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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

81%

Runnable

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

#670

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

#115

in Colorado

#670

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
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
Running down Castle Trail
Mar 28, 2015 near Morrison, CO
View of the high peaks
Mar 28, 2015 near Indian…, CO
High peaks views from this easy stretch of Castle Trail
Mar 28, 2015 near Indian…, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 55 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 14, 2024
Jonathan Miller
Didn't reach the castle. Did 2.5 up and 2.5 back 5mi
Nov 23, 2023
Atsuko Ohtake
Nov 24, 2022
Atsuko Ohtake
Nov 25, 2021
Atsuko Ohtake
Nov 20, 2021
L B
8mi
Jun 13, 2021
Ashley Papa
Jun 21, 2018
ericwu830
Out and back, east to west parking lots 8mi
Jun 17, 2018
Joseph Parks
4mi — 1h 00m
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