Saratoga Gap Trailhead – Saratoga Gap loop from Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

California

Santa Cruz County

Saratoga Gap Trailhead – Saratoga Gap loop from Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve

Moderate

5.0

(2440)

8,257

hikers

Saratoga Gap Trailhead – Saratoga Gap loop from Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve

03:13

11.0km

290m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

941 m

Skyline Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This section of the Skyline Trail offers shade and occasional viewpoints overlooking the forest and valley. It's a beautiful, well-marked trail that's also shared with mountain bikers.

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2.21 km

Views of Castle Rock State Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

On your way South from CA-9 riding Skyline Boulevard, there are a few spots where you can get a great view of the mountains that separate you from the Pacific …

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3.40 km

This trail connects Skyline Trail and Travertine Springs Trail, forming a loop around the mountains in Castle Rock State Park. It has a steady incline and a nicely shaded path, making the way up easier.

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10.7 km

Saratoga Gap Trailhead

Highlight • Trail

Saratoga Gap is a well-known convergence area for two well-known trails, namely the Saratoga Gap Trail and the Skyline Trail. Both of these trails are mainly single-track and orientated towards …

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10.8 km

Saratoga Gap

Highlight • Trail

Saratoga Gap Trail here meets Skyline Trail after crossing Canyon Springs Rd, just east of the big intersection. The road and trailhead parking are the only interruption in otherwise pure bliss single track trails.

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