Castle Rock is a great place to live and has been ranked nationally as a top small city in the U.S.! There are so many things to do for free in Castle Rock -- from retail therapy to becoming one with nature.
There's so much to do for free in Castle Rock! Hiking and biking trails have been carefully planned out through the community and along natural preserves, complete with picnicking and bird-watching areas. In addition, there are 400 acres of state parks, canyons, and buttes, which are perfect for climbing and exploring. Outlets at Castle Rock 5050 Factory Shops Blvd.
The Outlets at Castle Rock is conveniently located between the Denver metro area and Colorado Springs, at I-25 and Exits 184 and 185 in Castle Rock. The center is the largest open-air outlet mall in the state of Colorado, offering more than 100 name brand stores.
The Barn
400 3rd St.
[gallery ids="26783,26782"]
The Barn is an enormous former lumber company building that hosts more than two dozen antique and specialty shops. It's easy to spend an entire afternoon (or longer) exploring all the exquisitely decorated shops. Each proprietor offers a unique style and collection; one may feature French linens and china while another may feature vintage jewelry or clothing. When it comes to shopping, The Barn tries to cater to every personality.
Mitchell Creek Canyon Trail
Castle Rock
Mitchell Creek Canyon Trail is a moderate 1.5-mile loop through Ponderosa forest and open grassland. Part of the trail follows Mitchell Gulch Creek, and because only pedestrians and their dogs are allowed, it's a quiet area with plenty of birds and other wildlife. Directions: Take Exit 184 from I-25 and follow Founders Parkway east for 4.4 miles. Turn left on Colorado 86 for two miles then turn right on the dirt driveway to park at the trailhead.
Ridgeline Open Space
Castle Rock
Ridgeline Open Space offers up to 11 miles of open, prairie single track for mountain bikers, easy enough for beginners to get through, but with enough switchbacks and steeps to keep even more skilled riders interested. The trail provides several options for continuous loops, and it’s pretty much impossible to get lost because they all connect and eventually drop you back into the main Coachline trail. Directions: Take Exit 182 from Interstate 25 and head west for 1.5 miles. Turn right on Coachline Road and go one mile. Turn left on Foothills Drive and go .4 miles. Turn left on Clear Sky Way and go .25 miles. Park at Bison Park on the left and access the trail from any of several trailheads within a block or two of here.
Rock Park
1710 Front St.
Rock Park visitors can climb this historic landmark through a looped single-track trail system. From these trails, hikers can reach the base of the Rock and enjoy panoramic views of downtown Castle Rock, the I-25 corridor, Pikes Peak, and the Front Range.
What are you waiting for? What's your favorite thing to do for FREE in Castle Rock? Please share your ideas in the comments below!
