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Castle Rock State Park has a variety of trails throughout the park, but the Castle Rock Trail (which is really a loop) is great for kids. Unlike the other trails (to Goat Rock for instance), this loop does not offer fantastic views; however, the highpoint for children is all of the gorgeous mossy rocks, many of which are kid-friendly for climbing and exploring, with adult supervision. From the main park entrance on Hwy 35, you take a left from the trail sign to head clockwise on the Castle Rock Trail. Going clockwise (stay right at forks) on the loop will allow you to reach the rocks faster. If your kids are like mine, they will want to spend at least an hour climbing before you can coerce them to finish the loop. Bring a jacket on cool days, it is COLD in the woods. In total the loop is about ~1.2 miles.
Alert: Currently a small parking lot and easily fills up on the weekend. A larger parking lot is under construction as of Spring 2019.
Bathrooms
Yes. Pot toilet at the trailhead and on the Castle Rock Trail near Castle Rock.
Playground
No
Kid transportation
Walking or child carrier. Too narrow at times for strollers. Bikes not allowed.
Suggested Route
Park at the Main Entrance to Castle Rock SP off Hwy35. Go left at the main trail map sign to head clockwise on the Castle Rock Trail. Keep right at any forks to continue on the loop. Once you get to the rocks, play a while, then continue past the large sandstone rocks to get back on the trail. The loop is ~1.2 miles.
Difficulty
Moderate. Occasionally some incline, but overall very easy.
Parking Situation
Not enough. Fills up on the weekends. New, larger parking lot currently under construction.
Entrance Fee
$8
Bonus
Beautiful rocks to climb on.
Official Park Website
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=538 Trail map: https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/538/files/CastleRockSPFinalWebLayout082117.pdf
Date Updated
April 2019
