Castlewood Canyon State Park
State Park in Franktown, CO
Hours:
Park: Sunrise to Sunset.
Office: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day.
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
Castlewood Canyon State Park
State Park in Franktown, CO
Hours:
Park: Sunrise to Sunset.
Office: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day.
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
Hikers pause at the Homestead Trailhead sign with map
Park Highlight
Explore Trails
The park's main attraction is its trails. 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. Trails along the Cherry Creek wind past the ruins of the Castlewood Dam (circa 1890).
Activities
Hiking
Castlewood Canyon offers hiking trails for every skill level. Paved trails give all ages access to magnificent views of the canyon, while more difficult trails take you down to Cherry Creek and along the canyon floor.
Wildlife Viewing
Many animals call Castlewood Canyon home, from black bears and bobcats, to deer and elk. For the safety of both pets and wildlife, please keep dogs on a leash. Be cautious of rattlesnakes along the trails.
Biking
Biking is not allowed on the trails at Castlewood Canyon. Please stay on designated trails. Mountain bike use is restricted to roads and Cherry Creek Regional Trail.
Featured Trail
Explore the Castlewood Canyon Dam
Castlewood Canyon State Park protects a unique part of Colorado's history. 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.
Trails
Canyon View Nature Trail
1.2 miles, paved
Hiking only
ADA accessible
Dog friendly
Homestead Trail
0.35 miles, nonpaved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Canyon View Nature Trail
1.2 miles, paved
Hiking only
ADA accessible
Dog friendly
Homestead Trail
0.35 miles, nonpaved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
The Dam Trail
0.35 miles, non-paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Rimrock Trail
2.14 miles, non-paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
East Canyon Preservation Trail
4 miles, non-paved
Hiking only
Closed from November 1 - May 1
Inner Canyon Trail
1.16 miles, non-paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Lake Gulch Trail
0.80 miles, non-paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Inner Canyon/Lake Gulch Loop
1.96 mile, non-paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Cherry Creek Trail
0.24 mile, paved
1.0 mile, non-paved
Creek Bottom Trail
1.7 miles, non-paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
The Dam Trail
0.35 miles, non-paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Rimrock Trail
2.14 miles, non-paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
East Canyon Preservation Trail
4 miles, non-paved
Hiking only
Closed from November 1 - May 1
Inner Canyon Trail
1.16 miles, non-paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Lake Gulch Trail
0.80 miles, non-paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Inner Canyon/Lake Gulch Loop
1.96 mile, non-paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Cherry Creek Trail
0.24 mile, paved
1.0 mile, non-paved
Creek Bottom Trail
1.7 miles, non-paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Climbers Trail
0.14 mile, paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Good climbing access
Cliff Base Trail
0.18 mile, paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Good climbing access
Cave Trail
0.14 mile, paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Good climbing access
Climber’s/Cave/Cliff Base Loop
0.46 miles, paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Climbers Trail
0.14 mile, paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Good climbing access
Cliff Base Trail
0.18 mile, paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Good climbing access
Cave Trail
0.14 mile, paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Good climbing access
Climber’s/Cave/Cliff Base Loop
0.46 miles, paved
Hiking only
Dog friendly
Know Before You Go
Many animals call Castlewood Canyon home, from black bears and bobcats to deer and elk. For the safety of both pets and wildlife, please keep dogs on a leash. Be cautious of rattlesnakes along the trails.
Crossing Paths with Wildlife
Learn what to do if you come across wildlife on trails.
Stay Safe on Trails
Dogs
Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Pet waste must be disposed of in the garbage can. Pets are not permitted on the East Canyon Trail.
Clean Your Gear: Hiking with a Dog
Invasive Species
Help Protect Colorado's Lands
Learn how to clean, drain and dry hiking gear used by your dog to help prevent the spread of noxious weeds in Colorado and protect forests from invasive species.