Gateway – Castleton Route

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4.4/5 (17 reviews)
Gateway, Colorado (Mesa County)
Last Updated: 06/26/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Gateway to Castleton Route is an alternate route connecting the Western Slope of Colorado and Moab. Traveling from one side to the other, the views are plentiful and the terrain changes are dramatic. While not remotely a hardcore wheeling route, it does present something new to try while bringing you up close and personal to one of the most famous monoliths in Utah - Castle Rock.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.4/5 (17)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/22/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Good alternative gravel route, when dry, between Moab and western Colorado (Gateway) vs. pavement. Went from Utah 128 to Gateway. West to east probably has the better views. The first 16 or so miles from Utah 128 are paved. Note: the last few miles heading into Gateway from Moab has a very long and quite steep decent (ascent if going west out of Gateway), something to consider if pulling a trailer.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/16/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I ran this from the Moab/Castleton side up to the Bull Canyon Lookout and Dinosaur Tracks Site (on Google Maps, between waypoints 22 and 23). Nice place for a brief hike and some great views. The money-shot dinosaur tracks (Terapod) are a short distance to the left of the parking area (away from the overlook). To that point, the trail is all road.
Trail Review: Gateway – Castleton Route - Paul Williams
Trail Review: Gateway – Castleton Route - Paul Williams
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Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/30/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Started from the Utah side and made it about ~30mi before the mud became too much. got stuck and helped others get unstuck. Otherwise, a very simple trail for my 2022 Tacoma Off-Road dual cab short bed stock. definitely impassible when wet.
Trail Review: Gateway – Castleton Route - Tyler Johnson
Trail Review: Gateway – Castleton Route - Tyler Johnson
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Official Crew
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1600
Open
Visited: 08/27/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Awesome back road to Moab. Completed it on a Grom. Yes a Grom. Great scenery.
Trail Review: Gateway – Castleton Route - Jacob Silver
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Official Crew
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117100
Open
Visited: 07/15/2022

Open for the season! Please stay on the trail and pack out more than you packed in!

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