New Castle Rock State Park Entrance Open To Public

LOS GATOS, CA — Considered one of the outdoor jewels of the San Francisco Bay Area, Castle Rock State Park opened a new entrance this week with a host of many amenities, according to the Sempervirens Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The 33-acre access comes with many amenities funded through an $8.7 million three-way collaborative between the nonprofit, California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.

In a land of redwoods, coastal climate and serenity away from the hustle and bustle of the South Bay, visitors to the Robert C. Kirkwood entrance off Skyline Boulevard will fully accessible restrooms and pathways as well as 90 parking spaces, drinking water station as well as an amphitheater and other spots for educational programs. Also in true Silicon Valley fashion, free Wi-Fi, a trail map app, picnic areas and charging stations for electric vehicles.

The new park entrance connects to popular trails such as the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail covering 31
miles through the mountains to the coastline north of Santa Cruz. The acreage was originally a Christmas tree farm the Sempervirens bought in 2011.

The park was named after former California Controller Robert C. Kirkwood, who represented much of Santa Clara County in the state assembly before working for Gov. Earl Warren in 1953. The Kirkwood family represents longtime supporters of Sempervirens Fund and were the project’s lead donors. Family members once ranched land that is now part of Castle Rock State Park.

“Out of the ashes of the State Parks closure crisis in 2011 came this vision,” Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Executive Director Bonny Hawley said.

The existing park boasts 34 miles of trails, with camp grounds and several viewing spots.

“There’s no other place in California like Castle Rock. We want to encourage all visitors to explore this land and respect its natural features and wildlife,” said Chris Spohrer, California State Parks District Superintendent in the Santa Cruz District.

“We have been delighted to work closely with California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, REI, and many other partners on this innovative partnership to expand the park and create a welcoming entrance facility that makes visiting and exploring the park easier for people from all walks of life,” Sempervirens Fund Executive Director Sara Barth said.

The land trust currently owns and cares for more than 11,000 acres — an area three times the size of Golden Gate Park. More information on the nonprofit may be obtained by visiting www.sempervirens.org.