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A steep connector between Castle and Conundrum Peaks.


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Map Key

0.4

Miles

0.7

KM

90%

Runnable

14,041' 4,280 m

High

13,943' 4,250 m

Low

39' 12 m

Up

119' 36 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildlife

Access to this trail requires use of either Castle Peak or Conundrum Couloir (Snow Route) trails. See these links for road information.

The land manager requests dogs be leashed. While a good mountain dog can do this run, it's a long day full of loose, rocky terrain. Consider keeping it people only.

Runner Notes

This trail is too steep and rocky to truly run. There are plenty of much better options in the area.

Description

From the summit of Castle Peak, it's under a mile to Conundrum, visible right across Montezuma Basin. Of the two apparent summits, the one to the right (north of Conundrum Couloir (Snow Route) ) is the true summit. Descend northwest down loose rock to the Castle-Conundrum Saddle at 13,800 ft. While the trail here is rocky and hard to follow, it becomes easier on the ascent up Conundrum. Continue up steep, rocky trails similar to but easier than the ridge up Castle Peak. Expect this bit to be absurdly steep. It's probably easier with snow present.The trail will flatten as you approach the false summit. From here, dip down a notch toward Conundrum Couloir (Snow Route) before climbing up another 50 ft or so to attain the real summit.

Adventurous types may opt to ski or glissade down Conundrum Couloir (Snow Route), while true gluttons for punishment will just to the route in reverse. Either way, it's a hell of a day.

Flora & Fauna

Up this high, there's not much other than marmots and pika.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tyler Prince

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#15972

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#1,394

in Colorado

#15,972

Overall
2 Views Last Month
691 Since Mar 19, 2015
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Photos

Looking back at Castle peak from the ridge to Conundrum.
Feb 25, 2024 near Aspen, CO
View from the summit of Castle Peak. To the left is the saddle to which you'll descend. Conundrum is right in front of you, with its technical couloir just right of center. Conundrum's summit is up and to the right of the couloir.
Mar 20, 2015 near Aspen, CO
A fun ski down Conundrum Couloir.
Mar 20, 2015 near Aspen, CO
The downclimb from Castle Peak to its saddle with Conundrum. The chute pictured here is about as technical as it gets (not too bad). The rocks on the sides are loose, so be careful if you go around.
Mar 20, 2015 near Aspen, CO
A look down from about halfway up the couloir. Looks pretty nasty, huh? But a ton of fun...
Mar 19, 2015 near Aspen, CO

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