Castle Rock State Park

10 Ways to Play at Castle Rock State Park

Castle Rock State Park, which sits along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains between Saratoga and Boulder Creek, offers commanding views. Photo by Mike Kahn.

Just up the hill from Silicon Valley, this rock climber’s paradise offers recreational opportunities from trail running to backpacking.

California State Parks Purchase from Sempervirens Fund Expands Castle Rock

Celebrating the breathtaking view at Castle Rock State Park. Photo copyright Mike Kahn.

This is the first addition to Castle Rock since 2004 and the first California State Parks purchase since 2011. Castle Rock is known for its coastal redwoods and steep canyons that make it not just a popular hiking destination but also one of the most-visited rock climbing spots in the area.

Renowned Science Group Embraces Redwood Mojo

At the Wender Group Grove in June 2016. Scott Peden photo.

VIDEO: Using nature as inspiration, Stanford's Wender Group creates lifesaving compounds in the laboratory. A redwood grove in Castle Rock State Park stands as a powerful monument to their work.

Castle Rock Visitor Center Gets Green Light

Reed Holderman of Sempervirens Fund displays an artist's rendering of the new Castle Rock entryway. Mike Kahn photo.

The Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Sempervirens Fund's proposal for a new LEED-certified visitors center for Castle Rock State Park.

Castle Rock Visitor Center: A Welcome Development

The plan to spruce up Castle Rock State Park and attract more visitors, proposed by Sempervirens Fund, reflects new ideas about access.