West on Castro Crest

After backtracking to see the part of the Backbone Trail we had missed previously, we continued on from Corral Canyon Road to Latigo Canyon Road via the Castro Crest Trail. There is a massive 2-mile long sandstone wall called Castro Crest that the trail parallels. A few miles into the hike, the trail nears Castro Peak and there are great views of Castro Crest as well as Solstice Canyon. Then the trail leads into Newton Canyon and to the dirt parking area next to Latigo Canyon Road. We got a nice surprise near the end of the hike when all of a sudden we began to feel rain. A mountain biker passed us and exclaimed "Rain!" Yes, we were pelted with what must have been at least a half dozen raindrops in what goes for a torrential downpour these days. Hey, it was nice while it lasted.

Castro Crest Trail

This is the sign at the start of the trail. The Backbone Trail logo is on the top-right of the sign. Cool!

The trail was popular with runners and mountain bikers. It was hardly ever very wide, but it was always well-maintained.

It crossed over a much wider trail.

A green Solstice Canyon ahead.

The trail at times got more wooded.

We were going downhill for the first part of the hike.

Off in the distance we could see Castro Peak with the radio towers.

Here is one of the many mountain bikers we saw.

The trail flattened out and we came upon a nice open field.

This is one of several dry river beds we saw.

One of many runners enjoying the trail at a much quicker pace than we cared for.

And here was a nicely shaded area along the trail.

Now the trail started up. 

After ascending for a while we could see Castro Crest...

and a closer view of Castro Peak.

The trail kept going up.

Yes, a nice view point with Solstice Canyon in the distance!

Matt and Solstice Canton.

And just Solstice Canyon.

This is as close to Castro Peak as we got. Another trail, Newton Motorway, heads up to the peak.

After crossing Newton Motorway the trail continues into Newton Canyon.

This is our initial view of Newton Canyon.

This is a better view of the canyon. The trail zigzags down and then zig zags back up to the parking area that can barely be seen in the distance.

This was where we experienced the exhilarating rainfall.

And of course, we were happy to complete one more segment of the hike!

Lucy in the Sky with GPS

Matt provided the GPS showing our hike from Corral Canyon Road on the right to Latigo Canyon Road on the left. Notice the massive Castro Crest that the hike paralleled.

Looking Ahead

We are planning on four more hikes to complete the Backbone Trail. The next three should each be about four hours or less to complete. The last one will be by far the most strenuous at an estimated 9 hours to complete. It continues to be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. Until next time...

Cheers,
Bruce