Franktown, Colorado: Colorado Front Range Chapter, Castlewood Canyon Hike

A Castlewood Canyon hike!
Saturday, April 26th meet at 8:30 AM MDT

This outing will provide a nice hike in Castlewood Canyon State Park southeast of Denver and also a walk through a century-old bit of Front Range history. In 1890, farmers built a dam across Cherry Creek for irrigation purposes. On August 3, 1933, the dam broke, sending a catastrophic wall of water into downtown Denver. That wall of water carved what is now beautiful Castlewood Canyon. We will be led by Clay, who knows this Park well.
Our 6.5-mile hike will consist of two loops walked in a figure-8 pattern. The walk is entirely on trails in good condition, with plenty of places to stop and enjoy the amazing scenery of the canyon. We’ll have a snack/water/restroom break approximately ½-way through the hike. There is the option for a 4-mile hike for those short on time or energy.
The weather can change quickly at that time of year, so be sure you have layers, plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen as there is little shade on these trails.
Take I-25 to exit 184, Meadows Parkway/Founders Parkway and turn east onto Founders (CO-86). Follow CO-86 approximately 8-½ miles to Castlewood Canyon Rd. Turn right/south and continue approximately 3 miles to the park’s west entrance. (If you find yourself in Franktown, you missed that turn!) The entrance fee is $10/car—but if you have a Colorado Parks pass linked to your car license, there is no extra fee. We will convene inside the west entrance in the large parking lot near restroom facilities. A map to the parking area and hike is HERE.

As always, remember….No dogs allowed, per the American Pilgrims policy…..

If you are a new pilgrim and leaving on Camino in 2025, on the sign up form, be sure to request a “mini-shell” ceremony. (We ask for a Donativo for your shell, to help defray our costs. Thank you for your generosity.)

What you Need to Know:
What: A 6.5 mile moderate to sometimes challenging hike in Castlewood Canyon.
Where: Meet at Parking lot of the West Entrance to Castlewwod Canyon. (Note that this is on the North side of the park….if you go to the parking lot where the Visitors Center is located, you are in the wrong parking area….) See the linked Map location above to see the parking area.
When: Saturday, April 26th, 2025 at 08:30 MDT
Register: HERE (Please be sure to sign up in case of inclement weather or fire or smoke and we need to change plans.)
Questions Day of the Hike: Call/Text Chris at 563-505-6105
Cost: Nada!