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A long, steep, exposed climb from the parking lot leads to easier terrain up high with big views.


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Map Key

4.0

Miles

6.4

KM

Point to Point

7,765' 2,367 m

High

6,030' 1,838 m

Low

1,737' 529 m

Up

2' 1 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Occasionally closed in muddy/wet conditions.

Description

From the Mt. Falcon parking lot, you'll get a minimal warm up before the long grind on the Castle Rock Trail. There is no protection from the sun on most of this trail, so avoid hot days. This trail can be very crowded with runners, hikers, mountain bikers, and even horses.

About halfway up, a hard left turn (with just a touch of tree shade) offers a brief respite before the climbing kicks in again. Then it's more grinding to the top.

This trail continues all the way down to the other parking lot on the west side of the system at Mt. Falcon road, but most use Castle Trail to connect to the other great trails in the area. The views along the top of this trail are quite good, extending from Kansas to the continental divide!

If it's crowded or you want to avoid bikes, consider using Turkey Trot instead of this trail - they reconnect two-thirds of the way up the hill.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nick Wilder with improvements by Jim Haley

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 25 votes

#674

Overall
  4.0 from 25 votes
5 Star
24%
4 Star
48%
3 Star
28%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#118

in Colorado

#674

Overall
31 Views Last Month
5,019 Since Mar 28, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

8%
0%
76%
0%
16%
0%

Photos

Near the Top of Castle Trail after climbing up the technical singletrack.
Jul 28, 2015 near Indian…, CO
Good picnic spot with views towards Denver
Mar 28, 2015 near Indian…, CO
The Walker, built in 1909, was destroyed by fire in 1918 from a lightning strike.
Mar 28, 2015 near Indian…, CO
Turkey Trot Trail in the distance, and Red Rock Park
Mar 28, 2015 near Morrison, CO
High peaks views from this easy stretch of Castle Trail
Mar 28, 2015 near Indian…, CO
View of the high peaks
Mar 28, 2015 near Indian…, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 18 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 5, 2024
Mike Moore
Apr 28, 2023
Marlon Solis
Mar 13, 2023
Matt Culpepper
From East TH to Two Dog Pt. (6.2/1675 total)
Aug 17, 2022
Damian Haniewicz
May 15, 2021
Matt Culpepper
To Mt. Falcon summit and back via Turkey Trot (9.1/1850) 6mi — 5h 45m
Apr 25, 2021
Taylor West
Solo hike
Jan 15, 2021
Cynthia B.
Dec 8, 2020
Neal Harkner
7.5mi — 2h 50m
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