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Castle Rock is a town of about 80,000 people in Douglas County, Colorado, halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs. It takes its name from the castle-shaped butte that rises above downtown, and it grew in the 1870s around rhyolite stone quarries whose pink stone was used across Colorado.
The butte is protected in Rock Park, where a short but steep trail climbs to the top for sweeping views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range, with a star lit on its summit every holiday season. The historic downtown along Wilcox Street has restored stone buildings, restaurants and shops, and the Castle Rock Museum is in the 1875 railroad depot.
The town has a large network of trails and open spaces. Philip S. Miller Park has the Millhouse, an adventure course, a giant outdoor staircase and miles of trails, and Castlewood Canyon State Park, with its canyon and dam ruins, is a short drive east. The Outlets at Castle Rock attract shoppers from across the region.
The park around the castle-shaped butte that gave the town its name, with a short but steep trail of about 1.5 miles round trip to the base of the rock and wide views of the Front Range and Pikes Peak. It is a favorite sunset hike. Parking is small, so come early or late, and bring water.
A town open space on the ridges west of downtown with about 10 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking through scrub oak and grassland, with views of the rock and the mountains. Wildlife such as deer and hawks are common. Trails are exposed, so bring sun protection and plenty of water in summer.
A town tradition since the 1930s, when a large star on top of the rock is lit in late November and shines through the holidays. The free Starlighting event brings music, food and fireworks downtown, and some people hike up for the lighting. Dress warmly and arrive early for good viewing spots.
A large town park with hiking and biking trails, the 200-step Challenge Hill staircase, a huge adventure playground, a zip line and climbing tower, and an indoor recreation center with pools. It is very popular with families. Some activities need tickets, while trails and the playground are free.
A state park southeast of town with a canyon carved by Cherry Creek, the ruins of the Castlewood Canyon Dam that failed in 1933, waterfalls in wet seasons and rock climbing walls. Trails range from easy rim walks to rocky canyon loops. A daily vehicle pass is required; weekdays are much quieter.
A downtown park along Plum Creek with lawns, a splash pad, a stage and walking paths, used for concerts, farmers markets and town events. Kids love the water play area in summer. It is a short walk from the shops and restaurants of Wilcox Street, and parking is available in nearby public lots.
A small history museum in the 1875 railroad depot, moved to its current downtown site, with exhibits about the town's rhyolite stone quarries, ranching and railroad history. Admission is free and volunteers share local stories. It keeps limited hours, so check ahead before visiting the depot.
The historic downtown along Wilcox and Perry Streets, with rhyolite stone buildings housing restaurants, breweries, coffee shops and boutiques. It is lively on weekends and during events like the farmers market. The streets are walkable, with free parking in public garages and lots nearby.
An outdoor outlet mall beside Interstate 25 with dozens of brand name outlet stores selling clothing, shoes, home goods and accessories at discount prices, plus food options. It sits on a hill with mountain views. Weekday mornings are quieter, and seasonal sales bring extra discounts.
A small Douglas County open space just north of Castle Rock with an easy gravel loop trail of a little over a mile, crossing grassland with wide views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range. It is a good choice for a short, easy walk with dogs on leashes. There is little shade, so go early or late on hot days.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Smallbones, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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