Castle Rock towers over Pena Blanca Canyon. You would think there’s no way up this 400ft rock face but you’re about to be surprised. Save this post if you’re up for a real adventure!
There is no trail to it’s mysterious summit so we decided to scout one. It took us four trips before we gained access to the upper ridge. This post documents our journey and the path up.
My first visit to Pena Blanca Canyon was in 2016 with my girlfriend Itzel. We couldn’t help but notice the massive rock mountain to the west.
Itzel, my friends, family, and I explored the canyon countless times always looking up at Castle Rock towering overhead. Each time, feeding my curiosity of what’s up there. This last winter, my friend, James and I decided to explore the mountain in more detail.
Click to watch a video of our climb up
The south side of Castle Rock looks impossible. The North side appeared feasible so we took several trips exploring the North face. Dense vegetation clings to it’s rocky ledges, making it more feasible to climb. On our final trip, Tony and James made it within a few feet of the top.
Click to view photos from hike
You can get close to the south face of the mountain with a truck. Otherwise, if you don’t mind hiking about an extra mile in you can use a car.
BE ADVISED: We discovered a drug / human trafficking’s trail on south face of Castle Rock and camp on west most point of mountain. Video linked HERE. It appears to have had recent use.
Recommended kit
This hike isn’t long but has a LOT of bushwhacking through thick brush. You may find a better route than above which doesn’t require a climbing rope like we used. Here’s gear we took:
- Bag lunch and quart of water / sports drink
- GPS device w/ emergency satellite beacon
- 40 feet of static rope (double up to descend)
- Heavy rip stop clothing / denim jeans
There’s a waypoint on the route (linked above) at which point you can scramble up a short pitch no longer than 15 feet. We took a rope for extra protection on the descent.
Scouting the Trail
Our first attempt was to access the South slope and climb up it (picture above; slope on right). James attempted to free climb a short pitch and access the slope (picture below). He got on the slope but said it was too loose to walk up.
The following week, James and I, scouted the North face. We easily scrambled up a series of shelves to a point where a rock wall blocked our route. There was a reasonably simple but steep pitch we thought we could scramble up but had no rope for protection on the descent. Tony and James returned the following week with rope but didn’t reach the top.
We returned on the 23rd of January, 2022 and reached the top ridge. I sat on there as Tony and James attempted to reach the summit which required some exposed scrambling along the rocky ridge.
They were blocked feet from the summit by a deep ditch across their path. They mentioned somebody left a ladder there but couldn’t see a path up the other side. Guess that just proves there’s nearly no place left unexplored out here! That ladder and a stack of three rocks were only signs anybody had ever been up there.
I’d like to give special Credit to Chip Childers, not pictured. We too adventure in the mountains and he returned to assist me with capturing drone shots in this post.
I’m a top broker in Arizona. I make the impossible a reality for my clients in the real estate market. Closing top deals consistently, not only exceeding the market, but expectations every day. I don’t want just help you sell or buy your home though; I want to share a real piece of Arizona with you.
Arizona, is more than just a place to call home, make money, and raise a family. It’s a storied land with rich history and stunning landscapes. Here you can earn a living and do all those things, then experience adventure right outside your doorstep.
Each week after work I explore the mountains with my friends, most former clients, and document adventures for you to see. Hopefully someday I can call you my neighbor, if not already, and we can experience Arizona together.
Give me a call when the time comes to move. I will help you every step of the way. Until then, feel free to ask me about the trail.