French Hike – Castle Rock State Park

French Hike – Castle Rock State Park
Sunday, February 22, 2026

Join us for a winter hike in one of the Bay Area’s most scenic preserves: Castle Rock State Park, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains between Saratoga and Los Gatos.

This hike is rated relatively easy to medium, making it accessible to most hikers with a basic level of fitness. The trail winds through redwood groves and oak woodlands, opening up to striking sandstone rock formations and peaceful forest views. February is a beautiful time to explore the park: the air is crisp, the landscape is lush from winter rains, and the steady pace of walking will warm us up quickly 🥾🙂.

We’ll hike at a relaxed, social pace, with time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and chat in French along the way. As always, this hike is about movement, nature, and community rather than performance.

After the hike, those who wish can stay for an optional picnic. This is a potluck-style gathering, and everyone who joins is asked to bring their own food, with the option to share something simple if they’d like. Participation is entirely optional, and you’re welcome to head out after the hike if needed.

Landscape, Wildlife, and Native Plants

Castle Rock State Park is known for its dramatic sandstone formations, shaped over millions of years, which rise unexpectedly along the trail and give the park its name. The landscape shifts between redwood groves, mixed evergreen forest, and open ridgelines, offering a constantly changing backdrop as you walk.

Wildlife is discreet but present. With a bit of luck and quiet observation, hikers may spot black-tailed deer, wild turkeys, or hear the tapping of woodpeckers in the trees. Hawks and other birds of prey are often seen circling above the ridges, taking advantage of the park’s elevation.

The plant life is especially rich in late winter. Towering coast redwoods dominate the cooler, shaded areas, while Douglas fir, tanoak, madrone, and bay laurel thrive along sunnier sections of the trail. February often brings the first signs of renewal, with mosses, ferns, and early wildflowers adding fresh color to the forest floor after the winter rains.

The result is a hike that feels both peaceful and alive—an immersive experience in one of the Santa Cruz Mountains’ most striking natural environments.

What to bring

• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Layers — it’s February and still chilly, but we’ll warm up as we walk 🙂
• Water
• Your own food (for the optional potluck picnic)

Parking

• Parking fee: $10 per vehicle, payable on site

This hike is ideal if you’re looking for a refreshing outdoor escape, gentle elevation changes, and a friendly Francophone atmosphere. More logistical details (meeting point and timing) will be shared closer to the date.

À très bientôt sur les sentiers !