
LIABILITY WAIVER By joining this group for any event, you hereby release its organizers, hosts, and participants from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for illness, injuries, damages, death and/or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice, or information contained herein.
Disclaimer: The South Bay Over 50 Social Hiking Group and its event organizer and members are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Over 50 Social Hiking Group and its event organizer and members from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Over 50 Social Hiking Group does not certify the expertise of its event organizer - I am a volunteer. You are responsible for yourself. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, poles, hat, sunscreen, first aid, food, gear, electrolytes, and water. You should consult your physician if you have any medical conditions that might limit your ability to engage in this type of activity.

This hike is actually easier to climb than it is to pronounce. Basically a gradual out and back trail of 8 miles and 1200'elevation gain. Should be great views in all directions from the top, as well as some interesting historical displays if you haven't been there yet. Almost entirely shaded, except at the top. We have temps in the 70's for our ascent.

There are restrooms both at the trailhead and at the turnaround area at the top of Mt. Um.
VERY IMPORTANT: THE PARKING LOT CAN FILL UP EARLY SO WE MUST CARPOOL TO CONSERVE SPACES. THERE ARE ADDITIONAL PARKING LOTS DOWN AT THE WOOD ROAD ENTRANCE TO ALMADEN QUICKSILVER PARK, AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL, THAT ARE GREAT FOR A VERY SHORT CARPOOL UP TO THE SIERRA AZUL LOT , WHERE WE WILL MEETUP. Anyone found in noncompliance will be required to spell and accurately pronounce the name of the mountain as punishment.
Also a good idea to arrive early and , oh yeah, did I mention it, to CARPOOL?
https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/8royp5
The weather report is forecasting hail and torrential downpours, just kidding, its going to be a beautiful day, so lets cap it off with brunch/lunch at Bills Cafe, 1401 Kooser Rd. San Jose, CA 95118..DONT FORGET TO MULTIPLY YOUR BILL BY 1.3 (FOR TAX AND TIP) AND TRY TO BRING CASH.
The IOPQ will be : What was popular when you were a kid, but today's kids would have no idea what you are talking about?
ATTENDANCE: If you are signed up for a hike, or on the waitlist, please remove yourself to the "not going " list as soon as you become unsure about attending, so another wait lister can have adequate notice that they are going. Also, it is not okay to just show up to a hike you are not listed as "going" to. Hikers who violate these policies will have that information noted on their permanent record, and their parents may be notified.
DO NOT ATTEND if you're experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, have a compromised immune system, or if you've been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19.
LIABILITY WAIVER By joining this group for any event, you hereby release its organizers, hosts, and participants from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for illness, injuries, damages, death and/or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice, or information contained herein.
Disclaimer: The South Bay Over 50 Social Hiking Group and its event organizer and members are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Over 50 Social Hiking Group and its event organizer and members from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Over 50 Social Hiking Group does not certify the expertise of its event organizers or hike leaders - We are volunteers. All hike distances, routes and elevation gains are approximations and can vary from time to time. You are responsible for yourself. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, poles, hat, sunscreen, first aid, food, gear, electrolytes, and water. You should consult your physician if you have any medical conditions that might limit your ability to engage in this type of activity.