Hiking Castle Peak | 14er Route Info, Map & Advice
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This area is increasingly popular and experiencing heavy impacts from public use. Please stay on the designated trail, pack out trash, practice good trail etiquette, and leave pets at home. Click here to learn more.
The Elk Mountains are the most dangerous Colorado mountain range. Their loose, rotten rock makes rockslides and accidents more common than any other peaks in the state. The six fourteeners here aren’t to be taken lightly. Hiking Castle Peak is one of the easiest 14ers in the Elk Mountains, great for those looking to get their feet wet in this area without the risk of the Maroon Bells or Capitol Peak. It’s still a long, touch climb that deserves to be taken seriously. Before you go hiking Castle Peak, take some time to plan ahead with my route guide below.
New to 14ers? Check Out my 14er Beginners Guide Here to Get Started!
Hiking Castle Peak: Fast Facts
- Standard Route: Northeast Ridge
- Trailhead: Castle Creek
- Elevation Gain: 4,600 feet
- Round-Trip Distance: 13.5 Miles
- Difficulty Level: Class 2+ Scramble
- Range: Elk Mountains
Hiking Castle Peak - Northeast Ridge Route
Remember Mountain Safety Best Practices!
14ers can be dangerous due to altitude sickness, lightning, variable weather conditions, loose rock, and exposure. If you are new to hiking and climbing 14ers, click here and take a minute to review our safety tips and advice.
I highly recommend using a 4WD vehicle to drive to Castle Peak as you will shave off a significant portion of the approach hike.
The best route description online for those hiking Castle Peak is from 14ers.com. Set aside some time to review their detailed guide, photos, and map before you head out to climb this 14er.
This topographical map of the Castle Peak Route is perfect for those hiking Castle Peak. Download it on your phone and print out a paper copy so you have a spare in case anything goes wrong. Click on the map to view it larger here.
Before you attempt hiking Castle Peak, it is important to research the weather forecast repeatedly beforehand several times, as the forecast can change repeatedly in the days leading up to your trip. Here are two good research sources to get you started.
Hiking Castle Peak is an inherently high-risk activity – do so at your own risk, and use the following best practices to help keep yourself safe. Good Luck!
- Research your route and bring a compass & topographic map.
- Check the weather forecast and stay home during inclement weather.
- Bring the Ten Essentials and the knowledge/skill to use them.
- Leave your plans with someone back home along with a detailed itinerary.
- Start early, and end early: Be back at tree line by noon to avoid lightning.
- Bring a buddy on your first ascent, preferably someone experienced.
NEW TO 14ERS? CHECK OUT MY BEGINNERS GUIDE FOR A SAFE FIRST SUMMIT!
Hiking Castle Peak is an inherently high-risk, dangerous activity. There is a significant risk of injury or death, even with proper planning and experience. Those using my Castle Peak route guide accept all risks associated with climbing 14ers and do not hold this website or any information they obtain from it liable for any accidents or injuries that occur while engaging in these activities on Colorado’s high peaks. It is each hiker or climber’s responsibility to research their route carefully, bring the ten essentials, and practice other safe practices, though even these precautions do not eliminate risk and danger. Visit these summits at your own risk.
Alex is an Eagle Scout, climber, and environmental policy expert located in Denver, Colorado. He created The Next Summit to help others stay safe exploring the mountains and advocate to preserve the peaks for the future. Follow him on Linkedin or Twitter or click here to contact him.
