CASTLEWOOD CANYON STATE PARK
Castlewood Canyon State Park is a Colorado state park near Franktown, Colorado. The park protects a unique part of Colorado's history.
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.
All Colorado State Parks have entrance fees. All vehicles are required to have an entrance pass and some parks have walk-in fees. Visit the
Colorado Park Entrance Pass web page.
Castlewood Canyon State Park is located near Castle Rock, Elizabeth and Englewood
There is one mile of trail accessible to horseback riders at Castlewood Canyon. The Cherry Creek Trail connecting Cherry Creek State Park and Castlewood Canyon State Park may be completed in the future.
Individual or group picnic areas are available at the park. Group picnic areas are available by reservation only. 30 family picnic sites are available throughout the park on a first-come-first-served basis. Call 303.688.5242 to reserve a group picnic area.
Canyon View Nature Trail
Overall 1.2 miles, easy
Inner Canyon and Lake Gulch Trail
Overall 2 miles, moderate
The Dam Trail
Overall 0.35 mile, moderate
Rimrock Trail
Overall 2.14 miles, moderate to difficult
East Canyon Preservation Trail
Overall 4 miles, moderate
Homestead Trail
Overall 0.35 mile, easy
Climbers Trail
Overall 0.14 mile, difficult
Cliff base Trail
Overall 0.18 mile, difficult
Cave Trail
Overall 0.14 mile, difficult
Creek Bottom Trail
Overall 1.7 miles, moderate
Cherry Creek Trail
Overall concrete 0.24 mile, easy
Cherry Creek Trail
Overall natural 1.0 mile, moderate