Castlewood Canyon State Park

About

Castlewood Canyon State Park, located approximately 30 miles south of Denver near Franktown, Colorado, is a day-use only park that does not offer any overnight camping facilities. The park is known for its dramatic canyon walls carved by Cherry Creek and the historic ruins of the Castlewood Canyon Dam, which catastrophically failed in 1933. The park features over 15 miles of trails suitable for hiking, rock climbing (with walls up to 60 feet), cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The main east entrance provides a visitor center, flush restrooms, picnic areas with grills, and paved access, while the west entrance offers a more rustic experience with gravel roads and vault toilets. Park gates lock promptly at sunset, and there is no overnight access. Those seeking camping near the park should look to nearby private campgrounds or other Colorado State Parks that offer overnight accommodations.

Directions

From Denver, head south on I-25 to Exit 184 (Castle Rock/Founders Parkway). Turn east onto Founders Parkway, then continue as it becomes CO-86. Turn north onto CO-83 and continue approximately 5 miles to the park entrance on the east side of the highway.