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 Peak:  Castle Peak
 Route:  Conundrum West Ridge (Conundrum Hot Springs Route)
 Range:  Elk
 Posted By:  Veory
 Date of Info:  10/15/2022
 Date Posted:  10/16/2022
Condition Update

Despite an imposing amount of snow visible on Castlearba during the approach, the west ridge of conundrum only had short sections of snow on it, but I approached the basin from further south than the hot springs approach, which looked like it may involve crossing several small snow fields. Lots of fairly loose scree to get up there and a little thick bushwacking on my chosen ascent, but the ridge itself was rather pleasant. A screenshot of my topo showing my ascent, approximate descent, and the reference 'standard' approach from the hot springs from youngk2844's trip report. Ridge up to Castle from the saddle was the snowiest part, and required some careful footing if not wearing microspikes (I would bring them if you're unsure, I did but didn't end up putting them on). Looks like the standard route was pretty snow-free from the summit. Only saw 3 other people at the summit, and unsurpsingly nobody on the route itself. From the footsteps in the snow it looks like one other person was there last week or so. Probably one of the clearest days I've been out as the La Sals were visible (~130 miles away) in the distance.


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