Summit Rock has been shut down for seasonal raptor nesting; however, County Parks wants to make this a blanket, indefinite closure, continuing long after the chics have fledged (i.e. between Feb. 1st and July 31st).
For more info, visit the Santa Clara County Parks website and look for the Sanborn County Parks Master plan.
Summit Rock contains some really beautiful views of the San Jose area from the tops of the climbs. It's too bad that the bottoms of the climbs and often the interemediate ledges are filled with trash and broken glass from picnicers and partyers above. So, beware sticking your hands places you haven't seen if you're climbing a route for the first time, especially if it looks like the route hasn't been climbed in a while.
Made of sandstone, the slopey vertical and slab climbs that made up the summit rock are nearly all enjoyable. Some of the rock will crumble, and this isn't an area that should be climbed after a recent rain storm.
Nearly all routes are sport, though there are also few trad routes available.
Summit Rock does see some sun in the afternoon, though the lower belay areas are often in the shade.
Getting There
From the main Castle rock gate: Travel north in your car on Skyline Boulevard about a half mile. After passing the Los Altos gun club on the left (the have a large banner-like sign) you will see a large driveway on the right approximately a 1/4 mile later. There is a parking area 100 yards in.
From Skyline Boulevard and Big Basin: Travel south 1.5 miles until you see a large driveway on the left side. Pull in, and park 100 yards later. If you pass the Los Altos gun club on the right, you've gone too far.
From the Summit Rock parking lot: Approach time: 10 - 15 minutes. Follow the trail out of the end of the parking lot which will wind it's way gently uphill. At the fork, take the left fork (read the sign if you're not sure) and follow it uphill to the rock. From the top of the rock, follow the fence around to the right and downhill. Work your way around the rock following the dirt path.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Summit Rock - Castle Rock:
This route begins below a large rock in the middle of the lower tier of climbing. A fun route that has an overhung section, some neato caves, and also a tough slab section at the top. Falling prior to the first clip is really not a great idea, as the bounce into the glassy sand deck wouldn't be fun. The section after the 2nd bolt is runout, but simple and fun. The crux is getting to the last bolt on a balancy slab. ...[more]Browse More Classics in CA
As of this weekend there are a lot of bees around the Santa Clara Practice Route (5.8). It looks like they would be an issue if you were doing Bolt Filcher too.
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