Route: Castle Peak (CO)

Start and finish on the edge of the pavement. Standard route (Northeast Ridge) up Castle Peak (14,265’), the tallest mountain in the Elk Range of Colorado. 
Enjoy great views of the Elks and Sawatch mountains from the summit. 

A few fun variations exist with this peak and its unofficial 14er neighbor, Conundrum Peak (14,060’).

If doing the combo, follow standard descent off Castle and Conundrum’s saddle (often a glissade late into the summer). 
 

Editors Note: Many Colorado 14ers should not be considered “backcountry” where you can go anywhere you want; their popularity can create a plethora of braided social paths that lasts for decades in the fragile tundra.  So if there is a trail, please stay on it. Hundreds of volunteers with the Fourteeners Initiative work really hard to protect our beloved mountain environment.