Castle Rock State Park
High Traffic Alert
This park experiences heavy crowds, especially on weekends.
Check out the similar parks below for a better experience
Very crowded, parking fills up early
Best: Visit in off-season or try alternatives
Perched high on the Santa Cruz Mountains ridgeline, Castle Rock features dramatic sandstone formations rising from dense forest. The park is a rock climbing destination with routes ranging from beginner to advanced on the weathered Castle Rock outcrop. Hikers enjoy panoramic views from ridge trails, while the challenging Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail begins here, descending 30 miles to the ocean through Big Basin. Caves and overhangs shelter unique microhabitats. Spring brings waterfalls and wildflowers; fall offers stunning color from big-leaf maples.
Accepted Passes
Try These Instead
These parks offer similar experiences with fewer crowds
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Napa Valley redwood canyon with swimming creek and historic water-powered grist mill.
Why go: Similar forest, hiking, off-the-beaten-path character experience
Around 93 miles away
