WEEKLY WALKER
By Tom Davids
"Saratoga Gap Trail - Ridge Trail Loop"
Castle Rock State Park
"I should like to spend the whole of my life in traveling abroad, if I could anywhere borrow another life to spend afterwards at home."
William Hazlett
Directions: Castle Rock State Park is located on the west side of Skyline Boulevard, 2.2 miles south of the Highway 9 intersection, 15.5 miles south of the Highway 84 intersection, and 27.7 miles south of the Highway 92 intersection.
Grade: Strenuous. Elevation loss of about 800 feet.
Distance: 5.2.
Time: Two to three hours.
Special Conditions: No dogs. Watch for poison oak near the trail. Park hours: 6 a.m. to sunset. Drinking water and toilet facilities available at the parking lot. Parking fee is $2. Smoking is prohibited. For information, call park headquarters (408-867-2952).
Last week the Weekly Walker covered three short trails from the parking lot at Castle Rock State Park (see "Three Short Hikes at Castle Rock.") This week our 5.2-mile hike follows a route high in the western slop of the Santa Cruz Mountains and features dramatic rock formations, vast panoramas, and quiet forests. From the parking lot, begin this hike on the Saratoga Gap Trail. The trail sign points your way to Castle Rock Falls .8 mile, campground 2.8 miles, Saratoga Gap 7.3 miles, Big Basin headquarters 18 miles, and Waddell Beach 31 miles. This point is the official start of the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail which, over the next 31 miles, takes you through Waterman Gap, Big Basin headquarters, Berry Creek Falls, and on to the beach. We have hiked this entire trail several times in one day, but we usually start from Saratoga Gap, which reduces the length to about 27 miles.
The trail quickly descends under the shade of a forest of fir, mixed oaks, and maple trees. Glancing up to the right, you will see a large rock formation, a prelude of many more to come. Soon this dry ravine merges with another, and the water starts to flow from a hidden spring. After this small bridge, you will cross a third and face a junction. Straight ahead is the Ridge Trail. Turn to the left, and shortly you are at the large wooden platform overlooking Castle Rock Falls. This time of year (October), the falls are a mere trickle, but come back after the first of the year to view them at their best.
From the viewing platform, take a long look down into the San Lorenzo River watershed and on to Big Basin, the Butano Ridge, and the Pacific Ocean. The trail rolls along, under tree cover, but soon opens up on a sun-drenched exposed slope. Turn around for a final view of the falls and continue your climb into the chaparral. The trail moves from exposed ridge to tree-lined ravines as it continues on the slope of Varian Peak. Russell Varian was a physicist/conservationist who worked to preserve Castle Rock as a park for all to enjoy. His dream came true in 1959 when memorial funds donated by his friends after his death secured the first 27 acres for the park. Castle Rock State Park opened in 1968 with 513 acres, and it now includes 3,700 acres.
At 1.5 miles, a connector trail joins the Saratoga Gap and Ridge trails, and you can cut your loop short at this point. We continued on for another half mile to the next junction with Ridge Trail. Here you can turn right or hike a short distance to the trail camp via the Danny Hanavan Nature Trail. The camp, located in a knobcone pine forest, has water and picnic tables plus 25 spacious campsites and a large camping shelter for use during inclement weather. The camp requires a 2.7-mile hike and costs $10 per night.
From the camp, return to the Saratoga Gap/Ridge Trail junctions, and climb up to the ridgeline. Along the way, we noticed a forest of young madrone trees. The late afternoon sun made their naked trunks glow golden, and the color contrast with the dark green shaded forest was quite spectacular. At the ridgeline, the trail makes a sudden turn through a view area (protective fence in place) and then levels out along the ridge. The forest is thick with young trees, and shadows dance in the late afternoon sun. Passing over the ridge, you will see large homes to the north along Skyline Boulevard, but soon the trail drops to the west over wooded grassland, past the Emily Smith Bird Observation Point to Goat Rock.
Just before you get to Goat Rock, turn right to a scenic overlook with illustrated panels. The area includes two benches and panels that identify viewpoints and plants and animals of the park. The panels were contributed by Companions of the Trail in memory of their friend and leader, Brad Cassel (1910-1990), "who walked this and countless other trails and now rests."
Goat Rock is another rock climbing area, along with Castle Rock, and you are likely to see climbers of varied skill. Past Goat Rock are 32 newly framed steps, then a sharp left, and the trail leads through an area of more rock formations. In two locations along this loop, park personnel have installed cables to assist your climb. Continue on Ridge Trail moving downhill for a short distance to the junction with the Saratoga Gap Trail. Go straight over the bridge, and in 15 minutes you will be back at the parking lot.
This is a fine park for hiking, climbing, or just viewing. We hope that you enjoy it soon.
Your comments and hiking suggestions are always welcome.
E-mail to: trekertom@aol.com.
Footnote: Check out the Weekly Walker Web at www.weeklywalker.com.