Castlewood Canyon  has long been known to the locals to be a great place to slip away for the day to get a hike in, take the dog for a walk, bike ride or enjoy a State Park!    Things to do in Denver often include outdoor activities.    With our weather, outdoor activities can be done all year round.    (we don't always see snow all winter long!)

You will find this State Park just a short 50 minute drive from Denver and you would think you would find this hidden gem of a park in the mountains, but is located on the plains!   There are fifteen trails up to 4 miles long, or you can take a shorter route and get in a short hike.   There is a handicap assessable trail that is 1.2 miles long - Canyon View Nature Trail.   The terrain is easy to medium and you will enjoy many aspects of the park - a waterfall, interesting geology, canyon views, ruins, a creek and meadows.   Visitors have the option to enjoy - hiking, picnics, rock climbing and there is a visitors center.

You will find wildlife in the park, and not unusual to see a mountain lion, meadow jumping mouse, turkey vulture, coyote, rabbits, red fox, virile crayfish, wood house toad and the northern leopard frog, back bear (OH NO), rattlesnakes and an occasional golden eagle.

The park is 2,136 acres of beauty and is at an elevation of 6,200 to 6,600 feet.    There are many trees, but wise to apply sunscreen and liberally to avoid sunburning.

To enjoy a Colorado State Park, here is the Park Pass information - 

Parks Passes

• ​Daily Pass: $7.00
• Annual Pass: $70.00
• Aspen Leaf Annual Pass (64+)​: $60.00

You will find Castlewood Canyon off Highway 86 between Franktown & Castle Rock.

*Courtesy of Joan Cox - Metro Brokers - House to Home, Inc.