16 Best Things to Do in Castle Rock, Colorado

I’m a Colorado local with insights into the best things to do in Castle Rock, Colorado!

In my opinion, Castle Rock is one of the state’s better-kept secrets. This guide overviews the most popular things to do in Castle Rock, like the Outlets at Castle Rock and downtown attractions. I also recommend a day trip to Denver, along with lesser-known spots that you won’t want to miss!

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Best Things to Do in Castle Rock

Castle Rock

Hike to the iconic rock formation overlooking the town.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 733-2260 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 11 pm daily | 👉 Browse Castle Rock Hotels on Booking

Yep, Castle Rock does get its name from a rock that… wait for it… looks like a castle. You can easily see the rock from the freeway while driving through town.

But you can also visit Rock Park and from the trail system, hike to the rock. It’s a 1.5 mile hike that’s somewhat difficult, but you’ll get panoramic views of the city and the Front Range. 

The Outlets at Castle Rock

Shop ’til you drop at Colorado’s largest open-air outlet center.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 688-4495 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Mon-Sat, 11 am – 6 pm Sun

The Outlets at Castle Rock is the largest open-air outlet center in the entire state. It’s one of the best outlet malls in Colorado, and often the first thing people think of when they consider things to do in Castle Rock, CO.

It’s home to stores including Adidas, Ralph Lauren, The North Face, and many more. There’s a food court as well — which you might want to visit as soon as you arrive. The customer service desk in the food court provides Elite Savings Passbooks that earn you extra discounts.

The Edge

Test your skills on Sky Trek and speed along ziplines with panoramic views.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 733-9477 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily | 👉 Book Castle Rock Zipline Tour on Viator

This is one of the more fun things to do in Castle Rock! Zip across ten zip lines and over 320 acres at the Edge, where you can look across the beautiful Colorado landscape. The Edge also features Sky Trek, an adventure tower, and ropes course, so you can spend a gorgeous day outside!

BURLY Brewing Company

Cool off with delicious craft beer tastings.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 486-0541 | Website | Hours: 2 pm – 10 pm Mon-Thurs, 11 am – 11 pm Fri-Sat, 11 am – 9 pm Sun

Grab a cold one after a day of outdoor exploring in Castle Rock at BURLY Brewing Company! They brew up a variety of hard seltzers and beers, including a sweet and spicy chili beer. The brewery also has food trucks outside each night, so you can grab some food as well.

Gateway Mesa Open Space

Hike through scenic grasslands and forests.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 733-2260 | Website

The Castle Rock area is home to some of the more underrated hiking trails in the Denver metro area. One of the better ones is Gateway Mesa, a Castle Rock open space area that features several hiking trails through grasslands and forests where you can get out and stretch your legs.

The open space also has cliffs to the east, where you get views of Franktown and the Cherry Creek Valley. You can see sweeping views of the Rockies, including Pikes Peak and Longs Peak. With such a large trail system, this is one of the more outdoorsy things to do near Castle Rock, CO. 

Spruce Mountain Open Space & Trail

Run, bike, or trek the trails at this gorgeous mountain park.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 660-7495 | Website

Spruce Mountain Open Space in Douglas County has an 8.5 mile long trail that gives you great views of the mountains and the Greenland area. 

It connects the Pike National Forest to the Greenland Open Space and Ranch, and it’s a great place for running, mountain biking, horseback riding, and taking to hiking trails. You’ll travel through the forest and there are plenty of lookouts to stop and appreciate nature. 

Hidden Mesa Open Space and Trail

Mountain bike past wildlife, lovely views, and great picnic spots.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 660-7495 | Website | Hours: One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset

Hidden Mesa is in Franktown, right next to Castle Rock in Douglas County, and has 4.7 miles of hiking and biking trails. Watch for deer, elk, fox, and prairie dogs that love the Front Range. 

The trails connect a meadow to a mesa, with some moderate and some challenging, so there’s something for everyone. The park also has a production orchard and a picnic shelter for a pleasant lunch spot.

Red Hawk Ridge Golf

Get in a round where your golf ball flies farther.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 733-3500 | Website | Hours: 6 am – dark

There are many fun things to do in Colorado, and visiting golf courses is one of them. Bonus: your golf ball flies farther when you’re a mile above sea level!

Red Hawk Ridge Golf is a beautiful course in Castle Rock with an 18-hole course, along with a clubhouse grill, and a practice facility with a putting green. You can also get a custom fitting for clubs and spend a special day here. 

Downtown Castle Rock

Spend a day exploring the city sights.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 733-2260 | Website

Downtown Castle Rock activities are abundant with a collection of local restaurants, shops, bars, coffee places, and more. I recommend Castle Cafe and Union An American Bistro, especially. You can have a meal and spend the afternoon wandering the area. 

Be sure to stop by Festival Park in the heart of downtown Castle Rock, where community events like concerts and farmers markets happen often. One of the best public parks in Castle Rock, it also has a splash pad for kids, fire pits, picnic pavilions, and creek access.

👉 Nearby Destinations: Don’t miss our guides to the best things to do in Parker and the top activities in Highlands Ranch!

Cherokee Castle

Sip tea in a historic, Scottish-inspired castle.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 688-5555 | Website | Hours: by reservation or appointment only

Head to a real castle north of Castle Rock and just east of Castle Pines! Cherokee Castle was built in the 1920s and is made to resemble a Scottish castle built in 1450.

Now, visitors can tour the castle and have an elegant tea there. It’s home to some of the best tea near Denver!

You can also tour the grounds of the Cherokee Ranch and learn about nature and scientific discoveries there. There are also events going on year-round that you can purchase tickets to, including nature talks and walks, concerts, parties, and more. 

Denver

Take a short drive to the Mile High City.

Denver is about a 30 minute drive from Castle Rock, and you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do in Denver for a day! 

Visit the Denver Art Museum or the Denver Botanic Gardens, grab a bite to eat in Larimer Square, or head west to Red Rocks Amphitheatre for some gorgeous views. 

For a real treat, consider reserving one of the best Denver hotels for a fun staycation! The RiNo and LoDo neighborhoods are filled with lots of great options, all within walking distance of many of the best attractions in Denver. Check out our complete guide to the best areas to stay in Denver for more suggestions. 

Theatre of Dreams Arts and Event Center

Experience magic and pageantry on a fun night out.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 660-6799 | Website | Hours vary, depending on showtimes

Take in an unusual show at the Theatre of Dreams, where married magician couple Carol Massie and Joe Givan showcase jugglers, circus acts, mindreaders, magic shows, and comedy acts. It’s a fun night out and one of the more unique things to do in Castle Rock!

Columbine Open Space

Spot wildlife on a family-friendly loop trail.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 660-7495 | Website

Not sure what to do in Castle Rock, CO with kids? This Douglas County open space is a former farm property, but now has family-friendly hiking trails for all skill levels. 

The three-mile loop takes you past an old barn and rock springhouse. You may see elk, deer, and many different birds in the area as well. The trails are open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. 

The Barn

Go antiquing for shabby chic treasures.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 814-0066 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Daily

The Barn is a Castle Rock store that features a collection of antique, clothing, and home decor shops all housed together in one large, white barn.

Get lost browsing for soaps and candles, or browse big ticket items like furniture. The Barn specializes in shabby chic, so if distressed and well-loved whitewashed pieces are your jam, this is your place. 

Philip S. Miller Park

Play at the park, go for a hike, and have an evening bonfire.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (720) 733-2260 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 11 pm

Philip Miller Park in Castle Rock has a bunch of outdoor activities – from the ten miles of trails to the giant two-acre playground (with a 40-foot long slide) for kids, to the splash pad and firepits. 

The Miller Activity Complex within the park has an indoor pool and aquatic center, an 18-hole golf simulator, and a 16-bed trampoline. Philip S. Miller Park is a kid friendly place to enjoy a picnic, or host birthday parties, or just stop in for an hour or so.

Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum

Visit this small, charming museum to learn the history of the area.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (303) 814-3164 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 5 pm Wed-Fri, 11 am – 4 pm Sat; Closed Sunday-Tuesday

The Castle Rock Museum is one of the smaller history museums in the metro area. It’s located in an old train depot, built in 1875, and you can still see the old ticket window and baggage area (with 125 years’ worth of graffiti decorating it!).

You can visit the exhibits in this small museum to learn more about the history of Castle Rock, and check out their planned events which include talks and walking tours of the area. 

FAQs About What to Do in Castle Rock

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You’ll find all kinds of fun things to do in Castle Rock, Colorado that cover a variety of interests. To broaden your adventures beyond Castle Rock, check out our list of the best places to visit in Colorado!