Park Office
2989 South State Highway 83
Franktown, CO   80116

Office Hours
9 AM - 5 PM
Park Hours
8 AM - 9 PM; Entrance gate closes at 8 PM

Fax   303-688-1190
Phone   303-688-5242

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Castlewood Canyon State Park
 

Castlewood Canyon State Park
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. Current park hours are from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Sorry, there is no camping.

Inbound gates are closed one hour prior to park closure, at 8:00 PM; both gates are locked, promptly, at 9:00 PM.
East Canyon Trail OPEN
Climbing Route Closures

Due to the fragile nature of  this area, the following regulations are strictly enforced on East Canyon Trail:

Visitors must remain on the designated trail.

No dogs or other pets are permitted.

No rock climbing, traversing or rappelling on or from rock formations.

Seasonal closures exist.

If you have questions or comments feel free to give us a call at 303.688.5242.

Castlewood Canyon is home to nesting raptors.  Please help us assure a successful nesting season by observing the following closures:

Closed through May 31:

Shakespearean Theater
Mind Meld
Vulture Wall

Closed through June 30:

Porky's Wall

Closed through July 31:

Morning Sun Wall.

Current Park Weather

Fair54.0° F
Fair
Wind: West at 9.2 MPH
Waterfalls, Pools and Grottos
May 23
Waterfalls, Pools and Grottos Thursday, May 23rd, 10:00am-12:00pm Join Volunteer Naturalist Ron Claussen for one of the most interesting snapshots of the park. It may be dry or it may be wet, but come see the pools, look up at the sky, and see what this park has to offer! Meet at the Visitor Center and bring plenty of water.
Animal Tracks
May 25
Animal Tracks Saturday, May 25th, 10:00am-12:00pm Join Park Interpreter Warren Coker to learn about the variety of species that leave tracks throughout the park. Take a hike to locate these animal tracks and make plaster casts of some of our favorite tracks in the park. Meet at the Visitor Center and bring plenty of water.
Naturally Inspired Home Landscaping Design
June 1
Join Volunteer Naturalist and local landscape designer Liz Bade on this short hike to discover the xeric, native and natural placement of landscaping elements in and around Castlewood Canyon. Meet at the Homestead parking Lot.
View the Castlewood Compass for current activites at Castlewood Canyon State Park.  To receive the Castlewood Compass electronically, please email us at castlewood.compass@gmail.com


Junior Ranger Camp
Date:  July 15-18
Time: 9am-2pm
Ages 7-12

Join us for four fun-filled days of Junior Ranger Camp.  Learn what it is like to be a Park Ranger and earn a Junior Ranger badge.

Spots are limited, so please fill out an application and turn it in to the park office by June 30.
Last Modified Date: 5/4/2013 4:43 PM