Copyright: Marshall Hall
Castle lake is located close to the base of the summit trail to Castle peak. It is covered with ice and snow throughout the year.
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There is often snow on the road well into July. The lower section of the road receives heavy use, especially on the weekends. This road is very rugged, and in some sections is located in a stream. It climbs well above the timberline and continues for a mile or so, through fields of rocks tinted with a lichen of various colors. This road was built to serve the Montezuma Mine and debris from the operation of the mine may be seen along the way.The first 1/2 mile is fairly level, then begins to climb. There are some steep uphill sections and at the 1 1/2 mile mark there is a foot bridge. At the bridge you will need to cross the stream. The road continues to climb through spruce groves crossing a vehicle bridge and immediately becoming steeper and more rugged. Three miles up the road, the Mace cabin is passed on the right. A quarter mile past the cabin, the road to Pearl Pass forks steeply to the left (Refer to the Pearl Pass handout for more information on this route). At this fork bear right. Keeping right, the road soon climbs some steep, continuous switchbacks. The road is very narrow and rugged in some areas. The road ends at the parking area for Castle Peak.
Directions from Aspen: Travel west from Aspen 1/2 mile on Highway 82 At the roundabout, turn onto Castle Creek Road. Travel 13.5 miles on Castle Creek Road (2 miles past Ashcroft) to the intersection with the 4WD Pearl Pass Road #102. There is a small parking area at the junction.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible:
July through September
(NOTE: Snow may obstruct the road at high elevations.)
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Winter Conditions. Beware of avalanche conditions and hypothermia. Updated: 2002-12-23 14:45:00.0
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