u/luigi6545

I am trying to find specific information bits on the road for Castle Peak. I’ve read that you need 4wd, there aren’t too many parking spots, there are road junctions, etc. I’ve looked on the trip reports on the road on the 14ers website. But, I haven’t found more specifics. Like, how many parking places are there along the way up to the higher elevations beyond the main trailhead beyond 9,800? When does the road get super narrow? Are there tricky spots where you have to pick your line carefully, even with good clearance? Are there tricky or tight switchbacks for longer based vehicles? Is 12,000 the last “best” place to park for vehicles? Are there areas where if someone is coming the other way to pull off or navigate around? Or is the pull off at ~11,200 just the best, simplest, and easiest place to stop? And how many parking spots are there at that point specifically if that is the easiest? And just other various tips and info about the road?

For anyone planning to climb in the Uncompahgre wilderness, it may be wise to consider somewhere else for the time being as the gold mountain fire is growing larger and nearer to that area. Redcloud, sunshine, and handies are technically climbable but, the restricted area can expand to those areas.

It may be wise to simply avoid the 14ers in that area till the fire is more under control.

Also, I wasn’t sure to tag this as information or as conditions, so if I tagged it wrong, I do apologize.

Anyone been up Lindsey recently know the conditions of the road? I’ve checked road reports saying it’s Subaru-able but, I’m curious about the specifics. I have a ‘22 Outback. Does that mean you can do it in a Subaru if you’re careful or, is the road just in a good condition this year where worries are not as high as years prior? Any notable spots to be wary about?

I appreciate any advice and info in advance.