Cave Trail at Castlewood Canyon
Colorado's Castlewood Canyon State Park has several caves hidden in the park, but this set has their own trail. It's a short trail, just a 1/8 mile one-way, but can be combined with other hiking trails--one that takes you to a waterfall--to create a real adventure. Check out the trail snapshot to get the map, driving directions to Castlewood Canyon, and tips for exploring the Cave Trail in Castlewood Canyon.
Trail Snapshot: Cave Trail at Castlewood Canyon
Hike Distance | 0.14mi (.28mi RT) |
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Difficulty | Moderate due to terrain |
Duration | Approx 30min Round Trip |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Seasons | All |
Dogs | Allowed on Cave Trail, But Not on the East Canyon Trail |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of Cave Trail at Castlewood Canyon |
Denver Drive Time | 1 hr |
Driving Directions to Cave Trail at Castlewood Canyon | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Castle Rock, Colorado |
Beauty | Cliffs, caves, mature ponderosa pines |
Activities | Rock climbing, hiking, picnic areas, nearby waterfall |
Fee Required | Visit Colorado State Parks Site |
Looking for caves close to Denver? They may not be extensive, but they are still fun to explore. There are actually two caves along the top of the trail. One is a kind of large crack in the rock that leads to a larger chamber. I wish I could describe it better, but my 2 1/2 year old, when I asked if she wanted to go inside, was concerned that the "bears might be awake." There are more caves hidden in Castlewood Canyon waiting to be found, but that is for another post.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Cave Trail at Castlewood Canyon :
- Finding the Trail: The cave trail can be accessed by hiking across the dirt road from the parking lot. The Google Map is very specific and should be helpful in finding the correct parking area.
- Add the Waterfall: The Waterfall Hike can be added to your trip. Midsummer raspberries can be found above the falls along the trail.
- Finding the Traihead: The West Side entrance can be difficult to find. Usually, Colorado State Parks have brown signs indicating the park roads. The west side doesn't. But the name of the road you're looking for is "Castlewood Canyon" - easy to remember.
- Short but Steep Hike: The hike is easy when you consider the distance, but we rated this one as difficult because the trail can be quite uneven and very steep. Watch your footing.
- Make it a Loop Hike: You can make an even larger loop out of the hike by exiting on either the north or south end of the Cliff Base or Climber's Trails, then crossing the road east to one of the parking areas. From there, take the West Side Spur or the Creek Bottom Trail back to your car. See the Castlewood Canyon Map below for details.
- TIP: Hikes in Castlewood Canyon can be quite exposed to the sun, so bring the sunscreen.
- TIP: Poison Ivy: We've been surprised how poison ivy flourishes in this park, often along the edge of the trail. Know how to identify it, so that you can avoid it. But don't let that deter you from the park. You just need to keep an eye out. See our post on how to identify and treat poison ivy.
- Trail Map for Castlewood Canyon: Trail Map Link
- Additional Maps: Castlewood Canyon State Park Trails
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Crowfoot Valley Coffee
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Map & Driving Directions
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East Plum Creek Trail in Castle Rock
This paved trail meanders along Plum Creek in Castle Rock, Colorado. Though it winds through developed areas, the Plum Creek trail has some surprises: towering cottonwoods, pines, and the seasonal sounds of Plum Creek. Be sure to explore snapshot and full hiking profile below to get the details on parking, trail map, and hike options.
Castle Rock is a growing community South of Denver and not without it's some great hikes. Be sure to explore the many trails out in Castlewood Canyon State Park, and our hikes near Castle Rock, Colorado page.
Trail Snapshot: East Plum Creek Trail in Castle Rock
Hike Distance | 6 miles of trail |
---|---|
Difficulty | Easy |
Duration | Approx 30 min to 4 hrs |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Seasons | All |
Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of East Plum Creek Trail in Castle Rock |
Denver Drive Time | 35 min |
Driving Directions to East Plum Creek Trail in Castle Rock | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Castle Rock, Colorado |
Beauty | Cottonwoods, meadows, wetlands, wildlife: Preble's meadow jumping mouse, beavers, migratory birds |
Activities | Hiking, running, biking, birdwatching |
The East Plum Creek Trail winds through the heart of Castle Rock, Colorado, through wetlands, and along the banks of Plum Creek. Starting from the Meadows Parkway lot, you can head North for 1.8+ miles through cottonwoods and between two historic railways. If you head south along the trail from the Meadows lot, the trail will take you into a wetland habitat where beavers build and migratory birds rest. Follow the trail south for 3 miles and all the way into town for a 6 mile round trip.
Tips & Resources for Hiking East Plum Creek Trail in Castle Rock:
- TIP: One can take a close-up look at the unique wetland habitat along the East Plum Creek and lower Sellars Gulch, which are great locations to go bird watching.
- TIP: Parking is available at the Meadows Parkway. There are additional parking areas at Festival Park and along South Perry Street.
- Trail Map for East Plum Creek Trail: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Crowfoot Valley Coffee
Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions
Castle Rock Trail
Rock Park in Castle Rock, Colorado is the trailhead for a 1.4 mile loop within a loop hike that climbs to the base of the town's famous Castle Rock. Click here for the Castle Rock trail map. Explore Dayhikes Near Denver for more hikes in Colorado with impressive rock formations.
Trail Snapshot: Castle Rock Trail
Hike Distance | 1.4 Miles+Spurs |
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Difficulty | Moderate (can be difficult over rocks) |
Duration | Approx. 1 hr+ |
Trail Type | Loop |
Starting Elevation | 6220' |
Elevation Gain | Approx. +370' |
Seasons | All |
Dogs | Allowed On Leash |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of Castle Rock Trail |
Denver Drive Time | 35 min |
Driving Directions to Castle Rock Trail | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Castle Rock, Colorado |
Beauty | Historical monument, rock formations, Front Range views, wildlife: rock squirrels and cliff swallows |
Activities | Hiking trails, picnic areas, no bikes or horses are allowed |
Tips & Resources for Hiking Castle Rock Trail :
- TIP: There is a panoramic view of Castle Rock at the top. Pike's Peak can be seen to the southwest, and Long's Peak to the northwest.
- TIP: A wide, flat path encircles the rock with a picnic area. Tables are available.
- Trail Map for Castle Rock Trail: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Crowfoot Valley Coffee
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Map & Driving Directions
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Canyon View Nature Trail at Castlewood Canyon
Castlewood Canyon cuts a unique and green landscape into the plains near Denver. It's not the mountains, but it's worth the drive. Castlewood Canyon State Park has created this beautiful paved trail that follows the canyon rim.
The Canyon Rim Trail also offers an audio tour and is a great way for children to learn more about the plains habitat that covers much of Colorado. Explore this full trail profile for driving directions, trail map, and all the details and tips you'll need to plan your trip to this Colorado State Park.
Trail Snapshot: Canyon View Nature Trail at Castlewood Canyon
Hike Distance | 1.2 mi (2.4 mi RT) |
---|---|
Difficulty | Easy |
Duration | Approx 1 hr or less |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Seasons | All |
Dogs | Allowed on Leash in Most Areas, But Not on the East Canyon Trail |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of Canyon View Nature Trail at Castlewood Canyon |
Denver Drive Time | 50 min |
Driving Directions to Canyon View Nature Trail at Castlewood Canyon | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Castle Rock, Colorado |
Beauty | Interesting geology, canyon views, interpretive trail, wildflowers, birdwatching |
Activities | Guided audio nature tour, hiking, picnic areas, visitors center |
Fee Required | Visit Colorado State Parks Site |
One of the best handicap accessible trails near Denver, the Canyon View Nature Trail at Castlewood Canyon State Park is a 1.2 mile interpretive trail. It runs along the western edge of the top of the canyon and weaves through ponderosa pine and a wonderful variety of wildflowers. The entire trail is a concrete walkway, making the area very accessible to wheelchairs. The trail ends at the Bridge Canyon overlook. Don't miss the view, it's wonderful.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Canyon View Nature Trail at Castlewood Canyon
- TIP: Pick up a brochure so that you can find the various access points for the trail and can take advantage of the side trails.
- Audio Tour: Begin at the visitor's center where you can pick up an audio tour player which guides you through the 5 different ecosystems that are found in Castlewood Canyon.
- Wildflowers: Late June and Early July are the best times to view the wildflowers in Castlewood Canyon.
- Bring Sunscren: Hikes in Castlewood Canyon can be quite exposed to the sun, so bring the sunscreen.
- TIP: Poison Ivy: We've been surprised how poison ivy flourishes in this park, often along the edge of the trail. Know how to identify it, so that you can avoid it. But don't let that deter you from the park. You just need to keep an eye out. See our post on how to identify and treat poison ivy.
- Trail Map for Castlewood Canyon: Trail Map Link
- Additional Maps: Castlewood Canyon State Park Trails
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Crowfoot Valley Coffee
Weather
Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions
Cliff & Climber's Trails at Castlewood Canyon
If you want to explore the crags and hidden pockets of Castlewood Canyon State Park, this combination of trails makes for a fun adventure in a part of Colorado that a lot of hikers miss. The park is nestled into the plains Southeast of Denver, and has a lot of hiking options. Check out the trail profile below to get driving directions, link to a map for the hike, tips, and all the details on this trail.
Trail Snapshot: Cliff & Climber’s Trails at Castlewood Canyon
Hike Distance | 0.32mi (0.64mi RT) |
---|---|
Difficulty | Moderate due to terrain |
Duration | Approx 30-40min Round Trip |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Seasons | All |
Dogs | Allowed, But Not on the East Canyon Trail |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of Cliff & Climber’s Trails at Castlewood Canyon |
Denver Drive Time | 1 hr |
Driving Directions to Cliff & Climber’s Trails at Castlewood Canyon | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Castle Rock, Colorado |
Beauty | Cliffs, cave, mature ponderosa pines |
Activities | Rock climbing, hiking, picnic areas, nearby waterfall |
Fee Required | Visit Colorado State Parks Site |
These two trails can be combined to get a full hike along the cliff band that runs along the western edge of Castlewood Canyon State Park. A cave can be found near the middle of the trail. It is a kind of large crack in the rock that leads to a larger chamber. I wish I could describe it better, but my 2 1/2 year old, when I asked if she wanted to go inside, was concerned that the "bears might not be sleeping."
Tips & Resources for Hiking Cliff & Climber’s Trails at Castlewood Canyon :
- Finding the Trail: The cave trail can be accessed by hiking across the dirt road from the parking lot. The Google Map is very specific and should be helpful in finding the correct parking area.
- Add the Waterfall: The Waterfall Hike can be added to your trip.
- Finding the Traihead: The West Side entrance can be hard to find. Usually, Colorado state parks have brown signs indicating the park roads. The west side doesn't. But the name of the road you're looking for is "Castlewood Canyon" - easy to remember.
- Short but Steep Hike: The hike is easy when you consider the distance, but we rated this one as difficult because the trail can be quite uneven and very steep. Watch your footing.
- Make it a Loop Hike: You can make an even larger loop out of the hike by exiting on either the north or south end of the trail, then crossing the road east to one of the parking areas. From there, take the West Side Spur or the Creek Bottom Trail back to your car. See the Castlewood Canyon Map below for details.
- TIP: Hikes in Castlewood Canyon can be quite exposed to the sun, so bring the sunscreen.
- TIP: Poison Ivy: We've been surprised how poison ivy flourishes in this park, often along the edge of the trail. Know how to identify it, so that you can avoid it. But don't let that deter you from the park. You just need to keep an eye out. See our post on how to identify and treat poison ivy.
- Trail Map for Castlewood Canyon: Trail Map Link
- Additional Maps: Castlewood Canyon State Park Trails
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Crowfoot Valley Coffee
Weather
Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions
Waterfall Hike at Castlewood Canyon
This may be the most accessible waterfall near Denver. If you hit the right parking lot, it's a 10 minute hike.So, grab a park brochure and find the Northernmost trailhead for the Creek Bottom Trail (Homestead Trailhead). This will add close to 1 mile to your hike. Then you can loop back via the Cherry Creek Trail for a total of about 2 miles.
Trail Snapshot: Waterfall Hike at Castlewood Canyon
Hike Distance | 1/4 mile Round Trip (see trail options below) |
---|---|
Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
Duration | 20 min |
Trail Type | Out & Back and Loop |
Seasons | All Season |
Dogs | Allowed on Leash in Most Areas |
Denver Drive Time | 50 min |
Directions | Click for Google Map |
Beauty | Cherry Creek, waterfall, interesting geology, canyon views, ruins |
Activities | Rock climbing, hiking, picnic areas, birdwatching, wildlife viewing |
Fee Required | Visit Colorado State Parks Site |
Tips & Resources for Hiking to the Castlewood Canyon Waterfall
- Easy to Miss: The West Side entrance can be hard to find. Usually, Colorado state parks have brown signs indicating the park roads. The west side doesn't. But the name of the road you're looking for is "Castlewood Canyon" - easy to remember.
- Shortest Access: The shortest way to access the falls is by parking at the Waterfall Parking Lot, then taking the Waterfall Spur to the Creek Bottom Trail. Head South, and you'll hear the waterfall in just a few moments.
- Exposed: Hikes in Castlewood Canyon can be quite exposed to the sun, so bring the sunscreen
- Poison Ivy: We've been surprised how poison ivy flourishes in this park, often along the edge of the trail. Know how to identify it, so that you can avoid it. But don't let that deter you from the park. You just need to keep an eye out. See our post on how to identify and treat poison ivy.
- Trail Map for Castlewood Canyon State Park: Trail Map Link
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Crowfoot Valley Coffee
Weather
Click for Driving Directions