Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
Castlewood Trail (Fullerton)
- Location: Corner of Castlewood and Chantilly Lane, Fullerton. From I-91, take Beach Blvd. and go north for 3 miles. Take a right on Rosecrans, go 1.2 miles and go left on Gilbert. Go 0.8 miles and take a left on Castlewood, and park on the corner by the trail head. From the 57 freeway, take the Imperial Highway exit and go west for 4.3 miles. Take a left on Idaho St., which becomes Gilbert. Take a right on Castlewood.
- Agency: City of Fullerton Parks and Recreation
- Distance: 2.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 200 feet
- Difficulty Rating: G
- Suggested time: 1 hour
- Best season: October – June
- USGS topo map: Anaheim
- More information: trail map here; information on the Fullerton Loop here.
- Rating: 1
The Castlewood Trail is a mile-long segment of the 12-mile Fullerton Loop, a route popular with cyclists. It makes a nice walk for before or after work, or even on a lunch break. On a clear day, you can see the ocean, Catalina Island, the San Gabriels and the Santa Ana Mountains.
From Chantilly, the trail ascends steeply for a few hundred yards before leveling out. It follows a ridge alongside a housing tract before descending to a junction. Take the right fork (the left leads back to Gilbert). You head into a wooded area, although the water tank on the left shatters any illusions of wilderness that you may have. You pass by another housing tract and then have a short stretch with very few signs of civilization before the trail ends at Rosecrans, by the fire station.
Fullerton has a wide variety of trails which, while they might not offer much of a wilderness experience, do provide good opportunities for outdoor recreation. If you enjoyed the Castlewood Trail, check out other parts of the Fullerton Loop, or other trails in the area. As with other neighborhood hiking trails, the Castlewood Trail might not be the stuff of hiking legend, but if you’re in the area, it’s well worth a visit.