Castle Rock – Castle Rock Falls loop from Sanborn County Park
Castle Rock – Castle Rock Falls loop from Sanborn County Park
4.8
(6565)
8,528
hikers
Castle Rock – Castle Rock Falls loop from Sanborn County Park
02:07
6.91km
240m
Hiking
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 16, 2026
Tips
Includes segments that may be dangerous
Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.
After 2.38 km for 11 m
After 5.58 km for 11 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
876 m
Castle Rock
Highlight • Climb
Tip by
2.58 km
Beautiful Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.61 km
Castle Rock Falls
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
3.99 km
Inner Connector Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
4.95 km
Goat Rock, Castle Rock State Park
Highlight • Climb
Tip by
6.91 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.58 km
150 m
144 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
5.12 km
1.76 km
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Elevation
Highest point (950 m)
Lowest point (790 m)
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Weather
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Today
Tuesday 23 June
28°C
14°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 3.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Castle Rock – Castle Rock Falls loop from Sanborn County Park is definitely worth your time. This difficult 4.3-mile (6.9 km) hiking route packs in 800 feet (244 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 2 hours and 6 minutes, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a vigorous workout with stunning scenery.
What to expect on Castle Rock – Castle Rock Falls loop from Sanborn County Park
The trail immediately immerses you in a diverse landscape, winding through dense forests of Douglas-fir, oak, and madrone, with pockets of majestic redwood groves. You'll navigate rugged paths, switchbacks, and steep sections, often encountering natural obstacles like rocks and roots. The journey culminates at the impressive 75-foot Castle Rock Falls, though it can be a trickle in drier months. Along the way, keep an eye out for immense sandstone outcrops, popular with climbers, and panoramic viewpoints offering sweeping vistas of the South Bay and even the Pacific Ocean on clear days. This route demands good fitness, sure-footedness, and sturdy hiking shoes.
Planning your visit
Access to this loop typically begins from Sanborn County Park. While the trail offers year-round appeal, the waterfall is most impressive outside the dry summer months. Portions of the trail, particularly along the Skyline Trail section, are entirely shaded, making them ideal for warmer days. Always carry sufficient water, especially during summer, and be aware that parking can fill up quickly, so an early start is advisable.
Trail details
- Distance: 4.3 miles (6.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 800 feet (244 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 6 minutes
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