There are some places I don’t like to write about, since in my experience, that’s a quick way to trash the scenery. People read about it, decide to visit for themselves, and whatever solitude and splendor the spot offered has vanished.
That’s one reason I seldom mention an arid valley named Castle Gardens or Castle Gulch. But it has shown up in local trail guides, so I’ll blame those authors if it begins to suffer.
I was steaming mad. Despite all the whining about “locked-up lands” by the motorized-recreation lobby, there are many places nearby for them to cavort legally. There was a thought of “Maybe I should carry a rifle up here and teach them a little respect for the law.”
Essays in the Range blog are not written by High Country News. The authors are solely responsible for the content.
Ed Quillen is a freelance writer in Salida, Colo.
Images of Castle Gulch courtesy of the author.
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