Main Elk

Most people know Main Elk is home to the Fortress. There are several other crags in the area, including the Pup Tent of Solitude, and Main Elk Creek. The amount of limestone in this area is overwhelming and if you're willing to walk you could put up routes here for a long time.

From the town of New Castle, get on the Grass Valley Road as if taking the back way to Rifle. It's simplest to go straight through the 4-way stop sign after you exit the highway, north up the hill, follow the road as it bends around west, and drive through the Castle Valley neighborhood for a mile or two.

After a bit this road hits a T-junction with the Grass Valley Road. Turn right and drive about three or so miles, passing the turn for East Elk Canyon, until you see the signs for Main Elk Canyon on your right. Turn right (north) here, then drive 5 to 6 miles, past where the pavement ends. Cross a bridge over the river and park in a big pullout on the left at a huge brown sign with info on the "Clinetop Sheep," just as the road begins to climb steeply uphill.