Near Castlewood Canyon - Rimrock to Creek Bottom Loop
Cherry Creek Falls
Near Castlewood Canyon - Rimrock to Creek Bottom Loop
Castlewood Canyon waterfall.
Near Castlewood Canyon - Rimrock to Creek Bottom Loop
Remnants of the Castlewood Canyon dam.
Near Castlewood Canyon - Rimrock to Creek Bottom Loop
Castlewood Canyon, Colorado
Near Castlewood Canyon - Rimrock to Creek Bottom Loop
Early October stroll, perfect brisk weather, overlooking the small falls

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Castlewood Canyon - Rimrock to Creek Bottom Loop

4.5 (65 Ratings)
A fun, rolling trail with a sense of seclusion, great geology, and historical sites.
4.6
mi
Distance
617
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
CaveFall ColorsRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildlife
Access Issues
<ul><li>Colorado State Parks' Pass or a day pass required at parking areas.</li><li>The park is open from sunrise to sunset.</li></ul>

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
4.59mi
Distance
617ft
Elevation Gain
617ft
Elevation Loss
70%
Max Grade
6,560ft
High Point
6,158ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
From the Homestead trailhead follow the Homestead Trail which is a short, flat, and beginner-friendly trip to the homestead ruins. Continue around the ruins to the first junction. Go left passing the Cherry Creek Trail and head up the hill to the mesa. Stay left at the junction with the Creek Bottom Trail and then follow the cairns on the Rimrock Trail as it makes its way south. Here you'll get great views of Cherry Creek down below. After the trail descends steeply, you'll arrive at the old dam site which is worth a stop to check out. Make your way west around the dam to reach the Inner Canyon/Lake Gulch/ Creek Bottom Trail junction. Head north, taking a right at the junction to join the Creek Bottom Trail which is a mellow, rolling trail along Cherry Creek with views of the cliffs and caves. Enjoy the view from below the cliffs as the trail winds its way back to the Homestead Trail, and take a left to get back to the parking lot.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

Nearby Hike Routes

Hidden Mesa

Hike Route

Hidden Mesa

Views
moderate
6.7 mi
+459 ft
Rock Park Loop

Hike Route

Rock Park Loop

Birding
moderate
1.35 mi
+381 ft
Sellars Gulch Trail

Hike Route

Sellars Gulch Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
2.39 mi
+88 ft
Philip Miller Park

Hike Route

Philip Miller Park

Fall Colors
moderate
6.77 mi
+787 ft
Fountain Valley Trail Hike

Hike Route

Fountain Valley Trail Hike

Views
easy
2.17 mi
+257 ft
Colorado Trail: Indian Creek Alternate

Hike Route

Colorado Trail: Indian Creek Alternate

Views
moderate
4.18 mi
+401 ft
Contributors
JC Condon