Some Princely Views at Castle Rock State Park

Perched high on the western slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains in Northern California, frequently shrouded by fog, Castle Rock State Park offers dramatic rock formations and quiet forest paths.

Castle Rock, the park’s 3,214-foot high point, is a sandstone formation that appeals to rock climbers, geologists and photographers alike. A thick evergreen forest obstructs the view from its summit, however. There are much better clear-day panoramas of the San Lorenzo Valley and Pacific Ocean from atop nearby Goat Rock.

For a pleasant loop through the park, join Saratoga Gap Trail, which visits Castle Rock Falls and leads to Castle Rock Trail Camp. Your return is via Ridge Trail, which parallels Saratoga Gap Trail at a higher elevation and offers grand clear-day views.

Directions to trail head: From California 17 just north of Los Gatos, exit on California 9, winding through the town of Saratoga and ascending the Santa Cruz Mountains to meet California 35. From the junction of 9 and 35 (Skyline Boulevard), drive south on 35 for 2 1/2 miles to the signed state park lot on the right. The signed trail begins at the west end of the lot.

The hike: Begin descending on Saratoga Gap Trail under the shade of oaks and ferns, soon passing the side trail leading to Castle Rock.

The main path follows a creek, then crosses it on a footbridge. You’ll pass a signed trail (your return route) leading to Goat Rock, and continue to Castle Rock Falls, about a mile from the trail head.

The path ascends wooded hillsides and, half a mile beyond the waterfall, leaves behind the trees and climbs into the chaparral. From this elfin forest, hikers get clear-day views of Monterey Bay.

The trail alternates between brushy hillsides and madrone- and oak-filled canyons on the slope of Varian Peak, named for physicist-conservationist Russell Varian, who was instrumental in the creation of the state park.

Russell Point Overlook offers a good view, but a nicer rest/lunch stop is a quarter-mile farther at Castle Rock Trail Camp.

From the camp, you’ll retrace your steps as far as the junction with Ridge Trail, which you’ll join on an ascent of oak-, madrone- and boulder-dotted slopes. This path leads a mile to another observation point and to a terrific Interpretive Center, a collection of outdoor exhibits that really show the lay of the land.

On the final segment of this day hike, you’ll loop past Goat Rock, a favorite of local climbers, then descend to rejoin Saratoga Gap Trail. Turn left and return to the trail head.

Take a hike with John McKinney’s “Day Hiker’s Guide to Southern California” ($16.95). Send check or money order to Los Angeles Times Syndicate, Dept. 1, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.

Santa Cruz Mountains Saratoga Gap, Ridge Trails WHERE: Castle rock State park DISTANCE: 5 miles round trip TERRAIN: Steep slopes with sandstone outcroppings, mixed evergreen forests, redwood goves. HIGHLIGHTS: Dramatic rock formations, vistas, waterfall. DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate. PRECAUTIONS: Some poison oak just off trails; wear long pants or wash well after any exposure. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Castle Rock State park, 15000 Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos, Calif. 95030, (408) 867-2952