Knapp's Castle - A slice of the past with a great view

Dec 7

Dec 7 Knapp's Castle - A slice of the past with a great view

Knapp’s Castle
Date Visited: 12/07/2013

12/07/2013
Since the weather turned very cold for the weekend, Sophia and I canceled our trip to Carrizo Plain National Monument. We still wanted to go on a little adventure, so we decided to go somewhere local. We decided Knapp's Castle. Depending on where you look, the area is either off-limits or open for hiking.

During my research, I determined that while the castle is on private property, the owner is allowing hikers to visit, as long as there is no vandalism. He has posted a sign stating that he can revoke that access at any time, thus preventing the prescriptive easement that likely existed at some point in time.

We parked on East Camino Cielo and made our way on the dirt road to the gate, which we went under and around. The day was cold enough that we encountered ice in some of the shady areas.

In no time at all, we encountered the castle and walked around. There were other groups of hikers, who commented on how we were better prepared with our down jackets and gloves. Some of them were wearing shorts.

Even though there was a sign that indicated 24 hour surveillance, I was still surprised at how clean and litter-free the site was. I didn't see the usual beer cans and broken glass that I usually see in easily accessible sites.

The views to the north were amazing.