We drove to the Elbert Creek Trailhead in San Juan National Forest to hike up to Castle Rock. This is a 5.5 mile round trip hike with 1,600 ft of gain. The trailhead is at 8,800 ft. Zoom view of Castle Rock from above the parking area. The trail begins along the Elbert Creek Trail, and after 1.8 miles, the side trail to Castle Rock is to the right at the trail split.
This view of the Hermosa Cliffs to the south is seen along the beginning of the trail.
Most of this trail is in the woods, but there are several areas with peekaboo views, here is Castle Rock between the trees.
It was lovely to be hiking through the golden aspen trees.
Early view of Electra Lake to the southwest across the highway.
Another view of Castle Rock
Hermosa Cliffs
Electra Lake
Shortly before the trail goes through an open meadow, there is an old Forest Service Cabin.
In the meadow, keep an eye out for the trail split to Castle Rock, as there is no trail sign. The Castle Rock trail is steep and continues through the forest.
Views as we near the top of Castle Rock, to the southwest
Being careful along the cliff edges.
View to the northeast
zoom of Potato Hillzoom of Twlight Peak
zoom of more distant peaksanother view to the northeast, including the valley floor
View to the north
zoom of Engineer Mountain, where we hiked on the north side yesterday
More views from Castle Rock to the southeast, as we hiked back 
Looking along the cliff edge to the west
Love the fall colors!
Hiking back through the aspen trees
There were some very tall aspens
We saw lots of squirrels and chipmunks getting ready for winter.some of the wildflowers and fall color we saw along the trail today:
