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Before you read on, read the "Alert" text below. The discovery of the Summit Rock Trail came by accident, due to the Castle Rock State Park parking lot being full. The Summit Rock Trail is actually part of Sanborn County Park, but the Summit Rock parking area is on the Skyline Hwy35 (just south of the Hwy9/Hwy35 intersection). To get to Summit Rock, you must head south on the Skyline Trail, then go left on the short Summit Rock Trail. This route is so short (~1.6 miles roundtrip) a toddler can walk most of the way, and the views of the valley are rewarding. Older kids and adults will have fun climbing on the rocks.
Alert: This trail is closed half of the year: February through August. Also, during the open season, this trail is only open on weekends and Holidays. Check the official park site for updates.
Bathrooms
No
Playground
No
Kid transportation
Walking or child carrier. Not appropriate for strollers. Bikes not allowed.
Suggested Route
Park at the Summit Rock Parking Lot (Located on Hwy35, just south of the Hwy9/Hwy35 intersection). Head south on the Skyline Trail. Then take the short spur trail (left) up to Summit Rock. Alert: Only opened weekends, also Summit Rock Trail CLOSED February through August.
Difficulty
Moderate. Some elevation change.
Parking Situation
Moderate (doesn't seem like a heavy traffic trail)
Entrance Fee
None
Bonus
Fun rocks to climb on
Official Park Website
https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/pages/sanborn.aspx Trail map: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Documents/Sanborn%20Guide%20Map.pdf
Date Updated
September 2017
