Near Saratoga Gap Trail
The blue mountains of Santa Cruz!
Near Saratoga Gap Trail
One of many views from the Castle Rock Loop.
Near Saratoga Gap Trail
Castle Rock Loop walk.
Near Saratoga Gap Trail
Mossy rocks in Castle Rock State Park.
Near Saratoga Gap Trail
Sunny and surprisingly windless afternoon on a dusty, one-lane trail. Looking south-southeast.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Saratoga Gap Trail

4.7 (3 Ratings)
A beautiful trail that gives you amazing views of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
4
mi
Distance
482
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsFamily FriendlyViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.01mi
Distance
482ft
Elevation Gain
1,165ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
3,004ft
High Point
2,088ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
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.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Downed Tree
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Nearby Hike Routes

Saratoga Gap, Ridge Trail + Castle Rock Loop Hike

Hike Route

Saratoga Gap, Ridge Trail + Castle Rock Loop Hike

Views
moderate
4.78 mi
+1,129 ft
Castle Rock Loop

Hike Route

Castle Rock Loop

Birding
moderate
3.68 mi
+876 ft
Skyline to the Sea Trail: Saratoga Gap to Big Basin Headquarters

Hike Route

Skyline to the Sea Trail: Saratoga Gap to Big Basin Headquarters

Views
extreme
15.02 mi
+1,664 ft
Skyline to the Sea Trail

Hike Route

Skyline to the Sea Trail

River/Creek
moderate
24.63 mi
+2,381 ft
State Park Trifecta

Hike Route

State Park Trifecta

Birding
extreme
26.56 mi
+5,270 ft
Achistaca to Saratoga Gap Loop

Hike Route

Achistaca to Saratoga Gap Loop

Views
moderate
4.47 mi
+738 ft
Contributors
Anina Middleton