Discover the Best Hiking Trails Near Colorado Springs in Castlewood Canyon
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Stunning canyon views on some of the best scenic hiking trails near Colorado Springs
Explore the Best Hiking Trails Near Colorado Springs with Stunning Views
If you're looking for some of the best hiking trails near Colorado Springs, Castlewood Canyon State Park is a hidden gem that's just a short drive away. Despite its proximity to Hwy 24, the park offers a wealth of scenic hikes near Colorado Springs that are teeming with wildlife, plants, water, and land formations.
Canyon Rim Trail gives amazing views of the now defunct dam wall.
The park offers several hiking trails suitable for hikers of all levels. The Canyon View Nature Trail is a popular choice, offering marvelous views of the canyon and the surrounding landscape. For a more challenging hike, try the Rimrock Trail, which features steep inclines and majestic panoramic views.
Castlewood Canyon State Park is a hidden gem among the best hiking trails near Colorado Springs. Whether you're looking for an easy day hike or a more challenging adventure, this park has something for everyone.
Discovered by settlers and homesteaders in the 1880s, they quickly settled in this fertile landscape, creating a large dam in the 1890s for water containment.
Spotted Towhee in the tree.
All was well until 1933 when the dam broke, creating millions of dollars in damage with storm waters reaching Denver. All that destruction created the canyon, giving us these scenic hiking trails near Colorado Springs to enjoy.
Discover the beauty of this area on many of the best Colorado hiking trails in the area. With remarkable canyon trails and scenic views, Castlewood Canyon is a must-visit destination for hikers. The park's Canyon Rim Trail provides views of the former dam wall, making it a popular spot for hikers of all abilities.
Castlewood Canyon 2,300 acres are home to four ecosystems, creating a birding paradise for enthusiasts. Turkey vultures and other unique birds call this park home, making it one of the most scenic hikes near Colorado Springs for bird watchers.
Spotted Towhees and Cowbirds, pairs of robins and western spiderwort sound like a Harry Potter novel right? Mountain Plover reveal Castlewood Canyon unique birding and flowering treasures on some of the best hiking trails near Colorado Springs.
For those looking for day hikes near Colorado Springs, Castlewood Canyon is a great option. The park is open 365 days a year, allowing visitors to explore its unique flora and fauna no matter the season.
Looking for more hiking options? Castlewood Canyon State Park boasts 14 trails open year-round. With hidden paradises and imposing granite rock views, it's no wonder these trails are considered some of the best hiking trails near Colorado Springs and Denver.
Start planning your hike today and experience the natural beauty of hiking a favorite among Colorado State Parks.
PRO TIP! We think Castlewood Canyon State Park shows her full colors in the fall with so many varieties of plants and trees. Hues of yellow aspens, orange scrub oak, and deep green pine trees make this the perfect leaf peeping park.
*For more Colorado fall hikes and drives, check out these nearby scenic parks, trails and day hikes near Colorado Springs and Denver.
When exploring the best hiking trails near Colorado Springs, make sure to bring along a few essential pieces of hiking gear. Hydration helps combat those pesky elevation headaches.
Snacks are perfect for enticing kids and grownups alike to keep going. Layers are always your best bet for Colorado’s erratic weather. Knowing how to pack a backpack for a hiking trip is key to a fantastic day out on the trail.
We’re big fans of Osprey backpacks. Their daypacks and kids packs are perfect for short easy hikes or long elevation treks. With a lifetime warranty and free repairs along with patented airstream system keeping your back sweatfree, the Osprey backpacks are worth the money!
Take their Packfinder test to determine what daypack works for you.
Enjoying a crisp fall day in Castlewood Canyon
Castlewood Canyon State Park Details
For all the nitty gritty details about Castlewood Canyon State Park, check out their has an excellent website filled park highlights and history.
When is Castlewood Canyon State Park Open?
Castlewood Canyon State Park is open from dusk to dawn 365 days/year.
Do you have to pay to get into CAstlewood Canyon?
As a state park, you must pay a fee to enter. The $10/day entry fee (or $80/year for the Colorado state park annual pass) is well worth the money. Plan a few hours to hike a few of the trails or take a full day, bring along a picnic and let your inner child play.
*In 2023, Colorado residents will see a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass added to their annual vehicle registration through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The $29 pass fee is included automatically unless you choose to opt out.
What time does Castlewood Canyon open?
Technically this state park is open from sunrise to sunset.
How many trails are in Castlewood Canyon?
The 14 best hiking trails near Colorado Springs accommodate all kinds of outdoorsy folk. Review Castlewood Canyon State Park trail map keeping in mind a few of the trails are ADA friendly.
Many of Castlewood Canyon State Park trails are dirt with small bits of gravel. To prevent those pesky rocks from interrupting your hike, wear short gaiters. Slip these lightweight socklike protectors over your shoes for a great rock free hike. They work well for mud as well.
Are there bathrooms in Castlewood CAnyon?
At the Visitor Center (east entrance) flushable toilets are available. Long drop toilets are kept clean at each parking lot.
Are dogs allowed at Castlewood Canyon State Park?
Dogs are allowed on leash except on East Canyon Preservation Trail. Share this trail with horses for one mile.
Can you fish in Castlewood CAnyon?
The Cherry Creek winds its way through the park, creating eddies and pockets of summer splashing fun and fall and winter views. You can fish (with a permit!). Look for good spots along the River Scene, Stinging Nettle and Al Foster trails.
Hiking in Colorado Tips
If you’re unfamiliar trekking on some of the best Colorado hiking trails or find elevation hiking tricky, we’ve got you covered!
Brush up on beginners hiking tips and learn what you need to bring on a hike in Colorado. Take the guesswork out of what to wear hiking Colorado.
Download a FREE Colorado Hikers Capsule Wardrobe checklist and grab a few hiking electrolytes to keep the elevation headache at bay! Consider wearing a great pair of hiking pants.
In summer months, the KUHL Kliffside Convertible pant works great for chilly mornings and hot afternoons. Investing in a few pieces of well made comfy outdoor gear pays back dividends on the trail.
If you’re new to hiking or just arrived at this altitude, make sure to bring along a bottle of water, go slow, catch your breath and give yourself grace. Castlewood Canyon State Park is the perfect place for new Colorado mountain hikers with moderate elevation gain on most of the trails.
Sometimes your body needs a little extra help in the hydration department. Ultima Electrolyte Powder makes tasty naturally sweetened electrolyte powders that make glugging water pleasurable. Even our kids are more than happy to gulp down 12 oz with Ultima in their water bottles.
4 of the Best Hiking Trails near Colorado Springs in Castlewood Canyon State Park
East Canyon Trail
Mileage: 4 miles Route: Loop
The bridge to nowhere along East Canyon Trail.
A Bridge to nowhere? Let’s go there! East Canyon Trail is the least traveled hiking trail during busy spring and summer months.
Trailhead Start
Park at the Canyon View trailhead, just minutes from the main park entrance gate.
Trail Details
The trail begins on a concrete ADA friendly path on the Canyon View spur leading to a viewing area.
Follow the main trail, staying left, heading east.
There are cairns along the way to follow. *Cairns are small stacks of rocks left by hikers to share social trails, usually simulating a pyramid shape.
PRO NOTE! Avoid the small sized ones; they will lead you astray.
At the end of the trail, you’ll see ample views of Castlewood Canyon and the Bridge to Nowhere.
Cherry Creek flows through Castlewood Canyon
At the bridge, stop and take in the views. Then head down sturdy stairs on the bridge, arriving under Highway 83. Cherry Creek will be to one side of you.
Hike alongside the creek, choosing either way at the Y intersection. Loop around, butting up to the edge of the park.
For the return, head back along Cherry Creek, under the bridge, up the stairs and back to the parking lot.
For full details on each step of this trail, check out Live and Let Hiker step by step details and stunning pictures.
FUN FACT! This historic bridge was nicknamed “Bridge to Nowhere” because Hwy 83 literally stopped at the end of it.
Part of a larger road project bringing Colorado Springs and Denver together, this original roadway (what is now I 25) was nicknamed the “Ribbon of Death” due to so many accidents.
In 2003 Castlewood Canyon State Park took on a large reconstruction project, updating the bridge and creating the East Canyon Trail.
PRO TIP! This trail is closed fall and winter for preservation efforts. Dogs are never allowed on the trail.
TRAIL PROS:
Less traveled means less people
A super cool bridge to hike under
Excellent view of Pikes Peak and the Front Range
TRAIL CONS:
Closed Fall and Winter
No dogs allowed
Abundant poison ivy in the summer
Canyon View Nature Trail
Mileage: 1.4 miles Terrain: Paved Route: Loop
View from the serpentine trail
We affectionately call this the “Little Loops for Little Legs” hike. The Canyon view Nature Trail is paved, perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, and quiet strolls. Expect to see a lot of leashed dogs.
*If you bring your dog, please pick up after them. There’s nothing worse than seeing bags of dog along the trail. THROW THOSE DANG BAGS AWAY!
Trail Start
From the Eastside Park entrance, park at the Visitor Center parking lot. Canyon View Nature trail head begins to the right of the paved lot.
Trail Details
Many of the trails have the best rock formations to explore.
An extremely well marked trail, enjoy wandering along the many spur trails throughout this short hike. You’ll note several picture taking spots along the way. A large guardrail marks the main lookout point over the canyon.
While this is one of the safest hiking trails in the park, it is quite a ways down. When my kids were little, I was a teensy bit afraid they’d fall over.
This is the perfect nature trail for kids, signs marking plants and rocks the entire way. It’s fascinating learning about the many ecosystems in this Colorado State Park.
TRAIL PROS:
Nice, fairly flat wide concrete trail
Visitor Center nearby with access to bathroom and water fountain
Large rocks for kids to play on
Trail connects to others in the park
Marked trail signs denoting area plant and wildlife
TRAIL CONS:
Exposed with little shade
Castlewood Canyon Creek Bottom Trail
Mileage: 2.8 miles Route: Out and Back
A well marked trail, follow along the Cherry Creek for one of the best scenic hikes near Colorado Springs
Perfect for kids and trail running, Castlewood Canyon Creek trail is short enough to knock out some speed or add miles for longer time on the trail by tacking on adjoining trails.
This is one of the best hiking trails near Colorado Springs with creekside views and short uphill meandering byways.
Trailhead Start
The easiest way to approach this trail is from Franktown, CO. From Hwy 83, turn onto CO - 86W.
Follow this until you see signs for Castlewood Canyon Road. Drive to the parking lot and note signs for the trail heading right.
Trail Details
Begin on the West Side Creek Spur Trail. This will eventually connect to Falls Spur Trail. You’ll come to a “T’ on the trail. Stay right on the Creek Bottom Trail. This will be your hiking path until you hit up Dam Trail. Stay left and continue hiking.
The Dam Trail runs right into the Inner Canyon Trail. This is an out and back with the option of adding the Inner Canyon loop if you’d like. Take it or turn around. Hikers choice!
Well marked trail signs throughout the park make these some of the best hiking trails near Colorado Springs.
CoHH TIP! The park has very well marked signs. While there are many spur trails, keep in mind this is a bottom of the canyon hike so you’ll stay relatively flat after a few hills here and there. Overall elevation on this hike is 206 feet so you’re not headed up huge hills.
You spend the bulk of your time hiking along the canyon floor. Impressive views of the damaged dam along with running water make this a pleasant hike for most abilities.
In summer months, watch out for poison ivy and rattlesnakes.
Enjoy the water but watch out for these critters - like to cool off too. It’s a quick day hike near Denver or a fun family hike near Colorado Springs, perfect for visitors unaccustomed to the altitude.
PRO TIP! For more added mileage, park at the Homestead trailhead and get in 4.5 miles roundtrip.
TRAIL PROS:
Waterfall along the trail
Awesome views of the old dam
TRAIL CONS:
Very muddy in spring months
No canyon rim views or mountain sightings on this trail
Castlewood Canyon is a super family friendly park. Some of the safest hiking trails in the park allow your curious kid to wander. If you love the hikes here, explore more dynamite family hikes near Denver.
Family hiking in Colorado is a free fun activity for all! If you’re kids are still in strollers.Colorado has amazing stroller friendly paved trails and nature loving hikes.
Inner Canyon Loop Trail
Mileage: 6.2 miles Route: Loop
This is the “I Want More Miles” Trail. It connects many trails together, including the Rim Rock Trail that follows the ridge rim.
Trailhead Start
You can start this hike at either trailhead, Lake Gulch Trail or North end of the park. NOTE! We started at Canyon Point parking lot so the summary is of that route.
Trail Details
Start at the Canyon Point Parking lot through the East/Main section. Take Lake Gulch across the creek to the connector trail.
Keep on the connector trail to Rim Rock, turning right in the Creek Bottom. You can choose, right or left to complete the inner loop.
For warmer hiking months, keep left, passing the dam. Continue straight on Inner Canyon for shade and water stops. This way gives you the best shade for most of the hike.
Keeping right gives you more elevation, climbing stairs to reach the canyon rim. This 6+ mile loop starts and ends at the Canyon Point Parking lot.
PRO TIP! As you come down the hill, arrive at a placard showing pictures of the valley pre flood. A beautiful bench sits under a large tree, giving you the perfect opportunity to sit down and soak in the valley floor beauty.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of homesteader history, head down the rocky but well-marked trail entering the forest ecosystem filled with large pines and cottonwoods swaying above you.
Take a few minutes to quietly walk along one of the best hiking trails near Colorado Springs, listening to the birds sing.
The scrub oak along the path is brilliant shades of orange and red in the fall. Off to the side, note a rushing waterfall.
Eagles and turkey vultures are abundant in this park during spring and summer months. Don’t forget to look up!
No matter which route you take, you’ll find stunning views of Pike Peak and the Front Range at the top of the canyon.
PRO TIP! If you have small children with you, keep an eye on how close they get to the edge. It’s a steep drop in some places.
Pass by a grouping of rocks that resemble a rock barrier around a castle. There are several spots where kids can safely climb on these large boulders.
PRO TIP! Along the rim have your downloaded map handy. The flat portion is moderately marked, allowing for unexpected detours if you’re not vigilant with your map app.
The COTREX and All Trails maps of this route are pretty darn accurate.
If getting slightly turned around is an adventure for you, leave the map at home and stick to close to the rim. You’ll eventually find your way down.
Head down a group of rock stairs, finding yourself at the river. In summer months the water moves at a fairly good clip. There are a few areas of shallow water eddies, allowing kids the perfect opportunity to dip their toes in and splash around.
Outdoor water safety reminders - be mindful of sudden depth, slick rocks and fast currents. Always keep kids within arm distance of you.
Cross over a few boulders and head back, arriving back at the parking lot where you started.
PRO TIP! If you head out in the afternoon, go counterclockwise to hit the shade and get the downhill at the end. For more more mileage, combine this trail with Canyon View Nature trail for just over 8 miles roundtrip.
Rock hopping along the Cherry Creek.
TRAIL PROS:
Gorgeous views of the Front Range, Pikes Peak and the park
Water and small eddies for toe dipping and kid playing
Variety of trees and bushes, creating spectacular beauty especially in the fall
Great picnic spots (with tables) for fun breaks
TRAIL CONS:
Very popular trail in the summer months. Start early to avoid crowds
Exposed rim gets hot in the summer months
Beware of rattlesnakes near the water
Nearby Places To Eat
If all that hiking and fresh air worked up an appetite, check out these nearby local restaurants and breweries for a pint and bite.
105 West Brewing Company
1043 Park Street, Castle Rock, CO 80109
Dog friendly (patio only) with food trucks on site, 105 West Brewing Company offers an array of beer and drinks. Check out a customer favorite brew- Deez Nutz. Great views of Castle Rock.
Adriana’s Mexican Restaurant
7272 CO-86, Franktown, CO 80116
This small town Mexican restaurant is not to be missed. While tight on room, the homemade food is worth the wait with authentic flavors. Check out the traditional Green Chili and enchiladas. Adult drinks available.
Challenge HIll in Castle Rock, CO
Tackling Challenge Hill and Nearby Hikes
If you’re lookign for hikes near Parker or Denver, Castlewood Canyon State Park is a great place to start. Castle Rock is very close, giving you more day hike options.
While Colorado Springs boasts about having THE MANITOU INCLINE, Castle Rock’s Challenge Hill is no wimp.
Head on over to Philip Morris park and tackle this mini beast. Bring the bikes and take on mountain trails. For the real adventurous, zipline or get high on a three story ropes course.
Hike to nearby Castle Rock, a short but steep journey up the famous hill spotted from I-25.
Have you been to Colorado’s Castlewood Canyon State Park?
We’d love to hear your favorite trail in the park. Let us know in the comment section.
