Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area

• About The Park
• Park Activities
• Park Accessibility
• To Reach The Park
• Trail map
• Park Map [PDF]

About The Park

Within Diablo Foothills Regional Park is the Castle Rock Recreation Area which is located in a scenic canyon along Pine Creek. The area is dominated by oak woodlands and prominent sandstone formations.

Castle Rock has historically specialized in preparing picnic events for large groups of 300 or more people, but in 2007 the East Bay Regional Park District began renovating the park for drop-in as well as reservable picnic use. Catering service may also be available. Reservations may be made by calling 888-327-2757, press option 2. Note that there is no shuttle service into the park from the front gate. Bring a wagon to transport your heavy or bulky items. The distance from the front gate to the pool area is one-quarter mile, an average six-minute walk. The distance from the Orchard Staging Area to the pool area is one-half mile.

Diablo Foothills Regional Park and Castle Rock Park are bordered by Mt. Diablo State Park and Walnut Creek Open Space, providing access to more than 18,000 acres of public lands.

Annual Closure Notice

The rock formations in Pine Canyon are currently closed effective February 1, reopening August 1, to protect nesting peregrine falcons. This protected species is highly territorial and sensitive to disturbance, especially during nesting season. Although the rock formations, known as Castle Rock, are in Mt. Diablo State Park, most visitors reach them through Diablo Foothills Regional Park. No other portions of the park are affected. We appreciate the public’s cooperation in helping us protect these species birds. For further information, please contact park staff at (510) 544-3085.

Park Activities

Basketball courts, horseshoes pits, a volleyball court, softball field, and picnic sites are now open to the public daily. There are 4 sites with a capacity of 100 and 3 with a capacity of 50 that are reservable and they can only be reserved by calling the 888 number. Other picnic sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Swimming

Swim area is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend with capacity limited due to COVID-19 and available staffing. Walk-ins now open; Cash and check only (no credit cards).  

The pool complex features a 30 feet by 70 feet swimming pool and deck areas. In addition, the complex is fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, including the bathhouse and an accessible lift into the pool. (Pool access fee to enter swim area.) Swimming is allowed only when lifeguards are on duty. For current hours of operation and lifeguard service schedule, visit the Swim Facilities page.

Swim Facilities Capacity Notice
Once the swim facility capacity is reached, there will be no new entries allowed for the remainder of the day (or at the discretion of the Park Supervisor), for the safety of the public. Please take this into consideration when planning your visit.

Park Accessibility

The pathways within the park are wheelchair accessible. Other wheelchair accessible facilities in the park include restrooms, changing rooms and drinking fountains. People with disabilities: please contact the park staff for transportation assistance from the park entrance gate.

To Reach The Park

Exit I-680 on Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek and drive east. After about three miles turn right on Walnut Avenue. After about two miles turn right on Oak Grove Road, then bear right onto Castle Rock Road and follow it to the Orchard Staging Area on the right (This lot closed during winter and wet weather). There is informal parking near the park entrance at the end of Castle Rock Road.

• Public transit information.

Trail Map

Click the map image below to see an enlarged version.

• Park Map [PDF]