CANCELED Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, Castle Rock State Park Register

Date and Time:
Wed, May 6, 2026; 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Pacific)

Add to Calendar CANCELED Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, Castle Rock State Park

A historic 7.6-mile trek on the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail from Saratoga Gap to Waterman Gap (one-way).

Waterman Gap, Castle Rock

Webinar URL:

37.21204700,-122.15661400 Kurt Leal kurt.leal@lomaprieta.sierraclub.org MM/DD/yyyy amOUuwqNAzpGSXwtHmnd12740

Organized By: Loma Prieta San Mateo Hiking

Location: Waterman Gap, Castle Rock

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Kurt Leal
kurt.leal@lomaprieta.sierraclub.org
(831) 704-6855

Common Ravens

➤ Hike Description: A historic 7.6-mile trek on the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail from Saratoga Gap to Waterman Gap (one-way). Geology shaped this land: tectonic uplift raised these ridges, and coastal fog nursed the redwoods. The trail is generally downhill, with a net descent of 1,800 feet and elevation gain of 535 feet, characterized by sections of redwood duff single-track and classic forest paths. The trail guides us along the waterways that form the headwaters of the San Lorenzo watershed, eventually delivering us to Waterman Gap.

Approximately 3.3 miles of our hike will follow the historic Saratoga Toll Road. Built in the late 19th century, this vital route connected the Santa Clara Valley to these mountains, enabling early logging, commerce, and tourism. As we walk this path, once traveled by wagons and early automobiles, we're tracing a legacy of human ingenuity and our evolving relationship with these majestic mountains, a testament to both past impact and the enduring preservation efforts that define Sierra Club values today.

Waterman Gap is a crucial junction point, marking our completion of this segment through Castle Rock and opening the door to the ancient redwood groves of the Big Basin watershed beyond. This hike is more than just mileage; it's an opportunity to connect with the natural and human history that forged one of California’s most beloved long-distance trails.

➤ Post-Hike Celebration: We invite you to join us after the hike for a festive tailgate potluck gathering at the area adjacent to the Saratoga Gap parking lot. Come share trail stories, food, and good company around the majestic redwoods.

➤ Route: From Saratoga Gap Parking Lot — Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail 0.5 — Saratoga Toll Road Trail 3.4 — Beekhuis Road Trail 0.4 — Snack Break — Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail 3.0 — Waterman Gap Trail Camp — Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail 0.3 to Waterman Gap parking lot.

You can view or download the route from GAIA GPS or AllTrails

Online Park map at: California State Parks

➤ Restrooms: Vault toilet is available at the Waterman Gap trail camp. There is no potable water on the route.

➤ Exposure: The route is approximately 90% shaded under mixed oak and redwood forest and 10% exposed along open hillside trails. Be prepared for variable weather due to a marine influence. See the weather forecast on Weather Underground.

➤ Cell Phone Coverage: Expect limited coverage throughout the route.

➤ Directions/Parking: We meet at the Waterman Gap parking lot, 150 feet north of the junction of state routes 9 and upper 236 on SR9 near the emergency call box. Parking is free. Look for the dark gray Toyota 4Runner. This is a one-way hike. A car shuttle will be arranged to start the hike from Saratoga Gap 6.4 miles north on SR9.

GPS Coordinates:
37.212047, -122.156614 or 37°12'43.4"N 122°09'23.8"W

View trailhead location on Google Maps or Apple Maps or Waze

➤ Attendance: This is a Sierra Club hike. This backcountry outing requires the completed paper Medical Form and signing the Sierra Club Participation Agreement at the trailhead.

➤ Park website: Castle Rock State Park

➤ Bring: Medical form completed, lunch, water, a sit-upon for lunch, warm layers and poles if you use them, sun protection, and a sparkling personality for the potluck (if staying).

➤ Safety: A safety meeting will be held before the hike begins. The nearest EMS is located at Cal Fire Station 21, 0.7 miles north on CA35 from Saratoga Gap. In case of emergency, call 911.

➤ Sierra Club Guidelines: We encourage responsible hiking practices, adhering to Leave No Trace principles. Vaccinations and masks are not required, but please stay home if experiencing illness.

These hikes are sponsored by the San Mateo Hiking Section, an outings section of the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter. We encourage you to Join the Sierra Club if you are not a member.
For a list of all hikes offered by Sierra Club's Loma Prieta Chapter, please visit the online calendar.

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