Day trips and itineraries from Castle Rock
Castle Rock sits between Denver and Colorado Springs, about 1.5 hours from the Royal Gorge region.
Castle Rock to Royal Gorge: a full day adventure
One day: whitewater, ziplines, food and the Royal Gorge.
Royal Gorge Region is 1.5 hours from Castle Rock
Take I-25 South to CO-115 South toward Cañon City. Easy highway drive with no mountain passes.
The owner of Visit Castle Rock also owns these businesses.
Depart Castle Rock
Head south on I-25, then south on CO-115 toward Cañon City and the Royal Gorge.
Royal Gorge Rafting (opens in a new tab)
Class III–V whitewater on the Arkansas River. Book a half-day trip for maximum time in the gorge.
Lunch at Whitewater Bar & Grill (opens in a new tab)
Dining near the Royal Gorge on Hwy 50. Burgers, drinks and outdoor seating.
Royal Gorge Zipline Tours (opens in a new tab)
Ziplines over the Royal Gorge. The Classic course has views of the gorge.
Royal Gorge Vacation Rentals (opens in a new tab)
Considering an overnight? Browse yurts, Airstreams, and glamping options.
Dinner at Rooftop Social (opens in a new tab)
End the day at this rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Cañon City and the gorge region.
Depart back to Castle Rock
Head north on CO-115 to I-25. Arrive Castle Rock approximately 9:30 p.m.
Weekend getaway: Castle Rock and the Royal Gorge
Two days, two destinations. Explore Castle Rock on day one, then head to the Royal Gorge on day two.
Day 1: Castle Rock
- Morning
- Hike to the Rock formation, the Castle Rock landmark
- Afternoon
- Conquer Challenge Hill and explore Philip S. Miller Park
- Evening
- Dinner and drinks in Downtown Castle Rock
- Night
- Stay at a Castle Rock hotel or Airbnb
Day 2: Royal Gorge
The owner of Visit Castle Rock also owns these businesses.
- Morning
- Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River with Royal Gorge Rafting
- Afternoon
- Ziplines and Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
- Evening
- Dinner at Rooftop Social or Whitewater Bar & Grill
- Night
- Overnight in a yurt or Airstream at Royal Gorge Vacation Rentals
Flying into Colorado?
- Denver International (DEN)
- Colorado’s main hub, 45 minutes northeast of Castle Rock and 47 miles by car. Most direct flights land here. Rental cars available in the terminal. From DEN to Royal Gorge: about 2 hours via I-25 South and CO-115.
- Colorado Springs (COS)
- Smaller airport, less traffic, 45 minutes south of Castle Rock and 45 miles by car. From COS to Royal Gorge: just over 1 hour via CO-115 South.
Browse events and local businesses for your trip.