Castlewood Canyon State Park, Franktown, CO
Franktown, Colorado · 45 minutes from Denver · $10 daily pass
📍 Local Notes from a Regular Hiker
Good to know: This guide was put together using public information and visitor reports. I’ve hiked these trails dozens of times over the years, so the tips here come from personal experience. But always double-check with the park office before driving out—conditions change, especially after storms.
⚠️ Before You Go (Critical Info)
Call ahead: +1 303-688-5242 (Colorado State Parks)
Check here: cpw.state.co.us/castlewoodcanyon
Weather matters: Flash floods can occur in the canyon after rain. Summer heat can be intense. Winter brings ice and snow.
Quick Park Details
📍 Getting There
Address: 2989 CO-83, Franktown, CO 80116
From Denver: I-25 South to CO-86 East, north on CO-83
Look for the signed entrance on the east side of CO-83
🕒 Opening Hours
Standard Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (daily)
Seasonal Notice: Winter hours may be limited. The park is subject to closure for hazardous conditions or snow.
🚗 Parking
Lot size: ~100 spaces
Reality: Fills up by 11 AM on weekends
Tip: Arrive early on peak days. Overflow parking is very limited on CO-83.
🎟️ Fees
Admission: $10 per vehicle (Colorado resident)
Pass valid: Until noon the next day
Colorado State Parks Pass: $80 annual
Trail Guide (What I Actually Do)
Easy Canyon Loop Trail (1.2 miles)
My take: The perfect introduction to the park. Gentle descent into the canyon with stunning views of the cliffs. Great for families and first-time visitors. Best in morning light for photography.
Moderate Rim Rock Trail (2.5 miles)
My take: Offers the best panoramic views of the canyon and the historic dam ruins. More elevation gain but well-maintained. Less crowded than the main canyon trail. Best in fall when the cottonwoods turn gold.
Hard Homestead Trail to Dam Ruins (4 miles round trip)
My take: The park’s signature hike. Passes historic homestead sites, descends to the creek, and leads to the impressive dam ruins. Some rocky sections and steep spots. Bring extra water—this is a full morning hike.
Local Trail Strategy (From Regular Use)
- Combine trails for a 3-4 mile loop (my usual)
- Water: Limited fill stations—bring at least 1.5L per person
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes recommended (rocky terrain)
What to Watch For
🦊 Wildlife
Mule deer: Common throughout the canyon
Turkey vultures: Soaring above the cliffs
Rattlesnakes: Possible in warmer months—watch where you step
Birds: Great horned owls, northern flickers, canyon wrens
🌸 Seasons
Spring: Wildflowers bloom in April/May
Summer: Hot in the canyon. Visit early morning. Flash flood risk.
Fall: Beautiful colors in mid-October
Winter: Snow-covered trails. Check conditions before visiting.
Photos from Regular Visitors
Disclaimer: These are user-submitted photos used for illustrative purposes. Copyright belongs to the original photographers. Seasonal appearance may vary based on weather and time of year.
Visitor Reviews & Public Feedback
Based on 3,500+ public reviews
“This is a great place to hike that is close to home. Traffic is light and the park is close to the south end of town. There are clean bathrooms by the parking lot.”
— Robert Garcia
“Fantastic place just south of Aurora, CO. It has easy trails but challenging enough to get you a good workout. Great to visit it when there is dry (West) weather.”
— Mario Hidalgo
“Nice state park, just southeast of Denver. Many hiking options, including canyon-side accessible path and trails that travel along the creek that runs through the canyon. Good family destination.”
— Superpages Reviewer
More Visitor Feedback
- Access: “Great for families. The main canyon trail is wide and easy enough for kids. Bring sun protection—it gets hot in the canyon.”
- Timing: “Go early morning on summer weekends. By 10 AM, the canyon is packed and hot. Weekday mornings are peaceful.”
- Preparation: “Watch for rattlesnakes in warmer months. Bring bug spray for creek areas. No food or drinks allowed in some sections.”
Common Questions
How much is the entrance fee?
It’s $10 per vehicle for a day pass. The pass is valid until noon the next day. Annual Colorado State Parks passes are $80.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a 6-foot leash. Dogs must be under control at all times. Bring waste bags—none provided. Watch for hot pavement in summer.
Is there cell service?
Very limited. Verizon works best at the visitor center but disappears in the canyon. AT&T and T-Mobile have no service. Download maps offline.
Are there facilities?
Restrooms and water at the visitor center. No water on trails. No food or drinks are allowed within the canyon area (park policy).
Is the park accessible?
The visitor center and parking are accessible. The Canyon Loop Trail has some accessible sections with packed gravel. Contact park for specific accessibility needs.
Can I camp overnight?
No camping allowed. This is a day-use park only. Nearest camping is at Cherry Creek State Park or Barr Lake State Park.
Are drones allowed?
No, drones are prohibited in Colorado State Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
What about wildlife safety?
Rattlesnakes are present in warmer months—watch where you step and avoid tall grass. Never approach wildlife. Report unusual behavior to rangers.
Is rock climbing allowed?
Yes, on designated sandstone walls. Climbers must follow park regulations. Bring your own equipment. Check current conditions as routes may close due to nesting birds.
What about flash floods?
Extremely important! If it’s raining upstream, get out of the canyon immediately. Check weather forecasts before visiting. The park may close during heavy rain.
Map & Location Notes
Address: 2989 CO-83, Franktown, CO 80116
GPS Coordinates: 39.3355° N, 104.7542° W
Local tip: The park entrance is on CO-83, about 5 miles south of Franktown. Look for the stone entrance buildings. If you reach Pikes Peak National Cemetery, you’ve gone too far south.
About This Guide
How we know what we know: This isn’t an official park page. It’s a directory entry based on publicly available information, visitor reports, and regular visits. The details here come from Colorado State Parks’ public resources and our own field checks.
Our Commitment to Accuracy
- We update this guide quarterly
- We note when information changes
- We link to official sources first
- We welcome corrections from park staff
Important: Park conditions change. Always verify current information with Colorado State Parks before visiting. We’re a directory site—park management is handled by state officials.