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14,279 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado
Castle Peak
Castle Peak is a 14,279 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Northwest Ridge: 6 mi, 3,057 ft of gain, Class 2.
Castle Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,279 ft4,352 m
- RouteNorthwest RidgeClass 2
- Distance6 mi3,057 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeElk MountainsColorado
Climbing the Northwest Ridge
From Aspen, Colorado, drive west on Highway 82 toward Independence Pass, then turn onto the Montezuma Basin Road (high clearance recommended for upper sections). The northeast ridge is the standard Class 2 route with good trail to treeline. Upper mountain has loose rock and requires careful footing. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms which are common in the Elk Range. Often combined with Conundrum Peak via the connecting ridge when conditions allow. The summit offers excellent views of the Maroon Bells and surrounding peaks. Snow can linger into July in shaded areas.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Rockfall
- Loose rock
- Storms
- Steep exposure
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High winds
Castle Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 21 climbs of Castle Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Castle Peak
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Castle Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Castle Peak?
Castle Peak is 14,279 feet (4,352 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.
How does Castle Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,279 feet, Castle Peak is the 9th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Castle Peak?
The Northwest Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 6 miles with 3,057 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Castle Peak?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Northwest Ridge, covering 6 miles with 3,057 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Castle Peak?
The Northwest Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 6 miles with 3,057 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Castle Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Castle Peak reaches 14,279 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Castle Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Castle Peak?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Castle Peak?
The Northwest Ridge starts at about 11,140 feet, roughly 3,139 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Castle Peak?
The standard route is the Northwest Ridge. Other routes include the Combo: Castle Peak and Conundrum Peak.
Climb Castle Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list