Field trip to Castle Rock

DATE: Saturday, Apr. 19, 2008

LEADER: Murray Berner

COORDINATOR: David Takeuchi, (707) 643-5544 (if calling and want a return call, leave the city of your return phone number); davidtakeuchi AT aol DOT com (enter: “Subject: Field Trip”)

DESTINATION LOCATION AND TIME: Castle Rock Park, Walnut Creek California, meet in the parking lot, park entrance - 9:00 am; ends around 1:00 pm. Pack a lunch. Bring your camera.

CARPOOL LOCATION AND TIME: Cordelia/Suisun: 8:15 am Napa: 8:00 am Vallejo: 8:15 am. Those carpooling, plan for a 45 minute to an hour drive to Castle Rock from any of the three carpooling locations. Click here for details on our carpool locations.

This is a recreational gem. A stream flows through a heavy wooded canyon where woodland birds sing and spring flowers bloom. I rate this higher on my list than Mitchell Canyon. Peregrine falcons have nested on Castle Rock. There may be several shallow streams to forge. Wear appropriate foot gear. Those who wish may want to consider hiking the historic Borges Ranch after lunch. You pass the Borges Ranch on Castle Rock Road before you come to Castle Rock Park.

Directions. Go south on Hwy 680. Exit at Treat Blvd in Walnut Creek. Head east on Treat Blvd. Turn right on Bancroft Rd. Bancroft Rd becomes Walnut Ave at the Ygnacio Valley Rd junction. Continue on Walnut Ave, which ends at Castle Rock Rd. Turn right on Castle Rock Rd to the very end. Parking is limited. If the parking is full, back track about 1/4 mile and there is a large grassy parking lot on the left.

A reminder from the Field Trip Coordinator: Car-poolers will share driving expenses (recommended $.30/mi to be split by the number of riders).