🚗 Day Trips
$ Castlewood Canyon State Park
2989 S State Hwy 83, Franktown, CO 80116
A surprise canyon between Colorado Springs and Denver where Cherry Creek cut a steep gorge — easy trails, the ruins of a 1933 dam break, and almost no crowds.
About an hour north off Highway 83 — most Coloradans don’t know it’s here. The Inner Canyon Loop (1.5 mi) drops into the gorge and follows the creek past the dam ruins. The Rim Rock Trail stays up top with overlooks.
Bring water and a state-parks pass (or pay at the kiosk). The visitor center has a small natural-history exhibit. Easy add-on if you’re already going to Denver for something else.