1230-13, Casto Canyon

The Casto Canyon has a two-track ATV trail That winds up and through pink hoodoo formations very similar to the famous Bryce Canyon scenery.  We enjoy riding up this trail and connecting to the limekiln canyon road.  One then can come down limekiln canyon and loop around to the beginning trailhead of Casto Canyon.

 

The first 3 or 4 miles winds up casto canyon wash among red rock hoodoos, Pinion, Cedar, and Ponderosa Pine stands. There are many spring and summer wildflowers in this section of the trail. The trail narrows and winds over a clay/shale hill that could be slippery in a rainstorm.  On top of the plateau, there is a dead end trail to the left that goes out onto Casto bluff overlook.  This over-looks Panquitch and Sevier valley.  From here, one can either follow the same Casto Canyon trail back to the trail head or continue on and take the next canyon to the left back down. This canyon is called Lime Kiln Canyon. The top of Lime Kiln Canyon has an extensive stand of Bristlecone Pines. This species is claimed to be capable of living 4000 years and be the oldest living thing on the earth.   one can then stay left and find the way back to the Casto Canyon Trailhead.  This loop is good for a half day if you stop and take in the scenery along the way.