Tag: Castlewood Canyon

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Rimrock Trail at Castlewood Canyon State Park

This trail offers wonderful views of the canyon as well as the surrounding mountains and rolling hills of Parker and Franktown. To access the trailhead, enter at the west entry of Castlewood Canyon State Park and park at the first parking lot (the Lucas Homestead Historic site).

Take the Rimrock Trail (M). The trail begins with a gradual descend down to the canyon floor and across Cherry Creek then makes a gradual climb up the side of the canyon.

During the fall, the colors of the scrub oak and leaf trees are spectacular! There are beautiful views overlooking the canyon and all along the trail from the trailhead. It’s a pleasant hike with areas of scattered shade.

The trail leads to the Dam Ruins Historic Site; either return by the same trail (M) or hook up to the Creek Bottom Trail (G) which will take you back to the parking lot by way of the creek rather than the top of the canyon walls. Grab a map at the trailhead to guide you.

Note:You may also enjoy: Inner Canyon Trail, or Creek Bottom and Cherry Creek Trail.

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Inner Canyon Trail at Castlewood Canyon State Park

A fun and beautiful hike at Castlewood Canyon State Park is the Inner Canyon Trail. A 1.16 mile trail that takes you down into the canyon and along the waters of Cherry Creek is a relaxing and refreshing hike. There is a moderate incline of the trail into and out of the canyon itself, but wooden stairs and a well maintained trail made it easy enough for our 4 year old to navigate.

The canyon walls tower above the trail once on the canyon floor and the trees and boulders offer spots of shade. Many will take the time to dangle their feet in the creek or let their dogs go for a swim.
We enjoyed this leisurely hike on a Sunday (10:00am) early enough to beat the crowds and the midday heat.
There are restrooms, picnic tables and grill pits available at the trail head.

You may also enjoy Cherry Creek Trail Creek Bottom Trail at Castlewood Canyon Park.

Bridge in Inner Canyon Trail




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Three Easy Trails at Castlewood Canyon State Park

Inner Canyon Trail
Rimrock Trail
Cherry Creek and Creek Bottom Trail

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Cherry Creek Trail and Creek Bottom Trail at Castlewood Canyon

Castlewood Canyon State Park hosts a number of fun and scenic trails. Begin at the Westside parking lot and trailhead.

Start your hike on the Cherry Creek Trail north to the Lucas Homestead site. From there, take the Homestead trail until you meet up with the Creek Bottom Trail where you will go right (you may want to stop and take a look at the water while you are at this intersection- a great place for throwing stones into the water). After that section of the Creek Bottom Trail, you will go right onto the Cherry Creek Trail again back to the parking lot. Grab a map at the trailhead.

The trail offers hiking through scrub oak, small hills, and eventually down into the canyon itself. The canyon walls are covered in trees and lush vegetation, and the bottom of the canyon is covered in huge boulders. It is well maintained and has areas of gradual incline, creek crossing and and shade.

Picnic Recommendations:
We enjoyed packing a lunch and eating on the side of the trail once we found a large rock to call our table. There are many such areas along the trail – down near the water is open and there is a lot to see. Or, you may choose to have your picnic at one of the many picnic tables provided at the trailhead.

Restrooms available at trailhead.

Note:You may also enjoy: Inner Canyon Trail

10 Fantastic Rocky Mountain Hikes Near Denver - Mary Norton

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