Known for its spectacular views of the Front Range, Castle Rock is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With an extensive network of parks and trails, a variety of sports and recreation programs, golf courses and exciting events, there’s always something fun to do in Castle Rock.

The Great Outdoors

Castle Rock features more than 5,000 acres of open space with plenty of parks and 56 miles of trails. More than 250‚000 people visit the Castlewood Canyon State Park each year to hike‚ picnic‚ rock climb‚ take pictures‚ bird-watch or just enjoy the views.

Just south of Castle Rock‚ Greenland is the largest ranch between Colorado Springs and Fort Collins. A private buyer put a conservation easement on 17‚300 acres. The remaining 3‚700 acres are owned by Douglas County‚ which built an 8.5-mile-long trail for hiking‚ biking and equestrian use on the public portion called Greenland Open Space.

Glendale farm‚ a 160-acre property east of I-25, offers panoramic views from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak. It also includes a popular 17-acre dog park where pets can romp off-leash.

Cycling is also a great way to enjoy the scenery surrounding Castle Rock. The Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival, held every June, is the unofficial start to the Colorado cycling season and is a very popular local event.

Fun for the Whole Family

Castle Rock's 17 parks provide endless recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Park amenities include bike paths, climbing walls, tennis courts, ball fields, disc golf, picnic facilities and a skate park, among other attractions. Visit the City of Castle Rock for a complete list of parks, open space and trails and their features. 

The 84,000-square-foot Castle Rock Recreation Center provides outdoor, fitness, toddler and senior programs, special-interest classes, athletics and aquatics. A variety of classes ranging from aerobics to pottery are also offered. In addition, the rec center hosts youth and adult sports teams, special events, a flag-football tournament and sports camps.

The Douglas County Fairgrounds accommodate civic, recreational, business and youth activities as well as the annual County Fair. Facilities on the property include a 29,000-square-foot events center, an indoor arena ideal for trade shows and equine events, and an outdoor arena with covered grandstands.

Tee Time

The city and surrounding area boast several outstanding public and private golf courses, many of which are part of residential communities. Options include The Country Club at Castle Pines, a 7,400-yard Jack Nicklaus Signature Championship course; The Pinery Country Club in Parker, where an $11 million renovation included revamped bunker and green complexes on its 27-hole course; Plum Creek Golf and Country Club, which offers some of the most challenging holes in the state including a green surrounded by 10,000 railroad tyes; Bear Dance Golf Course, home to the Colorado section of the Professional Golfer's Association of America; the city’s own award-winning Red Hawk Ridge, a masterpiece where every inch of the 6,942-yard course tees up beautiful Front Range scenery; and The Club at Pardera, an Irish-modern masterpiece located between Parker and Castle Rock.

Find more fun things to do in Castle Rock, CO.