Saratoga Gap & Ridge Trail Loop

The Saratoga Gap Trail is relatively lightly trafficked trail that is good year round, although waterfalls peak in late winter and spring. Overall, this 4.7 mile partial loop hike is moderate, with about 1000 feet in elevation change. Trailhead elevation is about 3090 feet. The featured hike descends to about 2300 feet, then gradually ascends back to the trailhead. Some short sections of trail are steep, and there are portions of Saratoga Gap Trail that require brief scrambles on narrow exposed paths with sharp dropoffs.

For the best view of Castle Rock Falls, hop down onto the viewing platform on the right side of the path at 3.85 miles. From there you'll have a view of the water as it sluices through a rock channel and then drops 75 feet or so. Even before the storms rage in the winter, this waterfall is active.

There is a large parking lot, and some free roadside parking just past the entrance on the right side of the road. Mind the no parking signs at the pullout. There is a day use entrance fee of $8/$1 for seniors (additional fees apply if you leave your vehicle in the lot overnight). There are two designated handicapped parking spots in the parking lot, but the trails are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Pit toilet on north side of parking lot. Pay phone in lot. No drinking water at the trailhead or on the trail. Maps are available for $2.00 when kiosk is staffed; there is a map under glass at the information signboard on the south side of the parking lot, just past the entrance.

Shorter Option
This trail can also be shortened by a mile with an earlier connector trail from the Ridge Trail back to Saratoga Gap Trail. You'll see the connector trail just after passing the Emily Smith Observation Point