Castlewood Canyon State Park Home | Colorado State Parks

Park Office

2989 South State Highway 83

Franktown, CO 80116

Office Hours

9 AM - 5 PM

Park Hours

8 AM - 9 PM; Entrance gate closes at 8 PM

Fax

303-688-1190

Phone

303-688-5242

castlewood.canyon@state.co.us

Castlewood Canyon State Park

Nature lovers and groups enjoy environmental diversity on several hiking trails ranging from mild to moderate. The trails range from .5 to 4 miles and can be combined for longer journeys. The winding Cherry Creek flowing along the canyon floor provides wonderful rest stops. Pets, on a leash, are welcome on most trails, except the new East Canyon Preservation Area trail.

The natural amphitheater and the Bridge Canyon Overlook gazebo perched on the edge of the canyon are unique places for weddings or other outdoor ceremonies. Casual groups and families enjoy the picnic areas at both entrances.
Remnants of geologic and local history combine when the then Castlewood Dam burst in 1933, sending a 15-foot-high wave of water into Denver. Ruins of the original ill-fated dam and the historic homestead still exist for hikers to see.

Castlewood Canyon is a day use park. Current park hours are from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Sorry, there is no camping.

Inbound gates are closed one hour prior to park closure, at 8:00 PM; both gates are locked, promptly, at 9:00 PM.

Climbing Route Closures

East Canyon Trail is Now Open for the Season.

Castlewood Canyon State Park provides nesting habitat for several raptor species. In order to minimize disturbance of these birds during this important time the following climbing routes have been closed.

Morning Sun Wall – March-July
Porky’s Wall – March-June
Vultures Wall – March-May
Shakespearean Theater–March-May
Mind Meld – March-May

Thank you for allowing this important nesting to take place undisturbed.

Due to the fragile nature of this area. the following regulations are strictly enforced:

Visitors must remain on the designated trails.
No Dogs or other pets are permitted.
No climbing, traversing, or rappelling on or from rock formations.

For questions or comments feel free to give us a call at 303.688.5242.

Current Park Weather

43.0° F
Overcast and Breezy
Wind: South at 20.7 MPH

Brunch with the bullsnakes

May 27

Castlewood Canyon has two bullsnakes in the Visitor Center. Visitors are welcome to visit the snakes when the Visitor Center is open. On Sundays the snakes, Sid and Nancy, are fed. Come and watch!!

Learn to take photos like the experts

June 10

Castlewood Canyon Naturalist and photographer, Derald Hoffman, will lead a hike down the Inner Canyon Trail for you to learn to shoot like the great landscape photogrpahers. We will consider their similarities and differences in achieving their great pictures. We will study composition, practice using your menus and learn about HDR(High Dynamic Range) which is merging an underexposed, normal exposed and overexposed image into one image to achieve the best of each. Dress for the weather and bring a snack. Bring your tripod if you have one, but it's not necessary. Meet at the visitor's center. There is a limit of 10 people, so reserve your place by calling 303-688-5242

Spring Into Summer with the Birds

June 16

The Summer Solstice is only a few days away and the birds in Castlewood have been busy raising their families. Listen and look for them as we stroll along woodland and creek. Equip yourself with binoculars, water, and sturdy footwear. Meet volunteer naturalists Karen Metz and Ken Metz in the Falls parking lot. Register at 303-688-5242. Limit 12.

Last Modified Date: 4/30/2012 7:15 PM

Quick Launch