Castlewood Canyon cuts a unique and green landscape into the plains near Denver. It’s not the mountains, but it’s worth the drive. Castlewood Canyon State Park has created this beautiful paved trail that follows the canyon rim.
The Canyon Rim Trail also offers an audio tour and is a great way for children to learn more about the plains habitat that covers much of Colorado. Explore this full trail profile for driving directions, trail map, and all the details and tips you’ll need to plan your trip to this Colorado State Park.
Trail Snapshot: Canyon View Nature Trail at Castlewood Canyon
Hike Distance | 1.2 mi (2.4 mi RT) |
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Difficulty | Easy |
Duration | Approx 1 hr or less |
Trail Type | Out and Back |
Seasons | All |
Dogs | Allowed on Leash in Most Areas, But Not on the East Canyon Trail |
Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of Canyon View Nature Trail at Castlewood Canyon |
Denver Drive Time | 50 min |
Driving Directions to Canyon View Nature Trail at Castlewood Canyon | Click for Google Map |
Town Nearest Hike | Castle Rock, Colorado |
Beauty | Interesting geology, canyon views, interpretive trail, wildflowers, birdwatching |
Activities | Guided audio nature tour, hiking, picnic areas, visitors center |
Fee Required | Visit Colorado State Parks Site |
One of the best handicap accessible trails near Denver, the Canyon View Nature Trail at Castlewood Canyon State Park is a 1.2 mile interpretive trail. It runs along the western edge of the top of the canyon and weaves through ponderosa pine and a wonderful variety of wildflowers. The entire trail is a concrete walkway, making the area very accessible to wheelchairs. The trail ends at the Bridge Canyon overlook. Don’t miss the view, it’s wonderful.
Tips & Resources for Hiking Canyon View Nature Trail at Castlewood Canyon
- TIP: Pick up a brochure so that you can find the various access points for the trail and can take advantage of the side trails.
- Audio Tour: Begin at the visitor’s center where you can pick up an audio tour player which guides you through the 5 different ecosystems that are found in Castlewood Canyon.
- Wildflowers: Late June and Early July are the best times to view the wildflowers in Castlewood Canyon.
- Bring Sunscren: Hikes in Castlewood Canyon can be quite exposed to the sun, so bring the sunscreen.
- TIP: Poison Ivy: We’ve been surprised how poison ivy flourishes in this park, often along the edge of the trail. Know how to identify it, so that you can avoid it. But don’t let that deter you from the park. You just need to keep an eye out. See our post on how to identify and treat poison ivy.
- Trail Map for Castlewood Canyon: Trail Map Link
- Additional Maps: Castlewood Canyon State Park Trails
- Colorado Road Conditions: Colorado Road Conditions
- After the Hike: Crowfoot Valley Coffee
Weather
Map & Driving Directions
Click for Driving Directions
Aaron Johnson has been hiking in Colorado for over 20 years. The owner and editor of Dayhikes Near Denver, Aaron writes every trail profile as a local guide who has hiked hundreds of miles of trails along the Front Range and deep in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Loved this hike. It’s easy to find and just a hop n a skip from Denver. It careens in and out of the Canyon, with a creek. You can hike on the top of the canyon or on the bottom trail and the views are fantastic either way. I will certainly be back.
I would love this hike except in the spring/summer/fall I see rattlesnakes there on each hike. They seem to be thriving there.