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Castlewood Canyon State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,590 Google reviews · Running trail in Franktown, Colorado · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 12 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Castlewood Canyon State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Expansive park with hiking trails, rock climbing walls, wildlife viewing opportunities & more.
What runners say about Castlewood Canyon State Park
“If you are visiting Denver south, Castle Rock, Parker, Franktown or are anywhere near the scenic (very scenic) route of Hwy 86, take time to at least drive through the park.”
“The area is very arid and dry, with very little shade, so it’s important to bring plenty of water and keep in mind that the sun can be extremely strong during most of the hike.”
“The park is a great place for people of all levels of fitness and interest of the outdoors.”
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 and quite of few great hiking paths ranging from easy to moderate and not too long. A good distance for old and young without being too long.
Nice place to visit, walk and hike around. Saw several people with dogs, beautiful birds and completely brush and trees. I could see this as a great place for a wedding, with beautiful views all around. Misty people stop at the first two parking lots to see the gazebo you can see from the highway.
Although the landscape may seem a bit plain at the beginning of the hike, it changes dramatically halfway through the trail and the scenery becomes absolutely spectacular. From the top of the canyon, the views are stunning, with incredible rock formations and a huge sense of scale all around.
This place is mesmerizing, unassuming and accessible. I went there twice within 24 hours. Went on several trails (and I’m not a hiker) and there are many levels (of ease or difficulty) and many beauties.
Trail conditions & character
“If you are visiting Denver south, Castle Rock, Parker, Franktown or are anywhere near the scenic (very scenic) route of Hwy 86, take time to at least drive through the park.”
“Dog friendly park, just a friendly reminder to dog owners please pick up after your dogs.”
“The area is very arid and dry, with very little shade, so it’s important to bring plenty of water and keep in mind that the sun can be extremely strong during most of the hike.”
“There are clean bathrooms by the parking lot and quite of few great hiking paths ranging from easy to moderate and not too long.”
“Very beautiful walk, they do have lots of paved walk ways.”
“There are clean bathrooms by the parking lot and quite of few great hiking paths ranging from easy to moderate and not too long.”
“6 mile loop (including Rim Rock Trail) and then some.”
Plan your run at Castlewood Canyon State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance12 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecpw.state.co.us
- Phone+1 303-688-5242
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Franktown
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mitchell Creek Canyon Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 73 reviews
Kid-friendly park featuring hiking trails.
Gateway Mesa Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 228 reviews
Hiking area featuring a loop trail along rocky cliffs with views of the surrounding valley, plus wildlife.
Hidden Mesa Open Space
4.6 ★★★★★ 226 reviews
Kid-friendly park featuring 7.5 miles of trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding, plus scenery.
