Castlewood Canyon State Park in Franktown offers a broad landscape featuring hiking trails of easy to moderate difficulty, rock climbing walls, and unique natural and historic sites like ruins and a dam. Visitors enjoy creek access, picnic tables with barbecue grills, wheelchair accessible facilities, and dog-friendly areas with leash rules.
What to Expect:
🥾 Multiple hiking trail options including paved paths
🦌 Wildlife and bird watching opportunities
🍃 Scenic overlooks and historic ruins
🍽 Picnic tables and barbecue grills
🚻 Public restrooms and wheelchair accessible facilities
🐕 Dogs allowed, leash required
Important Information:
– Hours: Daily 9 AM to 5 PM
– No off-trail access for dogs; pick up after pets
– Parking available with some restrooms at western entrance
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
📍 Local Insights
🌄 Early Arrival for Parking: Visitors recommend arriving early, especially on weekends, to secure parking as lots fill quickly by mid-morning.
🐕 Dog-Friendly Trails: Most trails allow dogs on leash, but cleaning up after pets is strongly encouraged to maintain trail quality.
🏞 Explore Both Entrances: Starting hikes from either the west or main entrance offers varied loop options and different scenic views including beautiful creek and overlook trails.
📅 Best Seasons: Spring offers vibrant colors and waterfall views; some trails get muddy during wet periods, so plan footwear accordingly.
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Castlewood Canyon State Park is highly praised for its scenic hiking trails, historic ruins, and dog-friendly atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the well-marked paths and peaceful nature experiences. Some note parking fills quickly on weekends and creek trails can be muddy at times.
Last updated on
November 9th, 2025
