This is the third installment of our state park spotlight series, sharing what is so special about Colorado’s state parks. A Denver7 viewer named Alexis emailed us, asking for us to highlight Castlewood Canyon State Park next in the series.
This park in Douglas County is great for hiking, rock climbing, birding, picnicking or just spending time outside. It has over 12 miles of trails, 2600 acres, 100 species of birds, and 60 foot tall rock climbing walls. Curious visitors can also learn about the park’s rich history and the dam that used to contain Cherry Creek.
“A lot of people love to come look at the dam ruins, hike around it, and just get different views of it,” Castlewood Canyon State Park Manager Larry Butterfield said. “It was constructed in 1890 and it leaked from the beginning, but they thought it would be able to withstand a good amount of time.”
Unfortunately, the dam burst in 1933, sending a rush of water all the way downstream and flooding parts of Denver in the process.
Explore the hidden beauty of Castlewood Canyon State Park
“That’s when the Army Corps of Engineers built the proper dam that could withstand and provide flood protection for residents, creating Cherry Creek Reservoir,” Butterfield continued…