Castle Rock State Park

Castle Rock State Park is located in Los Gatos, California off of Big Basin Way and Skyline Boulevard. The park itself is massive, with about 5,242 acres extending from Santa Cruz County to Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. The park has a beautiful view of the Santa Cruz Mountains and is home to untouched nature including Douglas fir, coast redwood, and madrone forest trees. 

The park is famous for hikers due to its extensive 32-mile trail system connecting to San Lorenzo valleys, Big Basin Redwoods State Park and the Pacific Coast. Castle Rock is also home to several canyons and strange rock formations making it enjoyable for rock climbers. 

Due to the endless amount of paths and rocks, the park offers an overnight camping site for visitors who are passing through or prefer to spend extra time enjoying Castle Rock. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed to camp at Castle Rock State Park; however, service pups are welcome. 

Since the park has such strict rules, do keep your dog on a tight leash. Castle Rock suggests visiting nearby Sanborn County Park which does allow all dogs. If you do bring your service dog, make sure they have the proper paperwork and vest to be allowed into the park. 

As a courtesy, bring your dog’s proof of vaccinations and anything else needed to show that your dog is safe to enter the park. Please make sure to bring water, food, snacks, and poop bags for them as well since the park is so vast and does not have any shortage of sunshine. 

Do be aware of potential ticks on your pup as well. Keep an eye out and bring a tick kit just in case of emergency. Castle Rock State Park is a popular tourist destination so arrive early for a good parking spot. Keep cash on hand as there is a small charge to enter the park. Overall, this park is fun for all ages and provides plenty of photo ops.