Cerro Castellan in Big Bend National Park

Cerro Castellan

Cerro Castellan is an ancient volcanic butte that looms over the valley by the Santa Elena Canyon.

Plan Around Cerro Castellan

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Cerro Castellan Details

If you are looking for a relatively easy scramble, Cerro Castellan is here for you. This massive and rather imposing butte dominates the valley by Santa Elena Canyon and the view from the top is spectacular, especially since not many people ever make it to the top. For those of you unfamiliar with "scrambling", it is right in between hiking and rock climbing and usually requires you to use your hands and feet not unlike a bear. Cerro Castellan is an ancient volcanic peak whose layers of compounded ash and lava give it an otherworldly feel, especially in the light of a setting sun. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive takes you right to the base of it and it is a beautiful landmark to just observe if you are not one for scrambling.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

N/A

Region

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Nearby Parks Around Cerro Castellan

Compare nearby parks around Cerro Castellan when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

21.7 mi away

Big Bend

National Park · TX

205.7 mi away

Guadalupe Mountains

National Park · TX

216.8 mi away

Carlsbad Caverns

National Park · NM

296.9 mi away

White Sands

National Park · NM

478.5 mi away

Saguaro

National Park · AZ

549.9 mi away

Petrified Forest

National Park · AZ

Nearby Points of Interest Around Cerro Castellan

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Cerro Castellan while the map context is still fresh.

0.7 mi away

Tuff Canyon

Sporting some of the coolest geology in the park, the walls of Tuff Canyon are made of ancient volcanic ash.

1.3 mi away

Castolon Historic District

The "Ghost Town" of Big Bend National Park.

1.3 mi away

Castolon Visitor Center

The Castolon Visitor Center is open seasonally from November - April from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. with a brief midday closure for lunch.

1.3 mi away

Castolon Store

Historic convenience store with basic groceries, camping supplies and souvenirs. Open year-round.

1.6 mi away

Cottonwood Campground

$14/night, year-round, 24-hour campground with pit toilets, grills and water. No frills but a whole lot of fun!