14ers.com • Peak Condition Update

Peak:	Castle Peak (14er)
Route:	Northeast Ridge
Range:	Elk
Posted By:	RobLowe
Date of Info:	01/16/2021
Date Posted:	01/19/2021

Details
Ben's report was spot on. Road to the 2WD TH: groomed. 2WD to the pearl pass split off: snowmobile and ski tracked by hut-trippers. Turning up for castle: no tracks and a complete cluster until you get high enough on Malamute's south face. Malamute's south face has some avy slopes to compete with. Once above the road and up the 2 headwalls, it is easy peasy. Also went to conundrum and then back up castle. You would be making a truly unwise decision to head down from the saddle given the condition of the snow pack. 18.5 miles RT for Castle and Conundrum. Photos (click for slideshow):

Details

Ben's report was spot on. Road to the 2WD TH: groomed. 2WD to the pearl pass split off: snowmobile and ski tracked by hut-trippers. Turning up for castle: no tracks and a complete cluster until you get high enough on Malamute's south face. Malamute's south face has some avy slopes to compete with. Once above the road and up the 2 headwalls, it is easy peasy. Also went to conundrum and then back up castle. You would be making a truly unwise decision to head down from the saddle given the condition of the snow pack. 18.5 miles RT for Castle and Conundrum.

Photos (click for slideshow):

Comments or Questions
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