Waterman Gap Trail

About

Waterman Gap Trail Camp is one of four backcountry trail camps in the Santa Cruz Mountains park system, situated within Castle Rock State Park. The camp lies 6.3 miles from the north end of the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail at Saratoga Gap. Since there is no overnight parking at Saratoga Gap, most backpackers hike 9.3 miles from the park's main entrance off Highway 35. The camp offers six primitive sites in a redwood forest setting. Each site accommodates up to six people and includes a picnic table and fire ring. A vault toilet is available, but there is no potable water; campers must bring their own or treat surface water. Backpacking stoves are permitted for cooking, though ground fires are prohibited except in designated metal fire rings during the rainy season. Reservations are required and can be made up to 60 days in advance through an online form or by phone. Dogs are not permitted on trails or in the trail camps.

Directions

From Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard), access the park's main entrance. The trail camp is approximately 9.3 miles via trail from the main entrance, or 6.3 miles from Saratoga Gap (no overnight parking at Saratoga Gap).