This is a popular rock climbing and bouldering area. Rocks are dirty (much moss, lichen, and sand from use) but the area is well mapped and there are always an abundance of other climbers for getting good pointers on routes. Bring your chalk bag, sticky shoes, and a crash pad or gear. Goat rock is a very popular destination for climbers or those appreciating the sight and feel of a Swiss-cheese like rock. Castle Rock, Billy Goat Rock, and several other rocks and boulders are also popular for climbing and bouldering.

Attractions

• There is a waterfall at the park.
• There is camping at Castle Rock that must be hiked into (see the route description below) and is usually booked on a first-come basis for a fee.
• Much of the paths have shade.
• See HUGE anthills all over - just don't disturb the ants!
• Summit Rock just Northeast of Castle Rock Park is a very popular location for hiking or viewing the Silicon Valley from above. Trails begin just across Skyline Blvd (this is Sanborn-Skyline County Park) - see route below.
• Beautiful vistas of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
• Tons of wildflowers in Spring, especially as you reach the sunnier Western side of the ridge near Billy Goat Rock.
• See plenty of butterflies along the creek bed.
• Lizards aplenty!
• There are pit toilets at the parking lot and by Castle Rock.
• Saratoga Gap Trail runs through the park and continues for about 32 miles to the Coast. Backpacker campgrounds occur along the way for people who want to make a long trip out of it!

Limitations

• As there is a creekbed through much of the park, there can be a fair number of mosquitoes. Pack repellant just in case.
• Beware of ticks and poison oak.
• There are a lot of ants in this park. Stay on trails to avoid tromping through an ant hill (they are huge but rather inconspicuous) and being bitten.
• Watch out for rattlesnakes sunning themselves where the trails are not shaded.
• Take care if you decide to climb rocks here. Always take precautionary measures, regardless of how a climb is rated or how close to the ground you climb. Rocks are often dirty and can be slick.
• Trails near rocks are easily lost, as there is a lot of traffic for rock recreation here. Carry a map with you so you don't lose your bearings.
• Trails to Billy Goat Rock and Goat Rock have some steep, high "rock stairs," which may be difficult to navigate. Walking sticks are recommended if you choose to hike this far.
• Dogs not allowed.
• Bikes not allowed.

Access

This is not a handicapped accessible area - trails are often too steep, narrow, and contain bumps and ruts. The trail to the campground from the parking lot is the most moderate (see below), but even it is narrow, rutted, and has tight turns in places.

Recommended Routes

Route	Distance	Surface	Transport	Terrain	Facilities	Extras
Northwest Trailhead to Saratoga Gap and Ridge Trails (near Waterfall)	1.4 (mi)
South Trailhead to Castle Rock	0.6 (mi)
Hwy 9 to Campground	5.6 (mi)
Summit Rock	2.4 (mi)
NW Trailhead to Large Saratoga Gap- Campground - Ridge Trail Loop	6 (mi)
NW Trailhead to Small Saratoga Gap & Ridge Trail Loop	4 (mi)
NW Trailhead to Castle Rock Falls	2 (mi)