| About Gunnison National Forest |
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| Castle Pass Trail #441 |
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USGS Maps:
Anthracite Range
Vehicle Accessibility:
Passenger Vehicle
Usage:
Moderate
Trail Number:
441
Recommended Season:
Summer to Fall
Ending Elevation:
9,585 Feet
Elevation Gain:
1,300 Feet
Difficulty:
Moderate
Beginning Elevation:
9,675 Feet
Length:
5.5 Miles
Reservation:
No
From Cliff Creek Trail, The western terminus of Castle Pass Trail can be reached by hiking in on Cliff Creek Trail, 840, from Beckwith Pass. To reach Beckwith Pass leave Lost Lake Campground or Cliff Creek Trailhead and travel south.
Location Information
Castle Creek Trail begins near the eastern border of the West Elk Wilderness on Lowline Trail. This junction lies at 9,672 feet and is very close to the end of Castle Creek Road. (Unfortunately, no access is allowed from Castle Creek Road because it leads through private property.) To reach this eastern terminus of the tread hikers must use Lowline Trail, from the north, or Mill Castle Trail, from the south.Leaving Lowline Trail heading west the trail passes through North Cast Creek Valley then begins the ascent toward Castle Pass. The trail climbs approximately 1,300 feet in two miles. Several switchbacks lead to Castle Pass, which lies at 11,057 feet. From this pass users of Castle Pass Trail get great views of West Elk Peak. Several switchbacks help hikers descend into the Cliff Creek drainage on the western side of Castle Pass. The mileage from Castle Pass to Cliff Creek Trail is approximately three miles. Very little water is available on this trail after leaving the North Castle Creek and before reaching Cliff Creek. The entire trail lies within the West Elk Wilderness, which permits foot and horse traffic within its boundaries.
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