Castle and Conundrum Peaks Hike

For those intrepid adventurers looking for a thrill in the Elk Mountains of Colorado, why not try the Castle and Conundrum Peaks Hike, where you can work your way across permanent snowfields to reach the tallest peak in the area.

Setting out from the trailhead, you will hike uphill to the southwest alongside the rushing waters of Castle Creek, before arriving at a junction near the Tagert and Green-Wilson huts. From here, you will make your way to the northwest and begin climbing more sharply uphill towards the snowfields and basin below Castle Peak.

Here, you will need to traverse the snowfields to continue working your way uphill. The easiest way to do this is to work your way along the left side of the basin and make an ascending traverse of the snowfields, where you will eventually find a clear trail on the left leading up to the top of the ridge. Continuing straight along the top of the ridge, you will eventually reach the summit of Castle Peak, where you will enjoy breathtaking views from the tallest peak in the Elk Mountains. Following the trail to the northwest will lead you to the slightly lower, but no less scenic summit of Conundrum Peak.

After experiencing both of these spectacular peaks, you will head back along the ridgeline and descend into the snowfields, working your way through the basin and along Castle Creek for the return to the trailhead where you began.