Castle Rock Gulch

Castle Rock Gulch is an easy ride, a relaxing way to spend an hour or two in the mountains. This is a great ride to pack a picnic lunch, or for a family bike outing.

Beginner 30-60 MIN   7.2 or 3.5Miles

Rating: Beginner.
Distance: 7.2 miles round trip; 3.6 miles one way.
Time: 30-60 min., depending on pace.
Elevation: Start 9,190 feet; finish 9,348 feet; total elevation gain 150 feet.
Trail: Easy four-wheel drive road.
Maps: San Isabel National Forest Map; USGS 15-minute Topo — Antero Reservoir.
Access: The entire ride is on CR 188. Drive approximately six miles northeast of Johnson Village on U.S. 24/285 and turn right onto CR 307. Continue on 307 for 1.7 miles and turn right on CR 187. CR 188 and the turnoff for Castle Rock Gulch is 3.4 miles from this intersection.
Ride Description: From the intersection of FR/CR 187 and 188 bear left (east) on FR/CR 188 downhill. In 2.6 miles the road forks. Bear left continuing on CR 188. Signs at this intersection indicate East and South Castle Rock gulches; take the fork to East Castle Rock Gulch.

The road is closed to motor vehicles in another mile. Return to your vehicle by the same route.

Options include continuing on an abandoned four-wheel drive road another 1.5 miles, climbing approximately 500 feet, or taking the South Castle Rock Gulch road which climbs almost 450 feet and will eventually intersect again with CR 187. This ride can also begin at any point after turning off the highway.

The elevation gain from the intersection of CR 307 and 187 to CR 188 is approximately 480 feet.

Continuing south on CRs 187 and 185 eventually leads to CR 175, Ute Trail, coming north and east out of Salida. The ride into Salida has many road junctions and covers many miles — it is strictly for those looking for a lengthy ride.