Castlewood Canyon State Park

State Park in Franktown, CO

Hours:

Park: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office: Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entrance Fees:

Daily Vehicle Pass: $​10

Individual Daily Pass: $4

Animals Permitted:

  • Leashed Dogs
  • Service Animals
  • Horses

Park Address:

2989 South State Highway 83
Franktown, CO 80116
United States

Contact:

303-688-5242

[email protected]

Castlewood Canyon offers beautiful scenery and many trails for all skill levels.

Castlewood Canyon State Park

State Park in Franktown, CO

Castlewood Canyon offers beautiful scenery and many trails for all skill levels.

Hours:

Park: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Office: Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entrance Fees:

Daily Vehicle Pass: $​10

Individual Daily Pass: $4

Animals Permitted:

  • Leashed Dogs
  • Service Animals
  • Horses

Park Address:

2989 South State Highway 83
Franktown, CO 80116
United States

Contact:

303-688-5242

[email protected]

Navigate to:

People and a dog crossing a bridge over water

People and a dog crossing a bridge over water

Activities and Trails

What to Do at Castlewood Canyon

Castlewood Canyon offers hiking trails along Cherry Creek for different skill levels. Scenic spots like the natural amphitheater and Bridge Canyon Overlook gazebo make picturesque places for weddings and outdoor events. Climbing enthusiasts can enjoy walls up to 60 feet high, and history buffs can explore the Castlewood Dam ruins. 

  • Birding
  • Education Programs
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Photography
  • Picnicking
  • Rock Climbing
  • Wildlife Viewing

Best of Castlewood Canyon

Two people walking on a paved trail

Trails

The park's main attraction is its trails. Nature enthusiasts and groups can explore diverse environments on hiking trails. These trails are easy to moderate, and vary in length from half a mile to four miles. You can combine them for longer hikes if you'd like.

Picnic table next to a trail

Picnicking

More than 30 family picnic sites are available throughout the park on a first-come, first-served basis. Group picnic areas are available by reservation only.

Birding

Birding

During the summer months, Castlewood Canyon is home to one of the largest turkey vulture populations in the state.

Photograph of flowers and waterfall

Photography

With its unique rock formations and abundance of wildlife, Castlewood Canyon is a great park for photographers!

Upcoming Events

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Find a Trail

    Hiking boot icon

    Canyon View Nature Trail

    1.2 miles, paved
    Hiking only
    ADA accessible
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot icon

    Homestead Trail

    0.35 miles, nonpaved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot icon

    Canyon View Nature Trail

    1.2 miles, paved
    Hiking only
    ADA accessible
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot icon

    Homestead Trail

    0.35 miles, nonpaved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot

    The Dam Trail

    0.35 miles, non-paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot

    ​​Rimrock Trail

    2.14 miles, non-paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot

    ​East Canyon Preservation Trail

    4 miles, non-paved
    Hiking only
    Closed from November 1–May 1

    Hiking boot

    Inner Canyon Trail

    1.16 miles, non-paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot

    Lake Gulch Trail

    0.8 miles, non-paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot

    Inner Canyon/Lake Gulch Loop

    1.96 mile, non-paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot

    ​​Cherry Creek Trail​

    0.24 mile, paved
    1 mile, non-paved

    Hiking boot

    The Dam Trail

    0.35 miles, non-paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot

    ​​Rimrock Trail

    2.14 miles, non-paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot

    ​East Canyon Preservation Trail

    4 miles, non-paved
    Hiking only
    Closed from November 1–May 1

    Hiking boot

    Inner Canyon Trail

    1.16 miles, non-paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot

    Lake Gulch Trail

    0.8 miles, non-paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot

    Inner Canyon/Lake Gulch Loop

    1.96 mile, non-paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot

    ​​Cherry Creek Trail​

    0.24 mile, paved
    1 mile, non-paved

    Hiking boot

    Climbers Trail

    0.14 mile, paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly
    Good climbing access

    Hiking boot

    Cliff Base Trail

    0.18 mile, paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly
    Good climbing access

    Hiking boot

    Cave Trail

    0.14 mile, paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly
    Good climbing access

    Hiking boot

    ​​Climber’s/Cave/Cliff Base Loop

    0.46 miles, paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot

    ​​Creek Bottom Trail

    1.7 miles, non-paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot

    Climbers Trail

    0.14 mile, paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly
    Good climbing access

    Hiking boot

    Cliff Base Trail

    0.18 mile, paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly
    Good climbing access

    Hiking boot

    Cave Trail

    0.14 mile, paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly
    Good climbing access

    Hiking boot

    ​​Climber’s/Cave/Cliff Base Loop

    0.46 miles, paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly

    Hiking boot

    ​​Creek Bottom Trail

    1.7 miles, non-paved
    Hiking only
    Dog friendly

    Feature Activity

    Rock Climbing

    Walls up to 60 feet and canyon-face climbing are available for all skill levels. Please be aware of seasonal closures to protect raptors nesting on cliff walls.

      • Shakespearean Theater is restricted March, April, May
      • Mind Meld is restricted March, April, May
      • Porky’s Wall is restricted March, April, May, June, July
      • Vulture Wall is restricted March, April, May, June, July 
      • Morning Sun Wall is restricted March, April, May, June, July