Castle Rock's is accessible from California Highway 62, near the railroad
crossing west of Vital Junction. The trail and Castle Rock itself are both
located within the Turtle Mountain Wilderness area. The hike is not very
strenuous, and is approximately 8 miles round trip.

Castle Rock's is accessible from California Highway 62, near the railroad crossing west of Vital Junction.  The trail and Castle Rock itself are both located within the Turtle Mountain Wilderness area.  The hike is not very strenuous, and is approximately 8 miles round trip.

Bird's eye view of the park

Castle Rock Hiking Trail

The eastern portion of the Turtle Mountains is dominated by Mopah Peak.
Standing 3,675 feet above sea level, the peak is the remnant of an ancient
vocano, eroded to form a massive, reddish pinnacle. Mopah Peak is considered
one of the most difficult climbs in the desert. The southwest approach is
probably the best for climbing. The view from the peak is said to be among the
most spectacular panoramas in the entire desert. The route to this peak is
regarded as a fun desert climb. The panarama from the summit includes the
Colorado and Stepladder Mountains to the north, the Mopah Spring palm oasis to
teh west, and the 27-ft higher summit of the Umpah Peak to the south. To climb
Umpah, descent to the saddle between the two peaks and then scramble up. Keep
your eye out for chalcedony roses; many are found in this area.

The eastern portion of the Turtle Mountains is dominated by Mopah Peak.  Standing 3,675 feet above sea level, the peak is the remnant of an ancient vocano, eroded to form a massive, reddish pinnacle.  Mopah Peak is considered one of the most difficult climbs in the desert.  The southwest approach is probably the best for climbing.  The view from the peak is said to be among the most spectacular panoramas in the entire desert.  The route to this peak is regarded as a fun desert climb.  The panarama from the summit includes the Colorado and Stepladder Mountains to the north, the Mopah Spring palm oasis to teh west, and the 27-ft higher summit of the Umpah Peak to the south.  To climb Umpah, descent to the saddle between the two peaks and then scramble up.  Keep your eye out for chalcedony roses; many are found in this area.

Mopah Peak Hiking Trail

The Turtle Mountains Wilderness area ranges from broad bajadas to highly
eroded volcanic peaks, spires, and cliffs. The Mopah Range contains the two
signature Mopah Peaks, which are rhyodactic or volcanic plugs. The northern
most peak is a landmark known as Mexican Hat. The area has numerous springs
and seeps. Much of the Turtle Mountain range has been designated as a National
Natural Landmark in recognition of its exceptional natural values.

Dominate vegetation consists of the creosote bush-bur sage and the palo verde-
cactus shrub ecosystems. In the washes, Colorado/Sonoran microphylla woodlands
can be found. These woodlands include such things as palo verde, smoke tree,
honey mesquite, and catclaw. Wildlife species include bighorn sheep, coyote,
black-tailed jackrabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, quail, roadrunners,
golden eagles, prairie falcons, rattlesnakes, and several species of lizards.
The desert tortoise is found within the wilderness area, and northwestern and
northeastern portions of the wilderness area are considered critical habitat.
The wilderness is located in the southern portion of the sector and consists
of 177,209 acres. OHV activity is common along the boundaries of wilderness.

The Turtle Mountains Wilderness area ranges from broad bajadas to highly eroded volcanic peaks, spires, and cliffs.  The Mopah Range contains the two signature Mopah Peaks, which are rhyodactic or volcanic plugs.  The northern most peak is a landmark known as Mexican Hat.  The area has numerous springs and seeps.  Much of the Turtle Mountain range has been designated as a National Natural Landmark in recognition of its exceptional natural values.  <p><p> 
 
Dominate vegetation consists of the creosote bush-bur sage and the palo verde-cactus shrub ecosystems.  In the washes, Colorado/Sonoran microphylla woodlands can be found. These woodlands include such things as palo verde, smoke tree, honey mesquite, and catclaw.  Wildlife species include bighorn sheep, coyote, black-tailed jackrabbits, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, quail, roadrunners, golden eagles, prairie falcons, rattlesnakes, and several species of lizards.  The desert tortoise is found within the wilderness area, and northwestern and northeastern portions of the wilderness area are considered critical habitat.  The wilderness is located in the southern portion of the sector and consists of 177,209 acres.  OHV activity is common along the boundaries of wilderness.

Turtle Mountains Wilderness

The large wash north of U.S. Highway 62 just 2 miles east of Vidal Junction is
an excellent site for collecting chalcedony, which can be found from Highway
95 extending east approximately 1 mile. The best method of working a site is
to park safely off the pavement and walk east through the wash. The bright
white chalcedony is easy to spot against the darker soil.

The large wash north of U.S. Highway 62 just 2 miles east of Vidal Junction is an excellent site for collecting chalcedony, which can be found from Highway 95 extending east approximately 1 mile.  The best method of working a site is to park safely off the pavement and walk east through the wash.  The bright white chalcedony is easy to spot against the darker soil.

Savahia Peak Rock Collecting Area

Within the Turtle Mountains Wilderness is located the Turtle Mountain National
Natural Landmark an area of land recognized for its exceptional geological
value and an area held in high spiritual value by the Native American Tribes
of the Southwest. Mexican Hat Trail is a small portion of a greater trail
which once linked centuries of travelers to the Colorado River. If the hike to
the top of the trail doesn't appeal to you, an ADA compliant ramada and picnic
table are available for day use and camping at the Lisa Dawn or Brown's Cabin
developed campsites. Photographers love this area. In the spring cacti floral
displays are bountiful within the surrounding area. History buffs practice
black and white imagining, and if patience, wildlife will present the public
with many photo opportunities

Within the Turtle Mountains Wilderness is located the Turtle Mountain National Natural Landmark an area of land recognized for its exceptional geological value and an area held in high spiritual value by the Native American Tribes of the Southwest. Mexican Hat Trail is a small portion of a greater trail which once linked centuries of travelers to the Colorado River. If the hike to the top of the trail doesn't appeal to you, an ADA compliant ramada and picnic table are available for day use and camping at the Lisa Dawn or Brown's Cabin developed campsites.  Photographers love this area. In the spring cacti floral displays are bountiful within the surrounding area. History buffs practice black and white imagining, and if patience, wildlife will present the public with many photo opportunities

Castle Rock Hiking Trail

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Mopah Peak Hiking Trail

Turtle Mountains Wilderness

Savahia Peak Rock Collecting Area

Lost Arch Historic Mining Camp