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Castle Rock Colorado
Downtown Castle Rock.

Castle Rock, Colorado

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Castle Rock is named for its iconic castle shaped butte, perched above downtown. The sizable interstate community’s population has grown over the 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, whom 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 cut this ten mile sandstone canyon, a dramatic sightseeing attraction. This year round day-use park is located fifteen minutes east from 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 opportunity 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 town. The trail leads to the top.

Accommodations



Booking.com

Read about the Top 5 Cool 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.
Shops on Wilcox Street.
Next Door Bar and Castle Cafe.
Wilcox Building.
Sunset over the Castle Rock Dog Park.
Evening in downtown.
Castle Rock CO Downtown Wilcox Street
Wilcox Street in downtown Castle Rock. Photo: Jared Winkler

Activities near Castle Rock

Amusement:

  • Miller Activity Complex

Federal Lands:

  • Pike National Forest

Museums:

  • Castle Rock History Society and Museum

Public Parks:

  • Philip S Miller Park
  • Sandstone Ranch Open Space (14mi)

Shopping:

  • Outlets at Castle Rock

State Parks:

  • Castlewood Canyon (12mi)

Towns:

  • Castle Pines (8mi)
  • Colorado Springs (40mi)
  • Deckers (38mi)
  • Denver (28mi)
  • Elbert (25mi)
  • Elizabeth (15mi)
  • Franktown (8mi)
  • Highlands Ranch (17mi)
  • Kiowa (23mi)
  • Larkspur (11mi)
  • Littleton (22mi)
  • Lone Tree (13mi)
  • Monument (23mi)
  • Parker (13mi)
  • Roxborough Park (21mi)
  • Sedalia (8mi)

Transportation:

  • Lyft
  • South Suburban Taxi
  • Uber

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