If you wanted to get to the top of Castro Peak
Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2021 8:55 am
Castro Peak is the highest point in the middle of the Santa Monica Mountains and has been closed for about 20 years from public access by some radio tower magnate who closed access just because. I have never been up there because of the lack of access but decided to do some recon with my significant covert ops experience. This landowner has been particular about making sure no one get access with large metal gates with barbed wire on the top and cameras. It feels like they are protecting the Hope Diamond versus allowing friendly hikers to enjoy their craft.
I needed to hike another high point above Kanan-Dume road but that wasn't going to be a proper hike so after I hit the high point above the tunnels. I hiked along the Backbone Trail to Latigo Canyon Road and then from there to the turnoff for the old fireroad that used to lead up to Castro. The actual private parcels are only certain sections of the road but not other areas so technically if you don't take the road the whole way you don't hike on private property. Of course this write up is hypothetical regardless. As you reach a tight switchback you will begin the final climb before the fence. There are actually three ridges that all look doable to get to the top. The first right at the switchback looks very promising with some brush with deer tracks but otherwise pretty clear. The next ridge is more brushy and would have to be accessed via a drainage on the left. The third right at the gate has the least brush but is the steepest route up. Anyway if people are into hoping to get to the top of Castro those are the easiest ways in my opinion but you should definitely not take them otherwise you will be going on private property at the top, so do not do this hike.
I needed to hike another high point above Kanan-Dume road but that wasn't going to be a proper hike so after I hit the high point above the tunnels. I hiked along the Backbone Trail to Latigo Canyon Road and then from there to the turnoff for the old fireroad that used to lead up to Castro. The actual private parcels are only certain sections of the road but not other areas so technically if you don't take the road the whole way you don't hike on private property. Of course this write up is hypothetical regardless. As you reach a tight switchback you will begin the final climb before the fence. There are actually three ridges that all look doable to get to the top. The first right at the switchback looks very promising with some brush with deer tracks but otherwise pretty clear. The next ridge is more brushy and would have to be accessed via a drainage on the left. The third right at the gate has the least brush but is the steepest route up. Anyway if people are into hoping to get to the top of Castro those are the easiest ways in my opinion but you should definitely not take them otherwise you will be going on private property at the top, so do not do this hike.