Castle Trail

Name: Castle Trail
Rating: 4.7

4.7 ( 10 )

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Trail

5.3 mile 8.5 kilometer point to point
100% Runnable
Easy/Intermediate

Elevation

Ascent: 140' 43 m
Descent: -117' -36 m
High: 2,673' 815 m
Low: 2,605' 794 m

Grade

Avg Grade: 1% (1°)
Max Grade: 3% (2°)

Dogs

No Dogs

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Trail shared by ktboundary Thompson

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Current trail conditions

Minor Issues 16 days ago See History

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View from Saddle Pass. Credit: Familyrambling.com

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“The longest trail in the park with great views, badlands and level trail.”

— ktboundary Thompson

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National Park rules apply.

Runner Notes

Can be very hot with no water. Watch for rattlesnakes and bison. The trail can also be very slippery when wet. Be vigilant for thunderstorms.

Description

This is the longest trail in the park that begins at the Door and Window parking area and travels five miles one way to the Fossil Exhibit Trail.

Relatively level, the path passes along some badlands formations that both tower above you and drop away below you. Most of the trail is on flat prairie, but does occasionally wander into badlands topography where the trail is hard to follow. Looking ahead and surmising the path of least resistance will help to find the other side of the trail.