All trails start from this parking area off California Highway 35.

Start hiking on the Castle Rock Trail, a left turn from the parking lot. After a short uphill jaunt, turn right on a wide park road and head uphill further.

Castle Rock appear on the left after about a third of a mile.

At Castle Rock, explore the many nooks and crannies for an up-close look at a major "tafoni" formations.

If you scramble around behind the rock you can enter a large cavern, big enough for several people.

Castle Rock Trail continues on the west side of the rock -- follow it for about a half-mile down to Saratoga Gap Trai... Morel.Less

Turn left here and head toward Castle Rock Falls.

This section of trail heads downhill under a thick canopy of Douglas Fir.

After about a third of a mile you'll round a turn and cross a creek at this junction. You'll revisit this trail intersection when the hike's almost over.

Turn left, continuing toward Castle Rock Falls.

After .2 of a mile, a large wood deck appears on the left, overlooking Castle Rock Falls.

Most of the year the flow is relatively mild, but if you come in winter after several days of rain might be quite a gusher.

On clear days there's a wonderful view of the Santa Cruz Mountains southwest of the park.

The trail hugs a steep hillside with fantastic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

This two-mile stretch has lots of tricky footing -- watch your step -- but it's also the most engaging section of the hike.

Take your time and enjoy the experience. Wildflowers decorate the hillside in springtime; the blazing sun of summer ... Morewill make you regret forgetting your sunscreen.Less

Just before you get here, there's a steel-cable handhold on a narrow sliver of trail above a drop-off on the hillside. Be extra careful here.

Russell Point looks westward toward neighboring Big Basin Redwoods State Park, home of some of the oldest trees in California.

The trail then curves to the right and heads toward th... Moree backpackers' campground.Less

Saratoga Gap Trail passes through Trail Camp, which has a privy and a drinking fountain.

This is a great place to take a break from the rigors of the first half of the hike.

When you're rested, go back the way you came on Saratoga Gap trail till you reach the Ridge Trail junction on your left.

Turn left on Ridge Trail.

There's quite a bit of climbing along this way. Groves of shiny brown madrone trees arc to and fro across the forest along the first section of this route.

Eventually you'll pass out of the Madrone forest and into a stretch of oak woodland. After about 1.1 miles you'll reach the turn-off to Goat... More Rock -- a popular climbing destination and a great place to take pictures.

Turn right here to head straight to Goat Rock, or continue straight for a short jaunt to the Interpretive Shelter.Less

Turn right here to head directly to Goat Rock.

If you're feeling nimble you can scramble up onto Goat Rock to take in the view. Note it's a slippery return to the trail on your way back.

Displays here describe the describing the natural features of Castle Rock -- plant life, wild animals, geological features.

Follow signs to Goat Rock and get back on the Ridge Trail there.

Make sure you don't interfere with any of the climbers on Goat Rock -- some are dangling from fixed ropes on the rock as they practice their moves.

When you're done hanging out at Goat Rock, get back on Ridge Trail by taking the stone stairway downward and to the left of the rock.

Take Ridge Trail for a half-mile till you... More return to the intersection with Saratoga Gap Trail.

Turn left and hike the last mile back to the parking lot.Less