Castle Rock w/ Pizzeria Vitoria (formerly known as Nonnos)

Whether you like Hard Rock or Soft Rock, you can’t help but enjoy the rocks in this park…. Castle Rock, Summit Rock, Indian Rock, Goat Rock. Just a few of the many cool rock formations in Castle Rock State Park that we will visit on this approx. 7 mile, 1300’ elevation gain hike. Castle Rock Trail, Connector Trail, Ridge Trail, Loughry Trail, Skyline Trail, and Summit Trail form this loop. There is a very short section of rock scrambling (more like a natural staircase) but definitely not a hard hike. Sorry, this route will bypass the narrow steep drop off section with cable handholds. Mostly shaded but with some exposed trails. Terrific views, scenic overlooks and caves are optional. Please keep your weapons holstered and refrain from returning fire if you hear the sound of gunfire, It's just a distant gun range.
Restrooms at the parking lot. $10 fee ($9 for seniors)to park, but free parking on Skyline Rd. About .2 of a mile southeast. This park can be very busy on weekends so it’s a good idea to arrive early and as always, carpooling is recommended:
https://www.groupcarpool.com/t/7xneot
After the hike let’s return to the scene of our banishment 3 years ago, Pizzeria Vittorio (formerly known as Nonno's Italian) at 21433 Broadway Rd. Los Gatos. Bocce ball anyone?
The IOPQ this week is: What song , or music, evokes a happy memory, OR, an unhappy memory, from any period in your life? So many, what's yours? Just this once, singing, while not required, will be tolerated.
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 waitlister 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 organizer - I am a volunteer. 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.