Castle Rock Trail

From an un-signed junction with the Elbert Creek Trail #512, head northeast and steeply uphill. After a short initial section up a open hillside covered in wildflowers, head into the trees where the grade increases. Parts of the trail pass through a deeply eroded ravine and over rocky, loose areas. Eventually you'll come to several small pretty meadows where the grade eases somewhat. The final push is along a clifftop with craggy rock outcrops. The first views are to the south across neighboring cliffs and along the Animas River. The trail swings around to afford good views east to the Needles and north into the high peaks.