Ridge Trail to Goat Rock Overlook, Emily Smith Observation Point, and Saratoga Gap Trail is a 3.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Saratoga, California that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
Castle Rock State Park charges a day-use fee of $10/vehicle.
February 24, 2021Really fun loop with cool rock formations and great views. Not very busy at all, I easily got parking on the street at 11am and saw a handful of people on the trail throughout the day. Did the loop to Goat Rock with my baby— would probably NOT do that again due to a few rock scrambles that were a bit sketchy with a kid strapped to me, but would be fun otherwise! The loop around Castle Rock is very kid- and baby-friendly though.
February 20, 2021Very quiet and nice workout! It could be slippery on some rock and muddy area, especially after rains
February 19, 2021February 12, 2021I really liked this choice of trail because there were several sites to see staggered throughout the trail. Hiking to Castle Rock is always a hit. I came on a weekday and saw that the parking lot was closed. but that's okay the overflow area outside the parking lot had plenty of spaces. I imagine on a weekend it will be much fuller if not impossible to find a parking space. I mmediately upon starting the hike, you get hit with one-way signs. so it means you cannot follow this hike's direction perfectly. but that's okay You can still go in the same route, just going the opposite direction for one of the loops. The trail was well maintained. and there were a plenty of lookouts and other things to explore along the way. Goat rock is an interesting place to visit. consider coming prepared with a bit of rope or just planning to do a bit of extra stumbling on rocks.
February 11, 2021February 7, 2021Both loops were open this morning. We arrived at 9:20, and there were spots available in the main lot. Street parking outside the overfill lot was full so we were worried. We were able to do the hike with a 10, 7, and 5 year old, as well as our 28 month old. The toddler walked a little over half of it, probably, and hitched a ride in the Ergo for the rest of it. It took us a little over three hours by the time we stopped to climb on rocks, have snacks, eat lunch, etc. There were definitely a lot of people. We found out how many because as we stopped to climb rocks group after group would pass us. Nearly everyone was masked.
February 6, 2021February 1, 2021First loop is closed off
January 31, 2021January 31, 2021
January 31, 2021Beautiful park! Pretty busy on the trail today.. the one ways help a little but saw quite a few people without masks which made me nervous :( Parking was full by 10.30am..
January 23, 2021January 19, 2021Great views all around. About 40 mins drive from San Jose. Moderately difficult. Expect to climb over a few rocks along the way. Takes about 1:30 to 2 hours.
January 18, 2021January 18, 2021January 18, 2021January 16, 2021Pretty but crowded
January 16, 2021Not too hard and a lot of fun. Views were well worth it. Make sure to make it back to your car before sundown, pretty easy to get lost at that point without a light
January 13, 2021January 11, 2021Great views, rock climbing involved so wear good shoes.Gets crowded in the afternoon over the weekend.
January 10, 2021Crowded
January 10, 2021Fantastic trail with good diversity of terrain, views, & sunshine. My recording reflects adhering strictly to the one-way trail network outlined by the park.
January 8, 2021Beautiful! Better to go in the late morning/ early afternoon when fog has burned off to see the views
January 3, 2021January 3, 2021Got there at 9:30 and there were still spots on the street. The one-way setup means you’ll need to deviate slightly from the trail map but it’ll be the same length. Added a quick detour around castle rock to make it about 6 miles.
January 2, 2021Beautiful trail. Big rainy weather today
January 1, 2021Best hike
