Hikes/United States/California/Joshua Tree National Park

Carey’s Castle Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
3-4.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
12.1 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
389 m
User Ratings
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Careys Castle Trail is a little used route starting at the southern border of Joshua Tree National Park. It is renowned for its seclusion, as it is one of the less trafficked trails within Joshua Tree National Park. Likewise, it is also considered to be a great place for both birdwatching and wildflower viewing, depending on the time of year you visit.

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Route Description for Carey’s Castle Trail

When doing Careys Castle Trail, it is important to keep in mind that sections of the route are poorly marked. As such, please ensure that both your skills and equipment are sufficient enough before attempting. Careys Castle Trail also requires some scrambling and boulder hopping, and therefore demands a certain physical ability.

Having arrived at the trailhead, make your way northwest across some relatively flat terrain and towards the mountains in the foreground. The trail will then veer to the northeast as it enters a valley. The valley walls will be large and steep as you continue northeast along it. Soon the elevation will start to incline, and the Careys Castle Trail will begin to require some scrambling and boulder hopping.

Having followed the valley for some time, gaining elevation as you go, the trail will begin to plateau as the valley walls taper off. You will soon arrive at the trail's end, where you should take some time to enjoy the views and have a break before turning around and backtracking your steps towards the trailhead.

Getting to the Carey’s Castle Trail Trailhead

The trailhead for Careys Castle Trail can be found at the end of a dirt road off of Hayfield Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    Year Round

  • Pets allowed

    No

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Low

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Carey’s Castle Trail Elevation Graph

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