Castle Mountain and Window Rock

Description

Castle Mountain & Window Rock(from Fall River Road, Rte 34)MILEAGE (ROUND TRIP): 2.5 milesZONE: FoothillsTRAILHEAD: US Hwy 34HIGHEST ELEVATION: 8,834 feetELEVATION GAIN: +1,100 feetDRIVING TIME: 25 minutesTOTAL TIME (APPROX): 4 hoursHIKE RATING GRADES:- TERRAIN:B- HIGHEST ELEVATION:G- ELEVATION GAIN:F- MILEAGE:H- OVERALL:E- PREREQUISITE:GHike Description: Landmarks, Routes, & WaypointsThis hike is a short but rugged traverse across the top of Castle Mountain ridge, north of Fall River road. Park on the north side of the road at one of the pull-offs about 100 yards west of the intersection of Elkhorn and Wonderview Avenues (Hwy 34). From here, you can see the summit of Castle Mountain to the northwest and ?The Window? to the northeast. Scramble north up the slope to a dirt track and head east about 0.25 mile. Curve left up a broad gulley north for about 0.5 miles towards the end of the rocky arête towering above you. As you approach the bottom of the cliff walls, head left around to the west side of the rocks. Looking northeast, you should be able to see a 40 foot tall window through the side of the arête (UTM NAD83: 13T454099mE x4471067mN). Ambitious hikers may want to try the 3rd-class scramble up to the window through which they can look down onto the MacGregor Ranch. From the Window, choose a route NW up the gully 0.3 miles to the crest of the ridgeline where you will encounter NPS boundary markers. Follow the ridgeline westward 0.2 miles, staying on the south side of the boundary markers while navigating around numerous rocky ?gendarmes? guarding the ridge. As you traverse further west, the trail descends about 100 feet down to a saddle then climbs back up about 150 feet in about 0.4 miles to another saddle between two high points on the ridge. Castle Mountain (8834?) is the rocky highpoint directly south. Follow the cairned, 2nd class route up the north shoulder to the summit block. From the summit, descend back to the saddle, then down the gully to the southeast. This way down is steep but direct.Follow the cairns down the gully bearing SSE 0.8 miles back to the start. Points of Interest: Animals, Plants, History, & GeologyThe aerie view through ?The Window? looks down on the broad expanse of MacGregor Ranch and Lumpy Ridge. And there are more, great, panoramic views of Lumpy Ridge, including ?The Book? and ?Sundance Buttress?, as you hike west along the top of Castle Ridge. From the top of Castle Mountain you will see grand views of the Estes Valley, Front Range, Mummy Range, and Lumpy Ridge. This hike is a good spring hike when other areas of the National Park are full of snow. Look for numerous signs of the Elk, Deer, and Bighorn sheep that graze on the ridge. Mountain lions and black bear also inhabit this ridge, but are seen only rarely by hikers.Recommendations: Preparations, Equipment, & CautionsRespect private land on both sides of the route, marked with boundary markers and "No Trespassing" signs. Be very careful and assist each other on the optional rock scrambles up to the Window and the summit block of Castle Mountain. Rock scrambling is not for everyone; it involves inherent risks, and you are responsible for your own safety. Go slowly, choose your steps, help each other, and take rest breaks when descending the steep gully back to the start (most accidents happen on the way down). Wear sturdy hiking boots, hat, and sun protection. Drink plenty of water as this hike can be hot in spring or summer.