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13,804 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado

Castleabra

Castleabra is a 13,804 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Castleabra East Ridge: 12 mi, 5,850 ft of gain, Class 3.

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Castleabra in the Elk Mountains, Colorado

Castleabra at a glance

  • Elevation13,804 ft4,207 m
  • RouteCastleabra East RidgeClass 3
  • Distance12 mi5,850 ft gain
  • Time11 – 13 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeElk MountainsColorado

Climbing the Castleabra East Ridge

Castleabra sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is Castleabra East Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 12.1 miles round-trip with roughly 5,850 ft of gain from about 10,200 ft. Expect high clearance for the drive. Summer monsoon storms build fast, so start early and be off the summit by early afternoon. Watch for loose rock, route-finding on talus, and brief exposed steps where the terrain steepens. Stats and approach details follow climb13ers.com. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy
  • Helmet

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Loose rock
  • Steep exposure
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Castleabra

Peaks near Castleabra

  1. Castle Peak

    Castle Peak

    14,279 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. UN 13559

    UN 13559

    13,559 ft · 0.9 mi away

  3. Conundrum Peak

    Conundrum Peak

    14,037 ft · 0.9 mi away

  4. UN 13173

    UN 13173

    13,173 ft · 1.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Castleabra?

Castleabra is 13,804 feet (4,207 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as Castleabra.

How does Castleabra rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,804 feet, Castleabra is the 53rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to climb Castleabra?

The Castleabra East Ridge is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 12 miles with 5,850 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Castleabra?

Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Castleabra East Ridge, covering 12 miles with 5,850 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Castleabra dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need a helmet for Castleabra?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Castleabra East Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Will you get altitude sickness on Castleabra?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Castleabra reaches 13,804 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 climbing Castleabra?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to climb Castleabra?

The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Castleabra 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

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