New adventures are waiting for you

These are a few of our favorite ... trails

With over 110 miles of trails, 55 well-planned parks and nearly 6,700 acres of open space to explore, residents of Castle Rock never have to go far to enjoy the beautiful Colorado outdoors. But, how do you choose your next adventure when there are so many options? Try one of these favorites shared by members of the Town’s Parks and Recreation team. Get all the details to plan your next adventure at CRgov.com/Trails.

Memmen Ridge Open Space

39.36776 N 104.84431 W

Visit this 43-acre area for a quick escape into forested open space near Downtown Castle Rock. The diversity of this property is a wonder and makes for a fascinating hiking experience. You’ll see willows and cattails in the riparian area near the stream. Hike or bike through ponderosa pines or among the semidesert yuccas, cactus and tall grasses. This is a favorite spot to check out a wide array of wildflowers in spring and summer, including flowering cactus, paintbrush, bluebells and penstemon.

Castle View Picnic Area at Rock Park

39.38198 N 104.85746 W

Look under the Rock for one of the best “in the woods” picnic spots in Town. The Castle View Picnic Area — named for its view of the Rock — is a natural picnic spot located behind the pavilion at Rock Park. While there, consider hiking this local landmark. Once you reach the top of the trail, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of Downtown Castle Rock, the Interstate 25 corridor, Pikes Peak and the Front Range.

Mitchell Creek Canyon Trail

39.37358 N 104.80168 W

Need to disconnect from your busy life and reconnect with nature? Try this tranquil and secluded trail that’s perfect for a picnic. Starting at the southern trailhead, this hidden gem leads hikers through a narrow, picturesque canyon up to the edge of a rocky mesa with expansive views. As you hike along the trail, you'll be surrounded by towering rock walls, lush vegetation and the soothing sounds of Mitchell Creek. Looking for a longer hike? This trail connects the Mitchell Creek Trail system in Founders Village to Gateway Mesa Open Space.

Legacy Trail at Gateway Mesa Open Space

39.38798 N 104.80252 W

If you are up for something a bit more challenging but unique, this is the trail for you. One of the Town’s newest trails, it is rated difficult, as it requires climbing through steep and rocky terrain. Amateur geologists will love the sandstone and Castle Rock conglomerate rock formations and navigating the slot canyon on this trail. Hikers will also see plunge pool wetlands, ferns and rare mosses growing. And, keep an eye out for the remnants of a crashed 1977 Ford pickup truck.

East Plum Creek Trail

39.38847 N 104.86673 W

Sometimes, the best trail is the one where you are. This wide, paved, multiuse trail extends more than 8 miles between Castle View High School on the north and Crystal Valley on the south and also connects to several other trail systems. Whether you want a brisk creek-side walk, a leisurely ride or to run errands, you can hit this trail to access many Castle Rock neighborhoods, as well as Downtown. If you time your walk or ride just right and head northwest on a summer evening, you will be treated to a beautiful sunset accompanied by soothing bird tweets and trills.