The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management manages over 245 million acres of public lands in the United States, including over 23 million acres in Utah. Hundreds of campsites are available on BLM-managed lands throughout Utah, ranging from remote backcountry locations to developed campsites with amenities. Search "BLM camping near me" to locate new sites to explore in Utah. Located just a short distance from the entrance to Castle Valley, the Castleton Tower BLM site is a popular destination for rock climbers looking to conquer some of the most challenging routes in the country. The tower is listed as one of the fifty classic climbs in North America, as described in the popular book by Steve Roper and Allen Steck. It is a sandstone spire that rises 400 feet above the desert floor and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the area. Its unique shape and stunning views make it a popular spot for photography, and you can hike to the base of the tower to get an up-close look at this incredible natural wonder. The surrounding area is known for its stunning geological formations and red rock canyons, attracting outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Visitors can explore the nearby Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
This out-and-back trail leads to the base of the iconic Castleton Tower and has an elevation gain of 1,364 feet. It offers stunning views of the nearby canyons, red rock formations, and the tower itself. During your hike, you'll pass several small waterfalls and cross a shallow creek in some places. Length: 2.6 miles Intensity: Challenging
Parriott Mesa Trail is an out-and-back trail considered suitable for professional hikers. It has a total elevation gain of 1,056 feet and passes through the red rock canyons of Parriott Mesa. Views from the top of the mesa are breathtaking, and it is open year-round. Length: 2.8 miles Intensity: Challenging
This out-and-back trail passes through the scenic canyons of Adobe Mesa. It has an elevation gain of 1,932 feet and is open year-round. Length: 5.7 miles Intensity: Moderately challenging
Novice hikers will enjoy this out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 541 feet. It is open year-round and is famous for its abundant wildlife. Dogs are allowed on the route and must be on a leash. Length: 8.4 miles Intensity: Easy
The nearby Colorado River is a great fishing spot for anglers of all skill levels. You will catch various species of fish, including brown and rainbow trout. The nearby Onion and Castle Creeks also have designated fishing areas. In addition, there is a boat launch near Castleton Tower for those who like to get out on the water to enjoy canoeing and kayaking.
Kor-Ingalls Route is the most popular trek up Castleton Tower and is considered one of the most challenging climbs in the area. The tower is open to climbers throughout the year, and visitors should exercise caution when climbing it.
This popular climbing spot near Castleton Tower stands 6,565 feet high. It has beginner- to expert-level climbing routes, with Fine Jade Route being the most common among visitors.
Just 12 miles north of Castleton Tower is the towering mass of Fisher Towers. It is considered a classic climbing destination and includes several routes with varying difficulty levels. Explore the 5.11 Titan Route or the 5.8 Ancient Art Route if you are an experienced climber.
The area around Castleton Tower is home to various wildlife, including coyotes, deer, and bighorn sheep. Bird watching is also popular. Visitors can spot hawks, owls, and golden eagles. The nearby national parks are great for wildlife viewing and offer opportunities to admire the local plants, trees, and shrubs.
Many designated picnic spots exist around Castleton Tower, like Castle Valley Overlook, Grandstaff Canyon, and Professor Valley. Picnic tables make it easy to enjoy the beauty of these areas in comfort.
BLM RV camping is possible at and around Castleton Tower. In addition to Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, other options in the area include OK RV Park and Sunsets of Moab RV Park. OK RV Park is wheelchair accessible and has swimming options in nearby Ken's Lake and Power Dam. Sunsets of Moab RV Park has free Wi-Fi and picnic tables. It also provides an off-road vehicle rinse area.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the base of Castleton Tower. The camping area has no water or electric hookups but provides toilets, picnic tables, and fire grills. Free camping is also available nearby Professor Valley and Roan Plateau areas. You can enjoy dispersed camping in these areas for 14 days per site.
When planning your Castleton Tower trip, remember to pack sturdy hiking boots, maps, and basic camping supplies. The weather in this area may change suddenly, so bring layers of clothing to stay comfortable during your adventure. Include a first-aid kit and plenty of food and water for your trip. As you explore, it is essential to remain on the trails to avoid disrupting the local wildlife. Moab is the nearest town to Castleton Tower, and the closest airport is in Grand Junction, Colorado. You will find many restaurants, stores, and other amenities in Moab. Before heading out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When your camping trip is complete, ensure that you "Leave No Trace" of your stay. Dispose of all trash properly to protect the natural environment and local wildlife. Remember to take out any used toilet paper and bury all human waste. When we take these crucial steps, everyone can enjoy the beauty of Castleton Tower and other BLM areas for generations to come.
Castleton Road Grand County, UT LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 38.651, -109.368 From Moab, take SR 128 northeast to Castle Valley Road and turn right. The campground is located approximately five miles down the road on the left. To get to the tower, follow the cairns from the campground until you arrive at a dirt road. Cross this road to find a sign with an arrow pointing to the tower trail. Ready to visit Castleton Tower? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, enjoying a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
