Castlewood Canyon State Park

Castlewood Canyon State Park is a 2,628-acre Colorado state park around a canyon cut by Cherry Creek, with canyon views, wildlife and 12 miles of hiking trails. It is 15 minutes from downtown Castle Rock.

Trails

Some of the 12 miles of trails are easy walks beside the creek; others are harder hikes along the canyon rim:

• Inner Canyon Trail: down into the canyon, with access to the creek
• Rim Rock Trail: overlooks above the canyon
• Lake Gulch Trail: a historic route to the dam ruins
• Creek Bottom Trail: an easy, shaded walk by the creek

Castlewood Dam ruins

The park keeps the ruins of Castlewood Dam, which failed on August 3, 1933, and sent a wall of water toward Denver. Signs at the ruins tell the story of the collapse.

Rock climbing

The canyon walls are volcanic rock, with sport and traditional routes for beginners through advanced climbers.

Wildlife and plants

• Mule deer and wild turkeys are often seen
• Many kinds of birds live in the canyon
• The canyon’s microclimate has its own plant communities
• Wildflowers bloom in spring

Facilities

Several trailheads have parking, restrooms and picnic areas. A visitor center has maps and information.