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Submission
Castle Rock Mtn is the 9th tallest peak in Montana at 12,408 ft. To the east is Castle Rock Spire Mtn 12,540 ft., and further east Castle Mtn at 12,612 ft. To the west is what I call 'West Castle Mtn' at 12,200 ft elevation.
I usually access the Castles from Island Lake trailhead, but there are other choices of course. Don't pass up a chance to head further west to Snowbank Mtn and beyond. This is great country to explore.
From the east end of Castle Rock Glacier, I went north to the saddle between the Spire and Castle Rock. Climbed the Spire first, then Castle Rock, then back to camp at Varve Lake, all in an easy day hike.
The route up Castle Rock Spire was not-too difficult free climbing up the west chimney located above the center snowfield in the photo.
I took these Castle Rock Glacier photos in August 1986. One shows the lower end of the glacier with Navajo Tarn and Varve Lake beyond it, in the far distance is Lonesome Mt.
One photo is from the summit of Castle Rock Mtn looking east at Castle Rock Spire Mtn, with the large block of Castle Mtn behind it. Latest photo is from West Castle Peak looking south to the ice lake, with Beartooth Butte in the background on the left. The ice lake elevation is 11,200 feet.
