Hike: Carey’s Castle Canyon Exploration
- Distance: 9.0 miles (Out-and-Back)
- Hiking Time: 6 to 8 hours (Due to slow, off-trail boulder navigation)
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,400 feet
- Difficulty Rating: Strenuous Plus
- Terrain: Steep alluvial slopes, untracked sandy washes, thick desert vegetation, and intense boulder scrambling.
- Navigation: Strict off-trail wilderness route-finding. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Description:
Nestled deep in the rugged canyons of the southeastern section of Joshua Tree National Park lies a legendary piece of desert history: Carey’s Castle. Built directly into a massive boulder pile by a lonely prospector, this historic site features rock-and-mortar walls, a door, screened windows, a chimney, and vintage mid-century artifacts inside.
Please Note: To protect this fragile historical resource from vandalism, the interior of Carey's Castle is structurally unstable and closed by the National Park Service. Our hike focuses on navigating the incredibly remote, trackless canyon surrounding the area.
This is an exceptionally demanding wilderness trek. We will begin by ascending a steep, sun-exposed alluvial slope crowded with cactus and creosote before dropping into a twisting, untracked canyon. To successfully navigate the route, hikers must possess excellent agility, flexibility, and extensive hands-on bouldering experience. You will be constantly climbing over, under, and around massive granite boulder jams and dense desert vegetation.
Requirements & Gear:
- Hydration: You must carry a minimum of 4 liters of water. There is zero shade and no water on this route.
- Gear: Sturdy, high-traction hiking boots are mandatory. Long pants are highly recommended to protect against abrasive rocks and sharp cacti. Trekking poles are helpful for the alluvial slope but must be stowed away during hands-on rock scrambling.
- Pack: Bring the Ten Essentials, a packed lunch, high-energy snacks, sun protection, layered clothing, and your Emergency Contact Information (ICE).
- The "Buddy System" & Staying Grouped: Due to the winding nature of the canyon and massive boulder blocks, hikers must stay within sight and voice range of the leader at all times. If you step away from the group to rest or use the restroom, you must inform a sweep or the leader immediately so you do not get separated in the labyrinth of stone.
- Departure Time: 8:00 AM (Please arrive early a few minutes early for briefing and any ride share.
- Departure Location: Walmart Supercenter in Palm Springs at 5601 E. Ramon Road, cross street; meet at the north/east corner parking lot across from PetSmart between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m. Map click here
Driving distance stance to trailhead is 53 miles.
To register for this hike, Join the Waitlist and you will be contacted to complete and confirm the registration.
Bring: Ten Essentials, water (4 liters recommended), lunch (at Carey’s Castle)/ snacks, sun protection, layered clothing, hiking poles may be helpful. Carry Emergency Contact Information (ICE). Sturdy hiking footwear with good tread and adequate drinking water are required.
Hiking Requirements: The length and nature of the trail requires all participants be in excellent physical condition. Click here for more information.
Carpooling: Carpooling is encouraged and may be available if offered by driver. You are responsible for arranging your own transportation or ride share.
Cancel: If you cannot make a hike for which you have registered please cancel as others may be on the waitlist. You may cancel directly from your profile settings or notify the hike leader.
Contact hike leaders: Scott Connelly Email click here
or Beth Schneider Email click here
Weather Policy: Inclement weather cancels.
Unless otherwise noted, registration for this event is limited to Great Outdoors members. To sign up as a member, click here
Health Problems/Allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader that may affect your ability to complete the hike.
