Castlewood Canyon

2989 CO-83, Franktown, CO. 80116  (MAP) – Front Range – fees & reservations

Activities as Castlewood Canyon

Located between Denver and Colorado Springs, the park’s focus is a dramatic, steep-walled canyon along Cherry Creek. The diverse landscape delights visitors and is a habitat for various wildlife.  Cherry Creek winds along the canyon bottom with riparian communities of willows and cottonwoods along its banks. The shaded versus sunny sides of rock-tumbled canyon walls support differing natural communities. The park provides outstanding bird and wildlife watching as anticipated from a designated Colorado Natural Area. Species here include turkey vultures, bluebirds, canyon wrens, golden eagles, prairie falcons, coyotes, rabbits, foxes, bears, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Geology lovers can observe a “rock layer cake” with rock as old as 56 million years. Hike along fourteen miles of trails that stretch the length of the park. Rock climbers will find canyon-face climbing for all skill levels and walls up to 60 feet high.

The canyon’s scenic beauty makes it a popular site for gatherings and special occasions. The natural amphitheater and the Bridge Canyon Overlook gazebo are favorite places. There are also interesting traces of human history, including remnants of a homestead and Castlewood Dam, which burst in 1933, causing flooding throughout Denver. Biking is not allowed on trails in this day-use park. Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. — Back to All State Parks.