Are you ready for another "Julie Andrews Moment"? You'll have to work for this one. Take a 1-mile easy hike from the Mill-Castle Trailhead (See waypoint chart) to a SPECTACULAR view of the "castles" of Mill Creek. It's worth the hike! Elevation at the cache is 9218'.
The Mill Creek Road (CR 727) access to the trailhead is off the Ohio Creek Road, west of HWY 135. The road is a little rough. A high clearance vehicle is preferable; the road is hard on a car.
The "Castles" of Mill Creek are not to be confused with the famous "Castles" of Castle Creek in the Ohio Creek area. However, they are formed from the same geological formation. The Castles are composed of West Elk Breccia, and are erosion remnants of ancient volcanic mud and debris flows from the extinct West Elk Volcano. The center of the volcano was approximately 7 miles to the west of this viewpoint.
Beautiful area for fall colors. Very nice in summer, too -- nice wildflowers. Wonderful winter recreation area for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
The Mill - Castle Trail is an entrance to the West Elk Wilderness. No motorized vehicles or bicycles are allowed. It's also a popular hunting area. The cache is in a clear plastic jar with an orange lid.
***Hunting Season Advisory***
Hunting seasons are in September, October and sometimes November. If you venture out during hunting season, be sure to wear some blaze orange and be noisy.
Additional Waypoints
TH5A0HQ - Mill-Castle Trailhead
N 38° 41.644 W 107° 04.479
The "Castles" of Mill Creek
| Difficulty: 
| Terrain: 
3 
1 
1