Named for the famous Castle Rock butte in Colorado’s Piedmont region, Castle Rock is a wealthy suburb of Denver. There are 75 miles of public trails available for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders, making up more than 25% of the picturesque town’s land area.
The Miller Activity Complex
The city of Castle Rock received land donations from private settlements and business tracts between 1947 and 1991, resulting in the development of Rock Park, a public open space spanning 62.3 acres. Under the direction of John Emerson and Paul Hill, two pre-existing parcels of 24.4 acres and 3.6 acres were combined to form what is today Rock Park in 1987. The park is called for a large rock that resembles a castle that gold prospector David Kellogg found in the area in 1859. There is a short but challenging hiking track that leads to the top of the rock, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountain region. Note that these are dirt trails, therefore wear proper footwear when climbing.
2.Rock Park
In addition to property parcels donated to the city from private settlements and business tracts, Rock Park is a 62.3-acre public open space located in Castle Rock. It was created in phases between 1947 and 1991. John Emerson and Paul Hill oversaw the 1987 combination of two pre-existing plots, 24.4 acres and 3.6 acres, to form what is today known as Rock Park. A short but strenuous hiking track leads to the summit of the rock, which provides expansive views of the surrounding Rocky Mountain region. The park is named for a gigantic castle-like rock that gold prospector David Kellogg found in the area in 1859. Keep in mind that certain routes are not paved, and when climbing, wear proper footwear.
1710 Front St, Castle Rock, CO 80104, Phone: 303-814-7444
3.Outlets at Castle Rock
Offering the greatest open-air outlet shopping experience in the state, Outlets at Castle Rock has been selected Colorado’s top outlet shopping facility every year since 2015. Situated in Castle Rock, within the Denver metropolitan region, the outlet center offers over 100 of the world’s most popular designer brands at discounts of up to 70% off retail pricing, enabling customers to get more for their money. Top designer outlets include Coach, J. Crew, Ralph Lauren, Guess, The North Face, and Kate Spade. A large range of men’s, women’s, and kids’ clothing retailers, like American Eagle, Gap, and Francesca’s, are also providing significant discounts. There are many different types of restaurants, from quick-service to full-service establishments like Villa Italian Kitchen and Ruby’s Diner.
5050 Factory Shops Blvd #437, Castle Rock, CO 80108, Phone: 303-688-4495
4.BURLY Brewing Company
One of Castle Rock’s best craft microbreweries, BURLY Brewing Company was first made available to the public in 2018 and was founded by George Goodman. The brewery converted its former homebrewing business into a 10-barrel brewhouse and large public taproom facilities, with the goal of creating distinctive, flavorful variations of established brewing styles. The company sells a variety of beers, including Blonde Beer’d Golden Ale, RaspHopster Juicebox IPA, Sailor Take Warning Red IPA, BURLY Wheat Ale, Don’t Fear the Reaper Chili Ale, and Hundred Acre Honey Brown Ale. The brewery always has 24 taps of its beers available, including year-round, seasonal, and special editions. Every day of the week, the brewery is available to the public and hosts food truck pop-ups from nearby eateries including Uncle Tapas and Colorado Pizza Company.
680 Atchison Way Suite 800, Castle Rock, CO 80109, Phone: 720-486-0541
5.Hidden Mesa Open Space and Trail
A 1,224-acre public open space area known as Hidden Mesa Open Space and Trail is shared by the Town of Castle Rock and Douglas County. It acts as a natural buffer between the cities of Castle Rock and Franktown. Natural grassland, shrubland, forest, meadow, and riparian ecosystems are protected by the open space, which also serves as a home for local species like coyotes, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and raptors. Large tracts of land north of Highway 86 are home to seven more miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, while a 74-acre section south of the highway borders the neighboring Gateway Mesa, which has 3.5 miles of hiking tracks. There are horse trailers, picnic shelters, and public facilities along the moderately simple to moderately challenging trails. A Douglas County-managed research and demonstration orchard is located inside the open space.
3217 CO-83, Franktown, CO 80116, Phone: 303-660-7495
6.Gateway Mesa Open Space Park
The Town of Castle Rock purchased Gateway Mesa Open Space Park in 1999, and it is currently operated in collaboration with Douglas County and the Colorado Open Lands organization. The park is situated on land that was once owned by Jan and Chuck Hewitt. They gave the area to the city to protect its natural resources and breathtaking cliff overlooks, although they had originally intended to build a retirement village there. With habitats maintained for mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, wild turkeys, and a variety of migrating birds, the park now features unique native vegetation for public park grounds, including Douglas fir trees, ponderosa pines, Gambel oaks, and a variety of native grasses. There are trailheads in the park’s parking lot, one of which connects to the Mitchell Creek Canyon Trail nearby.
4678 CO-86, Castle Rock, CO 80104, Phone: 303-814-7444, (website link)
7.Spruce Mountain Open Space and Trail
7.Spruce Mountain Open
Situated close to Castle Rock along a major wildlife corridor, Spruce Mountain Open Space and Trail is a large open mesa that links the Greenland Open Space and Ranch and Pike National Forest. Over 8.5 miles of recreational paths wind through Douglas fir and ponderosa pine forest regions, providing opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and dog owners to enjoy the Spruce Mountain scenery. The open space is managed by Douglas County. There are lookouts all along the trail system, including one that provides breathtaking views of Carpenter Creek, Pikes Peak, the Palmer Divide, and other nearby buttes. Easy to moderately difficult trails are available, along with amenities like public bathrooms and an interpretative kiosk.
13415 S Spruce Mountain Rd, Larkspur, CO 80118, Phone: 303-660-7495
8.Theatre of Dreams Arts and Event Center
One of the best places to see magic shows in the US is the Theatre of Dreams Arts and Event Center. It was first made available to the public in 2003 by married magicians Carol Massie and Joe Givan, who are the creators of the Dream Masterz magic show. They have appeared at places like the MGM Grand Resort in Las Vegas and the Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood. Throughout the year, the 72-seat theater hosted by the world championship-winning couple features a diverse range of distinctive acts, such as world-renowned magicians, jugglers, circus performers, ventriloquists, mindreaders, and comedy acts. Youth and adult students can enjoy a fun Wizard Camp that ends with a magic recital performed by all of the participants. The theater is also available for private special event rentals by guests, such as birthday celebrations, corporate gatherings, and weddings and receptions. (Link to webpage)
735 Park St C, Castle Rock, CO 80109, Phone: 303-660-6799
9.Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course
Renowned course architect Jim Engh created the stunning 6,900-yard championship Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course in Castle Rock. The course, which welcomed visitors in 1999, features breathtaking views, rolling terrain with significant elevation changes, and fairways that are home to native grasses and scrub oaks. Golfers of all skill levels can choose from five different sets of tees, and a full practice facility with over 35 turf stations, a practice bunker, target greens, and a putting green is available. Custom club fittings are provided in the full-service pro shop, and PGA-certified instructors are on hand to train guests of all skill levels. The Clubhouse Grill serves up delicious American cuisine and is available for lunch and dinner.
2156 Red Hawk Ridge Dr, Castle Rock, CO 80109, Phone: 720-733-3500
10.Columbine Open Space
Columbine Open Space was established in 1999 as a memorial to the victims of the Columbine High School tragedy by combining two open space properties into one lovely, large open space park. A 390-acre conservation easement managed by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Conservation Fund, and the Douglas County Land Conservancy is part of the open space under Douglas County’s jurisdiction. The county also manages a 150-acre tract. Elk, deer, and several migratory bird and marine life species, including the critically endangered Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, rely on these regions as vital protected habitats. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders can enjoy a three-mile loop trail that passes by a historic barn and rock springhouse. Horse trailers, composting toilets, and a picnic shelter are examples of public facilities.
2 Faraway Pl, Castle Rock, CO 80104, Phone: 303-660-7495
11.Crave Real Burgers
The well-known Colorado burger company Crave Real Burgers was founded in 2010 in Castle Rock by Jeryn and Jeff Richard, the previous proprietors of the town’s Old Stone Church Restaurant. For over five years, the company’s burgers have taken home the top honors at the Denver Burger Battle. Serving locally-raised Colorado beef burgers with a wide array of unusual toppings like tempura-fried cream cheese, jalapenos, grilled pineapple, raspberry barbecue sauce, and coffee-dusted onion straws, this trendy cafe also has outlets in Highlands Ranch and Colorado Springs. There are also clever sandwiches with an international flair, as well as regular and alcoholic milkshakes with components like creme de menthe and Arrosta coffee liqueur.
3982 Limelight Ave, Castle Rock, CO 80109, Phone: 303-814-2829
12.Union Bistro
Christina and Dennis Dickey, the previous owners of Kansas City’s PB&J Restaurants, are the owners and operators of Union Bistro, a gourmet American restaurant located in Castle Rock. To their new venture, which offers handcrafted small and large plates in a rustic setting with a bar and wooden seasonal outside patio, the couple also brought executive chef Kim Heideman. Appetizing dishes include cajun spaghettini, grilled fish with citrus brown butter, tacos with barbecued salmon, and creative flatbreads like the Thai flatbread that comes with Asian-style veggies and peanut sauce. Daily specials include salmon burgers, Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, and Mediterranean-style gyro sandwiches. Sandwiches and burgers are also served. On Saturdays, there are 22 varieties of discounted martinis available all day, and on Wednesdays at happy hour, there are wines at half price.
3 Wilcox St, Castle Rock, CO 80104, Phone: 303-688-8159
13.Castle Cafe
403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock, CO 80104, Phone: 303-814-2233
14.The EDGE Ziplines and Adventure
The EDGE, who genuinely loves outdoor exploration, started offering adventure activities in 1968 when they started leading tourists on river rafting excursions in Colorado. The EDGE debuted its top-notch zip line tour attraction in 2015 following the completion of several new projects in 2004 and 2010. World-class outdoor adventure attractions that put your bravery, balance, and even strength to the test are available to visitors to the area. The Edge’s 10-line zipline adventure, which sends guests hurtling along some of Colorado’s longest lines at fifty miles per hour, is without a doubt the main draw. In addition, the park has two rappelling stations accessible from the Adventure Tower, a 50-foot climbing wall with thirteen elements, and a four-story aerial trekking course called Sky Trek. The park’s Ninja Course, which includes six obstacles and three wall climbs to complete, is the last but certainly not least.
1375 West Plum Creek, Castle Rock, Colorado 80109; Phone: 720-733-9477
15.Castlewood Canyon State Park – West
The 2,600-acre Castlewood Canyon State Park is well worth a visit due to its historical significance to the state of Colorado, in addition to its stunning animals, environment, and terrain. It is special because it is the location of the remnants of the Castlewood Canyon Dam, which famously collapsed in 1933 and sent a 15-foot wall of water hurtling toward Denver’s downtown. The park is also home to numerous hiking and running paths, the Cherry Creek Bridge, and pathways accessible to those with disabilities. The park offers plenty of opportunity for experienced rock climbers, while nature enthusiasts can see stunning local fauna like coyotes, red foxes, mountain lions, and golden eagles.
125 N. Castlewood Canyon Road, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104
16.Philip S. Miller Park
Visit a regional favorite at the 300-acre Philip S. Miller Park. The park has something for every visitor to enjoy with various amenities available o guests. Among the many attractions at Philip S. Miller Park, some of the most popular include Challenge Hill, a 200-step climb with a 178-foot elevation. Despite being a tough climb, finishers are rewarded with a fantastic view at the top of the hill. There are also 8 miles of native-surface trail networks to explore, 1 mile of a paved trail that loops around the park, and a 2.5-acre playground for kids. Philip S. Miller Park has also partnered with The EDGE Ziplines and Adventures to make zipline tours and aerial courses available to visitors.
1375 W. Plum Creek Parkway, Castle Rock, Colorado 80109; Phone: 720-733-2260
17.Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum
Celebrate the history of Castle Rock and learn about its storied past at the Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum. The building in which the museum is located actually serves as its prime artifact and most distinct piece of history as the small depot was built in 1875 out of Rhyolite building stone, a type of stone that is native to the Castle Rock area. As the building fell into disrepair when it was taken out of commission, the Castle Rock Historical Society began renovation and restoration on the building and later opened the museum in 1997. Guests to the Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum can see various exhibits related to the history of the village such as the Rhyolite Exhibit, Rio Grande Railway Exhibit, and the Trailblazers of Douglas County Exhibit.
420 Elbert Street, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104; Phone: 303-814-3164
.Iron Mule Brewery
Combining the best of old and new craft techniques, the Iron Mule Brewery produces amazing beers that are inspired by the world while still remaining regionally influenced. The brewery sources most of its malts from Root Shoot Malting, a fellow Colorado establishment, and tries to source as much of its hops locally as possible. The Iron Mule Brewery is a warm, family-friendly place to visit that believes in bringing back community centers to everyday life. Meet new people and have great conversations over beer, the best social lubricant there is. Sample the brewery’s wide range of offerings through tasting menus on tap to get the best of every planet on your first visit.
514 N. Perry Street, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104; Phone: 720-328-9008
19.Honnibrook Craft Meadery
Honnibrook Craft Meadery is only two miles south of the Castle Rock downtown area. Made up of a small group of artists, Honnibrook combines the finest of modern technology with traditional mead-making techniques to make some of the greatest mead in the area. Honnibrook’s mead is made with the finest honey, fruit, and spices, which give each drink a powerful flavor and depth. Put away your mass-produced, low-cost alternatives. After tasting Honnibrook’s mead straight from the tap, you won’t believe there was another choice. Enjoy a fantastic evening with your loved ones at the meadery as you sample the numerous types of this fermented delicacy.
2276 Manatt Court Unit B9, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104; Phone: 720-257-9866
20.105 West Brewing Company
If you ask any Colorado beer enthusiast where to find some of the best beer in the state, they’ll probably tell you to visit 105 West Brewing Company. Eric, an ex-Army Helicopter Pilot, launched this veteran-owned brewery in 2015. The objective was straightforward: create the greatest craft beer possible. It’s easy to conclude that after taking home two Great American Beer Festival trophies, 105 West Brewing Company has succeeded. Visit the brewery to experience an extensive array of their handcrafted brews, including strong, IPA, red, brown, and lighter beers, as well as darker and sour options. To maximize your experience, order a few slices from 105 Pizza Co. to go with your preferred beer.
1043 Park Street, Castle Rock, Colorado 80109; Phone: 303-325-7321