Saratoga Gap Trail

Overview

This is a very easy trail to follow. Start at the main parking lot and head straight in on the Saratoga Gap Trail. There are not too many turnoffs and all are well labeled. The beginning of the trail is covered by trees, but shortly after you hit the falls area, the trail opens up to give you amazing views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. You can cut back to the parking lot for a shorter hike on some of the turnoff trails or make this a longer out and back by following the trail to the end.

Trail Stats

Photos

Preparing for the hike.

Preparing for the hike.

Sunny and surprisingly windless afternoon on a dusty, one-lane trail. Looking south-southeast.

Sunny and surprisingly windless afternoon on a dusty, one-lane trail. Looking south-southeast.

Mossy rocks in Castle Rock State Park.

Mossy rocks in Castle Rock State Park.

View from Castle Rock State Park.

View from Castle Rock State Park.

Saratoga Gap Trail.

Saratoga Gap Trail.

One of many views from the Castle Rock Loop.

One of many views from the Castle Rock Loop.

The blue mountains of Santa Cruz!

The blue mountains of Santa Cruz!

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