Log In 
Photo

Castle Peak

Northwest Ridge
Difficulty Difficult Class 2 
Risk FactorsExposure: Considerable
Rockfall Potential: Considerable  
Route-Finding: Moderate  
Commitment: Moderate  
 
TrailheadCastle Creek
Start9,800 feet
Summit14,274 feet
Total Gain4,600 feet if you start at the main trailhead
3,100 feet if you start at 11,200'
RT Length13.5 miles if you start at the main trailhead
7 miles if you start at 11,200'
AuthorBillMiddlebrook
Last UpdatedOct 2022
DownloadsgpxGPX Track
Show More
Photo

Trailhead

Take Castle Creek from the roundabout just west of the center of Aspen. Drive 12.5 miles (paved) to the Castle Creek trailhead. To the right, Forest Road (FR) 102 continues all all the way to 12,800'. Good-clearance passenger cars can drive about 1 mile up this road to reach the dispersed camp sites along the road. If you want to shorten your hike by parking higher, you must have a 4WD vehicle with good clearance. From the lower trailhead parking area, proceed to a river crossing, at 1.3 miles. In spring and early summer, this crossing is a challenge for some 4WD vehicles. At 3 miles, reach the Pearl Pass junction and stay right on the Castle Creek 102 road. If you drove up this far, there are a few parking spots near the junction. The road gets worse as it ascends into Montezuma Basin all the way to 12,800'.

Route

NOTE: In late summer and fall, the pitch below the Castle-Conundrum saddle may be partially or completely snow-free, making it a dangerous, unpleasant ascent/descent on unstable terrain. If it's not continuous snow between the small lake and the saddle, it's safer to use the standard, northeast ridge route.

From the 2WD trailhead, drive up FR 102 where you'll find marked camping spots along the first 1.25 miles. Near 10,200' and 1.3 miles up the road, reach a creek crossing which has a footbridge - 1. If the road is open/clear beyond this point and you have a 4WD vehicle, you can drive higher. Low-clearance vehicles should NOT attempt this crossing, especially in early summer when the water is high. If you plan on driving across, it's best to walk over the footbridge first to see what you're up against. Cross Castle Creek and continue nearly 2 miles to the Pearl Pass road junction, at 11,150' - 2. Turn right at the junction and follow the road up into Montezuma Basin - 3 and 4. Pass the Montezuma Mine and continue another 0.5 mile to the end of the road, at 12,800' - 5.

Without a trail, you must now ascend a headwall blocking easy access to the upper basin - 6, 7 and 8. Gain 500' of elevation to reach the upper basin, near 13,400' - 9. Your next goal is to ascend a steep slope to reach the Castle-Conundrum saddle - 10. Hike toward the slope by staying on the right side of the basin ( 11) and be sure to stay away from the small lake ( 10) as you approach the slope - 12. Climb to the 13,800-foot saddle - 13 and 14.

Turn left and hike southeast along Castle's northwest ridge on a light trail - 15. Bypass some rock outcroppings on the right to reach steeper terrain near 13,900' - 16. As you approach 14,000', the rock becomes worse and you may have to search for the "trail" - 17. Pass the final rock outcroppings on the right ( 18) and continue to the summit - 19.

Notes

If you don't have a good-clearance 4WD vehicle, park below the creek crossing. If you continue above the crossing, there are small pull-offs near 11,000' and the Pearl Pass road junction. IMPORTANT: This route enters the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness area. Wilderness areas have special regulations and restrictions for party size, dispersed camping, campfires, etc. Also, dog owners should read the wilderness information carefully because some wilderness areas prohibit dogs to be off-leash and/or limit how close dogs can be to lakes and streams. If you have questions about the wilderness area, please contact a U.S. Forest Service office for the National Forest(s) listed above.
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16 #17 #18 #19

This page can only be accessed by registered 14ers.com users. If you don't have an account, you can register in the forum.

Log In_

This page can only be accessed by registered 14ers.com users. If you don't have an account, you can register in the forum.

Log In_

This page can only be accessed by registered 14ers.com users. If you don't have an account, you can register in the forum.

Log In_

Caution: The information contained in this route description may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this route description provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the route description author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.

Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
Heading to a 14er soon? Don't forget the 14ers.com mobile app.
Google Play     Apple App Store