Canyon Rim Trail

Canyon Rim Trail is the signature loop of Castlewood Canyon State Park, combining sweeping views of Cherry Creek Canyon with one of Colorado's most fascinating pieces of engineering history — the ruins of the 1900 Castlewood Dam. The 4.5-mile circuit follows the canyon rim through ponderosa pine and scrub oak before descending to the creek and the crumbling granite masonry of the dam that failed catastrophically in 1933, sending a wall of water toward Denver and reshaping the region's approach to water infrastructure.

The dam ruins are remarkably well preserved and remarkably dramatic, with large sections of the curved masonry still standing against the canyon walls. Interpretive signs explain the dam's history and the story of the flood that killed two people and caused millions in damage. Beyond the ruins, the trail follows the creek through a shaded riparian zone before climbing back to the rim through wildflower meadows. Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail, making it popular with pet owners from the Castle Rock area. The park charges $10 per vehicle and is open year-round, with the canyon providing shelter on windy days.