This trail highlights some of the best views of the rock formation known as The Castles, from which it takes its name. Along the drive, you will have several opportunities to stop and play in Trout Creek, or float down it in a raft or tube. From here, you will have access to many of the other trails that make up the Fourmile Travel Management Area around Buena Vista and Johnson Village.
From Fairplay continue south on US Highway 285 for roughly 27 miles. The turnoff will approach quickly at the bottom of Chubb Park as it is just around the bend of a mountain and cannot be seen. You will know it is coming up when you see the road bend in front of a large house with a solar panel array next to the highway. The turnoff is just on the other side of this mountain, on the left.
From Johnson Village continue north on US Highway 285 for roughly 7 miles. The turnoff will be on your right. Watch for a sign for Country Road 307. You will see a reproduction Wild West town as you approach, on your right.
I used FS Road 307 to return to Hwy 24/285 and get down to Bewnie (Buena Vista) for some fuel and snacks after spending the day in the Castles area (I entered from Salida via FS Road 185/Aspen Ridge). Take it slow and easy, enjoy the mountain scenery!
Nice and recently grated, bit of camping going on with a number of families hanging and playing in the creek. So keep a vigilant eye out and watch for kids.
I used FS Road 307 to enter the area and run Bassam Park (187), Bald Mountain Gulch (300), and Castle Rock Gulch (188). 307 is in good shape with a few spots of washboard surface.
Visited on 05/25/19 with another lifted Subaru, road was dry the entire way, very easy going. Some dirt bike and ATV traffic since it was Memorial Day weekend, but overall a very nice cruise.
Nik is an passionate overlander, general outdoors person, as well as an avid homebrewer. Taking every chance they can to get outdoors and discover new areas, trails and campsites. When not enjoying the outdoors, you can find them wrenching on the truck, enjoying another great brewery, or working the day job designing computer systems and writing software.
