Castle Rock, Colorado is a historic town that can be found between Denver and Colorado Springs. The town has a rich heritage stemming back to the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in the 1850s, which brought many miners to the area. Rhyolite was discovered here which led to a boom and period of prosperity.
Along with exploring the charming downtown area, visitors to Castle Rock can also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking at Castlewood Canyon State Park, ziplining, mountain biking, and more. Here is an ultimate guide to the best attractions in Castle Rock, Colorado.
Also Read: 25 Best Day Trips from Colorado Springs
Best Things to do in Castle Rock, Colorado
Castle Rock is a charming town that boasts a rich history and plenty of exciting attractions.
It is the epicenter of Douglas County and home to its administrative offices.
The town’s proximity to Denver and Colorado Springs make it a popular destination for anyone looking to explore the outdoors.
Here are the best things to do in Castle Rock, Colorado.
Also Read: 24 Best Day Trips from Denver, Colorado
Explore Downtown Castle Rock
Downtown Castle Rock is a vibrant space.
You can explore this area and uncover its history on a visit.
The area is scattered with beautifully restored Victorian buildings that date back to the gold rush era.
Many of them are built from local rhyolite including the famous Castle Cafe.
On a stroll down Wilcox Street, you can find an array of locally owned boutiques, bookstores, galleries, local eateries, and inviting cafes.
The famous antique store, Barn, is also located here.
Stop by the Historical Society to learn more about the town’s past.
Spend some time in Wilcox Square or see Festival Park.
Located adjacent to the creek, the park is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Downtown Castle Rock is a remarkable mixture of past and present and fun place to visit.
Check out the Castle Rock Museum
Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum is the perfect place to learn more about the town’s history.
It is housed in a 1875 Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Depot made from the locally quarried rhyolite stone.
The old train depot building is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The museum features fascinating artifacts and stories that will take you back in time.
See historic photographs, documents, Native American artifacts, railroad relics, and items from the gold rush era.
The museum also houses a gift shop filled with books on local history as well as souvenirs.
Hike the trail at Rock Park
Rock Park is an iconic attraction in Castle Rock, known for its stunning views and challenging hiking trails.
This unique park is home to the famous “Castle Rock,” a 60-million-year-old rock formation.
This castle shaped butte has attracted visitors for several years.
The main hiking trail wraps around the rock formation.
It is a 1.5-mile loop that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the town and surrounding areas.
It’s a moderately difficult trail, featuring an elevation gain of about 370 feet.
Watch a show at Theatre of Dreams
The Theatre of Dreams is a state-of-the-art performing arts center located in Downtown Castle Rock.
It hosts an array of stage performances, ballets, and concerts throughout the year.
The theatre also screens classic films such as Casablanca and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Opera Colorado sometimes puts on shows here as well.
The lobby features a café and bar, perfect for grabbing a bite before the show.
Enjoy batting or swimming at Miller Activity Complex
The Miller Activity Complex is located within the 300-acre Philip S. Miller Park.
It is a hub of sporting action and relaxation in Castle Rock, Colorado.
The complex features a large indoor field house, an aquatic center, trampoline area, an adventure playground, and several multipurpose fields.
Equipped with an indoor pool, it is an ideal place to enjoy swimming regardless of the weather.
If swimming isn’t your thing, you can also hit the batting cages for some baseball action.
Alongside these, the complex also offers thrilling adventures such as a 200-step Challenge Hill, a mini incline modeled after the famous Manitou Incline.
It also has a network of trails for hiking and mountain biking.
The outdoor amphitheater, part of Philip S. Miller Park, is a great place to catch a concert or other special events.
The surrounding park is fun for the entire family.
Enjoy people watching at Festival Park
Festival Park is the heartbeat of Castle Rock, Colorado.
Known as the town’s community gathering place, this park is a bustling hub of activities, events, and recreation.
Lush green spaces, a meandering creek, and an array of amenities make Festival Park a local favorite.
It’s the perfect spot for picnics with plenty of tables and benches scattered throughout.
For those who enjoy fishing, the park’s creek is well-stocked with fish.
The park’s amphitheater, with its state-of-the-art sound system, plays host to a variety of local and regional acts throughout the year.
Concerts, festivals, and community celebrations are frequent occurrences, filling the park with vibrant energy and community spirit.
For children, there’s an interactive water feature that offers fun and frolic during the summer months.
Festival Park is also home to a large Christmas tree during the holidays.
It’s a great place to people watch while sipping on your favorite beverage.
Check out the breweries in town
Castle Rock is not only famed for its outdoor activities and historic landmarks but also houses a thriving craft beer scene.
The town has a good selection of local breweries that serve a wide variety of artisanal beers.
105 West Brewing Company
Located on West Castle Pines Parkway, 105 West Brewing Company offers a selection of perennial favorites and rotating specialties.
The communal, friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect gathering place for beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Castle Rock Beer Company
Castle Rock Beer Company, nestled in downtown Castle Rock, serves up local flavors in a rustic, welcoming setting.
Here, you can enjoy a range of handcrafted beers and seasonal brews, with a focus on traditional American and European style ales.
BURLY Brewing Company
BURLY Brewing Company is a must-visit for those who appreciate a robust beer menu.
Located on South Perry Street, BURLY offers an impressive 24 brews on tap, ranging from IPAs to stouts, making it a haven for craft beer lovers.
The brewery also often has food trucks on the calendar.
Each of these breweries has its unique appeal, promising a memorable beer-tasting experience in Castle Rock.
Or visit the Honnibrook Craft Meadery
The Honnibrook Craft Meadery is a family-owned meadery in Castle Rock serving up locally crafted honey wines.
Mead is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey and water, and it has been popular since ancient times.
Although not as well known as beer, mead has been gaining popularity in recent years for its unique flavor and complex aromas.
The meadery offers a variety of small batch honey wines, with each handmade in their own traditional manner.
They also offer tours of the facility, where guests can learn about the process of making mead and sample some of their creations.
The Honnibrook Craft Meadery is a fun attraction in Castle Rock, CO.
Enjoy a round of golf at Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course
Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course is a par-71, 18-hole championship course.
It features 6,842 yards of lush bentgrass from tee to green and offers stunning views of the Front Range mountains.
The golf club also has an extensive practice area with a short game zone, chipping green and two practice greens for putting.
The site also features a pro shop, snack bar and private lessons.
Or enjoy tee time at The Ridge at Castle Pines North
The Ridge at Castle Pines North is a championship golf course with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
This par-72, 18-hole golf club features 6,919 yards of lush fairways and greens framed by majestic pines and Douglas firs.
The golf course also has an extensive practice area, including a driving range, two practice greens, and a short-game area.
The Ridge at Castle Pines North also offers private lessons, as well as a pro shop and snack bar.
Shop till you drop at Outlets at Castle Rock
Located only a short drive away from Denver, the Outlets at Castle Rock is a shopping haven for shopaholics and bargain hunters.
The outlet mall is situated at 5050 Factory Shops Blvd, Castle Rock, CO, amidst the stunning backdrop of the Colorado Rockies.
It is in fact the largest open-concept shopping mall in Colorado.
With over 100 brand-name stores such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike, Michael Kors, and Coach, you can search for goodies from your favorite brands.
But shopping isn’t the only activity to do here.
The outlets regularly host events like holiday celebrations.
It also has a wide selection of eateries, ranging from fast food in food court to fine dining.
You can easily refuel after a long day of shopping.
Watch a movie at AMC Castle Rock 12
For movie buffs, AMC Castle Rock 12 is the place to be.
This cozy cinema in downtown Castle Rock has twelve auditoriums equipped with state-of-the-art digital projection and surround sound systems.
AMC Castle Rock 12 also features its own snack bar, offering a variety of tasty treats to munch on while watching the movie.
The cinema also has its own mobile app, which makes it easy to purchase tickets in advance and pick them up at the box office.
You can even reserve your seat beforehand so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in a bad seat when the show starts!
Get your thrills on at The EDGE Ziplines and Adventure
For adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers, The EDGE Ziplines and Adventures is a must-visit in Castle Rock.
Located in the spectacular Philip S. Miller Park, this outdoor adventure park provides an exhilarating experience that combines nature and excitement.
It features an assortment of activities including ziplining, a ropes course, and a climbing wall.
The zip lines offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes as you soar across the sky.
The challenging aerial ropes course is another highlight that tests your agility and balance skills.
The facility ensures safety at all times, providing necessary gear, and trained guides to assist you.
Take a tour of the Cherokee Ranch and Castle
For those interested in history and architecture, a visit to the Cherokee Ranch and Castle is a must-do in Castle Rock.
This 3,400-acre property, located on a hilltop with magnificent panoramic views of the Front Range, is home to a Scottish-style castle built in the 1920s.
The castle is a treasure trove of art and history, boasting a rich collection of artifacts, antiques, and artwork from around the world.
It also houses a library filled with over 30,000 books and manuscripts, making it a haven for literature and history enthusiasts.
The estate is a functioning cattle ranch, giving visitors a glimpse into Colorado’s ranching history.
The land around the castle is inhabited by a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and coyotes, and is home to over 150 species of birds.
The estate also offers guided tours, where visitors can learn about the castle’s history, architecture, and the efforts to preserve the area’s natural and cultural resources.
Aside from its historical offerings, the Cherokee Ranch and Castle serves as a unique venue for special events, providing an unforgettable backdrop for weddings, concerts, and other social gatherings.
Visitors to the castle can also enjoy a variety of events throughout the year, including tea and tower tours, concerts, seminars, and theatrical performances.
Hike the trails at Spruce Mountain Open Space and trail
Spruce Mountain Open Space and Trail is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Castle Rock.
This expansive natural reserve is located in the larger Pike National Forest, offering miles of picturesque trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
The Spruce Mountain Trail, in particular, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
This is a moderately challenging loop of approximately 5.5 miles that takes you through serene forest landscapes, past wildflower meadows, and to the top of Spruce Mountain.
From the summit, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Pike National Forest and beyond.
The trail is well-marked and maintained – perfect for an outdoor adventure.
Explore Nature at Hidden Mesa Open Space and Trail
Located adjacent to the Spruce Mountain Open Space and Trail, Hidden Mesa Open Space and Trail offers an equally stunning outdoor experience.
The 810-acre property features a network of trails that take hikers through tranquil meadows, wildflowers, juniper trees, canyons, rocky outcrops, and other natural wonders.
The main attraction of the Hidden Mesa Trail is a unique set of rock formations known as ‘The Rocking Rocks’ – an ideal spot for a picnic or to simply sit and enjoy the views.
The trails are well-maintained, making them perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Enjoy the amazing views at Gateway Mesa Open Space
Gateway Mesa Open Space is located just on the outskirts of Castle Rock.
It offers breathtaking views, especially at sunrise or sunset, and an array of outdoor activities.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife and a lush landscape of ponderosa pine forests and wildflower meadows.
One of the highlights of Gateway Mesa is the 4-mile loop trail which is perfect for hiking, running, horseback riding, and bird watching.
The trail is well-maintained and is suitable for all skill levels.
The trail winds its way up to the top of the mesa from where hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the Front Range Mountains and the town of Castle Rock.
Remember to bring your camera to capture the stunning sunsets.
If you’re lucky, you might spot local wildlife including deer, foxes, and various bird species.
Spend a day outdoors at Castlewood Canyon State Park
Located south of Castle Rock, Castlewood Canyon State Park is a great place to visit.
This diverse park comprises relics of Colorado’s history – the remains of Castlewood Canyon Dam.
This earth and masonry dam was built in 1890 over Cherry Creek.
It failed catastrophically in 1933, due to unprecedented rainfall, and sent a 15-foot wave of water all the way to Denver.
Visitors can explore the ruins of the dam on their visit.
Apart from the historical significance, the park offers an extensive network of trails for hiking and bird watching.
The park is renowned for its birdlife, with various species including hawks, eagles, and falcons regularly spotted here.
The canyon itself is a marvelous sight, carved by the flow of Cherry Creek which runs through the park.
Along the creek, you may spot wildlife such as deer, foxes, and coyotes.
For nature photographers, the park offers numerous scenic vistas including the stunning water-carved canyon, verdant meadows, and rugged cliffs.
Castle Rock, CO is perfect for a fun day trip or the next weekend adventure.
Plan a trip to see the town’s historic sights, local restaurants, mining attractions, hiking trails, and parks as well as the horseback riding opportunities in the Castle Rock area.
What are your favorite things to do in Castle Rock, Colorado? Let us know below.