Castle Rock Gulch

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4.2/5 (8 reviews)
Johnson Village, Colorado (Chaffee County)
Last Updated: 08/31/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Castle Rock Gulch Road, FS Road 188, is located within the San Isabel National Forest approximately ten miles east of Johnson Village. This area of the National Forest, commonly referred to as “Fourmile”, contains hundreds of roads and spurs which provide a broad spectrum of outdoor recreational opportunities. Castle Rock Gulch Road is noted for its slick rock outcroppings, broad stream-filled meadows, and twisty road. The rock features offer splendid viewing and photography. This road is popular among OHV users, mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians. It is a maintained dirt road suitable for all but the largest motorized vehicles (it is not uncommon to see ordinary passenger sedans, minivans, and trucks towing fifth-wheel RVs). Its accessibility to RVs and horse trailers, the multiple outdoor activities it invites, and visual contrasts between stone and green meadows are Castle Rock Gulch Road’s greatest attractions.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.2/5 (8)
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Official Crew
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31800
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 08/24/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The road is smooth and very good condition---only one small segment had any significant "washboard". Since I drove this road in the evening, I found that 1/3 of the most viable/preferred campsites were occupied--strange, I thought, for a Thursday evening.
Trail Review: Castle Rock Gulch - Tracy Barker
Trail Review: Castle Rock Gulch - Tracy Barker
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15600
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 06/17/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Incredibly smooth and easy dirt road with some cool views but it was heavily trafficked while I was out here and mostly stays in the trees which is why I give it a 3-star rating.
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/02/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Extremely well maintained dirt road. Very pretty drive with some camping opportunities.
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/26/2021

Was out this way exploring and geocaching. Road is in great condition.
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Official Crew
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2300
Open
Visited: 06/03/2021

Trail is nice and smooth and appears to have just been mostly regraded in areas.

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