Rising boldly in the northeastern corner of the Mojave National Preserve, the Castle Peaks stand as stark monuments against the vast desert sky. These spires are visible for miles, striking a commanding presence that draws climbers seeking solitude and sweeping vistas far from the beaten path. Among these dramatic formations, the Dove Benchmark route ascends one of the tallest and most sought-after towers, offering a memorable 5th-class challenge for those ready to engage with the rock. Just a short half mile north lies North Castle Butte, an easier but taller tower that provides a worthwhile alternative for climbers looking for a less technical yet still rewarding ascent.

Reaching Castle Peaks is an adventure in itself. The journey begins with a commitment to navigating a web of often unpredictable desert back roads. From the interstate, exit at Nipton Road and follow Ivanpah Road south through patches of Mojave’s open desert and ghost town relics. The scenery on this drive is a quiet invitation to slow down and appreciate the vastness and rugged history of this high desert wilderness. As the paved road gives way to dirt, expect rough sections that challenge even vehicles with decent clearance and power. Although a sturdy 2WD pickup can manage the route in dry conditions, it’s wise to be prepared for sudden changes in road quality, especially after rains, and to carry a reliable topographic map.

Around 17 miles in, the old townsite of Barnwell signals a turn east onto Hart Mine Road, following a rail grade once part of the Barnwell and Searchlight Railroad. This stretch leads to a faint road that takes you through desert brush past an ancient earthen dam before reaching the Wilderness Area boundary. Here, parking is available, and the base of the rock towers stands ready to welcome climbers into a landscape shaped by time and wind.

Weather in this high desert locale varies significantly by season. Climbers should aim for the cooler months when daytime temperatures are more forgiving and the clear desert skies enhance the experience. Summers bring intense heat that can limit climbing windows to early mornings or late afternoons. Paying attention to seasonal precipitation is crucial; the unmaintained roads respond quickly to rain, sometimes turning impassable.

The climbing itself is characterized by solid, exposed rock faces that test your skills and mindset. The iconic Dove Benchmark route holds a 3.5 star rating — a testament to its quality and appeal — but all routes here require careful preparation and respect for desert conditions. Campers and climbers alike appreciate the stark solitude, the absence of crowds, and the deep silence broken only by the occasional breeze across the arid terrain. This is not a spot for casual drop-ins; it demands forethought, reliable navigation, and an attitude of self-reliance.

Additional climbing spots beyond the main towers invite exploration but require careful route finding. While the rock types and exact grades beyond Dove Benchmark aren’t widely documented, the existing climbs offer enough variety to engage those comfortable with 5th-class moves. Classic climbs in the area like Dove Benchmark stand out but always adhere to the facts and prepare with caution.

Planning your climb here means weighing the desert’s raw beauty with the demands it places on travelers. The climbing area fits best with those who want an uncluttered wilderness experience—part historic journey, part technical endeavor—where the journey to the base rivals the thrill of the climb. The reward is more than just the physical ascent; it is the chance to stand atop a spire with the Mojave stretching limitlessly in every direction.