Hike Grand Castle Dixie National Forest, UT

Sep 23, 2024 — I thought Grand Castle was only particularly grand when viewed from below. Its eroded southern slopes are dotted with interesting pinnacles and colorful dirt, but the hike itself is somewhat brushy and loose, and the summit isn't much more than a large, red mound. Surrounding its base are gorgeous, colorful hoodoos and steep cliffs that prevent direct access, so I figured it might be easiest to drive up the road a fair distance and choose the first ridge that seemed navigable without risk of getting cliffed-out. My choice worked out okay, though I should have anticipated the bushwhacking given my familiarity with this landscape.

I parked at the Henderson Hill Trailhead and started north from a bend in the road. The initial slope was steep and led through some brush. Although the climb remained steep, the brush was manageable, mostly just trees and clusters of manzanita to navigate around. For the most part, I was able to walk normally without too much ducking or high-stepping. This spur ridge led to the main eastern ridge of Grand Castle, where the brush became thicker and more challenging, and I ended up with a few scratches from the ascent. I enjoyed the hoodoos sprinkling the slope across the canyon to the north, blanketed with some nice sunset light.

There was a drop in the ridgeline that led into a portion with more interesting red scree terrain. Just ahead lay the final ascent to the summit. Two large columns of sandstone flanked the ridge, with a social trail leading up through light Class 2 terrain between them. The final portion involved some scree walking, followed by a straightforward push to the high point. The canyon housing Bowery Creek below, where I had driven in, was stunning from above.