Name: Castlewood Canyon - Rimrock to Creek Bottom Loop
Rating: 4.5

“A fun, rolling trail with a sense of seclusion, great geology, and historical sites.”

— JC Condon

GPX File

Features Cave · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Colorado State Parks' Pass or a day pass required at parking areas.
The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to sunset.

Overview

This is a great 4-mile loop that you can explore year round. This loop will take you up close to caves, cliffs, homestead sites, abandoned dams and along the creek bottom. Located so close to the hustle and bustle of the front range, this is a great spot to find some quiet.

Description

From the Homestead trailhead follow the Homestead Trail which is a short, flat, and beginner-friendly trip to the homestead ruins. Continue around the ruins to the first junction.

Go left passing the Cherry Creek Trail and head up the hill to the mesa. Stay left at the junction with the Creek Bottom Trail and then follow the cairns on the Rimrock Trail as it makes its way south. Here you'll get great views of Cherry Creek down below. After the trail descends steeply, you'll arrive at the old dam site which is worth a stop to check out.

Make your way west around the dam to reach the Inner Canyon/Lake Gulch/ Creek Bottom Trail junction. Head north, taking a right at the junction to join the Creek Bottom Trail which is a mellow, rolling trail along Cherry Creek with views of the cliffs and caves. Enjoy the view from below the cliffs as the trail winds its way back to the Homestead Trail, and take a left to get back to the parking lot.