Rye, Colorado

Rye is a tiny town full of rolling hills and beautiful scenery. It is located a short drive west of Colorado City and is a peaceful little mountain village to visit if you need an alpine escape.

It lies in the heart of the Spanish Peaks Country at an elevation of 6,801 feet in Pueblo County. The annual Sonic Bloom Festival brings visitors through town each June, and as of 2020, there were 213 residents. The Statutory Town was incorporated on November 22, 1937, and people speculate the name either comes from the abundance of wild rye in the area or is a nod to rye whiskey.

Main Attractions

Large handmade stone castle — Bishop’s Castle in Rye, CO. Photo by: Chris Waits

Bishop’s Castle – A one-man-built stone and metal castle that started as a family project for a one-room stone cottage. It’s free to the public and surrounded by the San Isabel National Forest. You could spend hours exploring the unique architecture of this structure and sometimes the man himself, Jim Bishop, is there to chat.

Lake Isabel – A 40-acre alpine lake with pristine water and year-round recreation. There are plenty of campgrounds, and hiking trails, and the water is open for non-motorized boating.

Recreation

Snow covered trees next to a lake — Snowy day at Lake Isabel in Rye, CO. Photo by: ThinkLikeABlackBelt

Camping –

There are several USFS campgrounds located in the San Isabel National Forest just northwest of town via CO-165 W, especially surrounding Lake Isabel.
Aspen Acres is a private campground on CO-165 that is the perfect peaceful getaway. There are tent and RV sites as well as cabins to rent.
Table Mountain RV Park has RV spots available with a gym and a small coffee shop on the property as well.
Read about the camping near Westcliffe and Rye.

Fishing – The 40-acre Lake Isabel is a perfect location for fishing, hiking, and picnicking. It is regularly stocked with trout and Kokanee salmon.

Hiking –

Greenhorn Mountain Trail is a local favorite. It totals 13.1 miles out and back, but many opt to just wander the trail until they feel like turning around instead of tackling the whole thing.
Barlett Trail leads to Apache Falls and is a gorgeous spot for a hike. It has the option to connect to Greenhorn Mountain if you’re up for the challenge.

Accommodations

Rye Colorado Countryside Winter — Winter in Rye, CO. Photo by: coille_mor

Booking.com

There are many private rental accommodations in Rye, but no hotels. Colorado City is just an 8-minute drive from Rye and has a few hotel options.

Dining

Entrance to Rye cafe — Entrance to Rye Cafe. Photo by: facebook.com/theryecafe

Table Top Mountain Coffee Shop – A local hangout spot with great coffee, a breakfast menu, and frozen yogurt for warmer days.

Rye Cafe – Quaint cafe serves up fresh dishes every day of the week. Their menu features hearty breakfast options, sandwiches, cocktails, and pizza.

Special Events

Music festival laser show — Sonic Bloom music festival, held the weekend before the summer solstice on Hummingbird Ranch in Rye, CO. Photo by: facebook.com/sonicbloom

Jun – Sonic Bloom Festival – Three days of electronic music at Hummingbird Ranch in Spanish Peaks Country in late June. This is one of the longest-running music festivals in the state and a favorite among electronic music lovers.