Hike to Castleton Tower
Moab, Utah
Details
Distance
4 miles
Elevation Gain
300 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by John Maurizi
With all Moab has to offer, like Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Castle Valley is often over looked. However it is a great side adventure to experience and Castleton Tower is very impressive, especially in the mornings at sunrise.
Castleton Tower is a popular destination for rock climbing when in the Moab area. However, if you are not a rock climbing, you can still enjoy the scenery of the tower and the surrounding desert. Located on BLM land, there are several access trails off the La Sal Loop road. You can't miss the tower! While there are several social trails to access the tower area, there is a trail head with parking for any type of car.
Follow the trail toward the tower. Once through a wide slot canyon of sorts, you will reach a 4x4 road. There are plastic markers along the dirt road designating the "route" but there are several of these through the area. Fortunately, Castleton Tower is an excellent landmark if you feel you are unsure where to go. The key is to explore the area and hike as long as you want or have time for. I stated 4 miles but you can do less or more, there is plenty to explore. The road system travels all the way to Onion Creek and also makes for some easy scenic mountain bike rides.
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Hike to Castleton Tower Reviews
We try to get to Moab every year for hiking and adventure. We discovered the La Sal Loop on our first visit and also the primitive camping area that is an entrance to the Castleton Tower trail(s). We have hiked the area every time that we have returned to Moab. The trails have been pretty close to deserted and the few folks that we have run into there have been super friendly and they seem to be experienced hikers & climbers. Can't wait to get back to this spectacular area.
5.0
I think this is one of the more scenic formations around Moab more so then a lot of the Arches. Definitely worth at least driving by, but if you want you can follow the climbers trail up close to the base if you are comfortable with some minor scrambling and risks of rockfall. Go left at the road to get to the climbers' trail. The best views are from down low though and the elevation gain to get to the base of the tower is pretty significant.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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