Castle Rock, Colorado

Castle Rock is named for its iconic castle-shaped butte, perched above downtown. The sizable interstate community’s population has grown over the last several decades, with an estimated population of around 70,000 residents in 2020.

It’s located on I-25, south of Denver, well before Colorado Springs. It resides at an elevation of 6,224 feet in Douglas County. There is a historic district with plenty of restaurants and some small shops downtown. For dining try Castle Cafe, a former hotel and bar, now known for its family-style dishes including its pan-fried chicken dinner.

History

Castle Rock CO The Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad Circa 1917 — Castle Rock, CO in 1917 along The Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad.

Castle Rock was founded in 1874 and incorporated on April 14, 1881. Prior to this, the land was home to the Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes, who resided in the geography between the South Platte River and Arkansas River. Learn more about the town’s history at the local Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum.

Main Attractions

Castlewood Canyon State Park – Cherry Creek cuts through this ten-mile sandstone canyon, a dramatic sightseeing attraction. This year-round day-use park is located fifteen minutes east of town in Franktown.

Outlets at Castle Rock – Shopping bargains on brand-name merchandise at over 130 stores. It’s located beside highway I-25.

Recreation

Castlewood Canyon State Park Boulders — Boulders in Castlewood Canyon State Park, east of Castle Rock. Photo: Robin Kanouse

Camping: Campgrounds are non-existence within the Castle Rock town limits, but there is plenty of opportunities nearby.

Your best for camping is to the mountains west of town past Sedalia. There a more than a dozen USFS campgrounds within the Pike National Forest around Sedalia/Deckers.
You can also head south to Larkspur or Monument for a couple of great private campgrounds.
Read about the camping near Castle Rock, Larkspur, and Monument.

Golfing: There are a number of gorgeous golf courses close to Castle Rock.

The Ridge at Castle Pines North and The Golf Club at Bear Dance are both consistently rated among the top courses in the nation.
Red Hawk Ridge is a newer public course with exceptional butte and mountain views.

Hiking: There are plenty of nature trails close to town.

The best hiking is at nearby Castlewood Canyon State Park. Trails of all types can be found, including those allowing pets.
A fun, short hike is up to the “Castle Rock” above the town. The trail leads to the top.

Accommodations

Booking.com

Hotels and lodging:

Read about the best hotels in Castle Rock.

Special Events

Jul – Castle Rock WineFest – Held in July, features a week of wine-paired dinners and live jazz leading up to the Grand Tasting on Saturday with more than 25 Colorado wineries.

Sep – Colorado Artfest at Castle Rock – Held the weekend after Labor Day and Castle Rock’s largest festival, invites more than 170 high-quality artists from across the country.

Castle Rock.