Castle Rock, COBest Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024

Pack your snowshoes and swimsuits! Castle Rock residents enjoy four actual seasons, with lots of sunshine and snow. The average highs and lows are 83°F and 52°F (summer) and 46°F and 16°F (winter).

The average annual snowfall in Castle Rock is around 74 inches each year.

The average annual rainfall in Castle Rock is relatively low at just 19 inches.

Castle Rock averages 245 sunny days a year.

Your stair stepper has nothing on Challenge Hill, a 200-step incline with a 178-foot elevation gain and spectacular views. Or, a trip to Rock Park is pretty much a rite of passage for Castle Rock residents. The “Rock” received its Castle Rock name in 1859 from gold seeker David Kellogg, who thought the towering rock resembled a castle, and the city grew around the rock. Today, you can hike a moderate 1.5-mile trail for great views of modern-day Castle Rock.

Take the whole family and explore the 300 acres of adventure at Philip S. Miller Park, which features walking and biking trails, hiking, open spaces and beautiful views. There are playgrounds and splash pads, as well. During the summer, enjoy the Tunes for Trails / Perks for Park free concert series in the park.

If your kids are thrill-seekers, consider the zip-line tours offered at Castle Rock Zip Line Tours. If a park is more your speed, Butterfield Crossing Park features a popular large playground and Festival Park often hosts family-friendly events, concerts and festivals.

Castle Rock is known for its community spirit, outdoor inclinations and iconic rock formation, but the city also pays ode to its history. Early settlers came to Colorado looking to strike it rich with gold and silver. But in Castle Rock, they discovered rich rhyolite veins. The volcanic rock was used to build some of Castle Rock’s early buildings.  

Sudden Fiction Books in downtown Castle Rock also serves beer, kombucha and coffee, so you can snuggle into a couch and have a drink with your new book. Or, hit up The Emporium, which looks like a real-life Pinterest board. More than 60 merchants sell home decor, clothes, jewelry, flowers and more in this made-over feed and supply shop.

Union American Bistro offers a diverse menu focusing on locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant has a welcoming ambiance, and the menu includes a variety of American and globally-inspired dishes.

The Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park in Castle Rock is a hub for local entertainment, hosting various events throughout the year, such as concerts, theatrical performances and community celebrations.

Locals love hitting up happy hour at The Library Co. Bar & Kitchen, which includes a solid list of cocktails and snack bites.

Manufacturing and construction, government and retail are among Castle Rock’s largest industries. The city also has a good mix of small businesses and larger employers, including the Douglas County School District, Castle Rock Adventist Hospital and Aluwind.

In 2024, the sales tax rate in Castle Rock is 7.9%.

Yes, Colorado has a state income tax.

Castle Rock residents are in good health, thanks to hospitals like Castle Rock Adventist Hospital and providers like UCHealth. Additionally, the city’s proximity to Denver gives residents a wealth of options.

Castle Rock is home to the Sturm Collaboration Campus for students seeking higher education opportunities.