Castle Crags Trail is a fantastic hike starting in pine forest and ending in the rocky goodness between Castle Dome and the Castle Crags.
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Length: 11 Miles Round Trip
Trailhead(s): Castle Crags State Park
Elevation Gain: 2,135′
Trail Type: Out & Back
Dogs: No
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit Required? No
Considerations: State Park Entrance Fee Required
Season: Year Round
Overview
Castle Crags Trail is a fantastic hike! It starts in pine forest and ends in the rocky goodness of the saddle between Castle Dome and the eastern face of the Crags, with outstanding views of Mount Shasta, Grey Rocks, and the peaks of the Crags looming 1,000’ feet above. The Crags, themselves, are impenetrable. The terrain is so steep and rugged, there are no trails leading into the Crags and all other area trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail, circumvent the Crags, allowing for only very limited views of the peaks. The trail is steep at times, but we would really lean towards treating it as a moderate trail. It is easy to follow with gentle footing for the first 2/3rds through pine forest. The last 1/3 of the trail becomes rocky and somewhat steep, but with outstanding scenery that culminates in world class views. If you are a relatively new hiker and have not yet build your climbing stamina, just take it easy and slow. Your eyes will reward you greatly for your efforts.
Scroll down to learn about the GEAR WE USE and OTHER OUTVENTURES in this area.
Additional Information
Castle Crags State Park:
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=454
Castle Crags State Park Brochure:
https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/454/files/CastleCragsSP_WebBrochure2014.pdf
Castle Crags Trail to Castle Dome Slideshow
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Gear We Use for Day Hiking
To see descriptions of the gear Chris & Mac use for day hiking, as well as links to manufacturers and retailers offering the gear for sale, please CLICK HERE.
Articles About Other Regional Outventures
SAFETY DISCLAIMER: The activities discussed in this website are outdoor activities and, as such, have inherent risks to which participants are exposed. It is not the intent of this website, nor is it possible due to the variability of weather, terrain, equipment, and experience, to detail all of those risks. The information contained in this site is informational, but not instructive nor exhaustive. It is the sole responsibility of the user to ensure he/she is in good health, fully prepared, and fully informed as to dangers before undertaking any of the activities discussed in this website and the user does so at his/her own risk. The user understands that by using this website he/she acknowledges and accepts all risks associated with use of information from this website and participation in any particular activity addressed herein. Please see “Terms of Use” for additional information.
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