I'm overweight at 235 lbs and I completed it. Even saw a grandpa finish it. It's all about pacing your self. Yes it's very hard but if you need to take a break every few hundred steps then do it. It was a great accomplishment.
The best advice I read was to treat it like a HIIT workout. Go up as many steps as you can then take time to recover. The halfway break was tempting but the last leg was not as long as I thought. The trail back down is so nice! I took so many pictures but it's a long trail. Spent about 4 hours total. Parking is 5$ card only.
Just visited. Still running. Great place.
Okay major update! Visited in October 2018 and there has been major fire damage to a gift shop in the castle.
They are relying on donations to fix up the castle. I would not recommend this to kids as there are no many safety hazards. I had quite the scare going up. There is a big safety sign at the entrance. But I too my chance and truly a great experience to explore that castle.
Beautiful place to stop. A great parish and outdoor kneeling areas to stop and pray. The gate was closed but there was a number to call that you want to walk up and visit.
Neat little stop. It has nothing to do with Robocop. Nice quick photo op if you have time.
Nice scenic route if your are near Cloudcroft.
If you are in Cloudcroft and want to do a simple but nice trail then this is it. Completed it in under an hour and there is an great view of the Lincoln National Forest.
Cool little stop and great shop if you like pistacos of different flavors.
Can confirm the road that takes you is locked and gated.