Castle Peak

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildlife

This trail is considered difficult Class 2, so make sure that is something you're comfortable with before continuing onto this trail.

From the upper trailhead at 12,800 ft (see Castle and Conundrum; top mapped parking), hike into wide open Montezuma Basin. From here, follow a poorly marked and difficult, rocky trail to the left. Your goal is to hike up to Castle Peak's northeast ridge. Don't fret too much if you can't find the trail. Aim for the saddle in the ridge and you'll be fine. Hike up steep talus to 13,400 ft, at which point the ridge is mellow.

Continue up 300 ft further along the right side of the ridge before reaching the ridge proper (13,700 ft). Things become more difficult from here. The grade is very steep and the rock is very loose. It doesn't quite require scrambling, but it's close. Fortunately the trail here is a little clearer, at least for a little bit, so you can't get too off route.

Hike/scramble up the remaining 500 vertical ft of loose, steep rock. The summit is visible from about 14,000 ft, so don't get too amped up for the false one. After the false summit, drop just a bit to a small saddle. The summit stands at 14,274', less than 300 ft up from where you are. Push on till you reach the tippy top.

From the summit you have expansive 360° views of rocky summits around you, including Conundrum Peak that is connected by a fairly easy saddle if you choose to continue on, otherwise turn back the way you came and be careful on the rock on the way down.

Up this high, there's not much other than marmots and pika.