Rock Park Reviews

Good quick hike, not too difficult but definitely not easy. There is rock climbing to get to the very top, but the view is absolutely worth it.

Ive been to the area a few times and have always taken the time to do this hike. It has two trails up both pretty easy/moderate. if you have the courage climb all the way up to the top of the rock for an amazing view!

What a great hike. Follow the trail to the top of Castle Rock and enjoy the view of the town. Not sure if you can still go all the way to the top anymore as there is a sign posted that recommends not going any farther.

It's a short, but steep hike with gorgeous views. An essential Castle Rock experience. Wear good shoes.

It's great to have Rock Park in our backyard in Castle Rock. Not only does it look beautiful from afar but it's a fun place to hike up to and enjoy the 360-degree views from the top. The hike is easy but bring water since we are at elevation. If you want to make it to the Top of the Rock please understand that you will be rock climbing without a rope. It's not excessively difficult but if you have an issue with Heights I'd suggest you stay down on the path. Bring a picnic!

The parking lot for climbing the rock is quite small, and the hike is not far...BUT it is a climb. Views from above include the entire front range...Pike's Peak, the Collegiate Range, and all of Castle Rock below.

Great place to go for a short hike and spectacular view. Dogs welcome. Terrain and incline are sufficiently easy for those with altitude sensitivity, small dogs and children. It can get busy and there are spots to picnic below as well.

Don’t just drive by! Stop in for a quick hike to the top (or almost the top). The terrain is very manageable if you’re in reasonably good health. The view is worth the trip!

This is a great hike. Not too hard and with great views of the city. Centrally located and easy to get too.

It's our favorite family pastime. The trail is well maintained and the views are always beautiful!!!

Nice walking/hiking trail for a sunny fall day. You can walk all the way around the Rock on the trail. 1st weekend in October temps were 40s. First snowfall was 2 days after this photo.

I call the Rock Castle Rock. Light hike to the top, great views of Castle Rock and the surrounding area. Im sure the Sunsets are pretty cool from up there. Some people had climbed to the top of the rock, which its posted that its not reccommended to due to loose rocks. I was distracted on my way back down, and took an opposite trail on the way down, so I totally did a circle of the rock.

This was a great hike for our family of 8 today. We had 3 kids ranging in age from 4-8 and their parents and grands. We took our time at the top for pictures and were able to do the entire hike in about 1 hour 15 mins. Highly suggest while in Castle Rock.

The iconic "rock" in Castle Rock is not only a beautiful and unique place to hike and hang out, but it is the center of town gatherings and a symbol of pride in the community. Beautiful views from the top!

We usually hike the loop so you get a different view on the way up and the way down. It is doable for everyone (staying on the main path). Pretty short and quick hike if you are accustomed to hiking. Our family typically jogs it and then rock climb, when most people are not there. Most of the path is narrow, yield to hikers coming up! There are some benches to sit and admire the view, watch the town, or just rest on at the top on the west and east sides. It has a smaller parking lot but we have always found a spot.

Nice easy hike up to the Castle Rock, if you are altitude adjusted. No need for backpack; water bottle maybe.

This is a rock on a hill. Could use some fences or safety railings. Parking is a little confusing. Seems to be a popular hiking/exercise/dog walking location for locals. Pretty neat view.

In town for business so I thought I'd do a quick walk on my first night. It was a fairly easy climb on a well maintained trail. Saw a number of families with smaller kids doing the walk, so I think its easily doable for most people. You get a decent view of Castle Rock and the surrounding area from up at the top of the trail. There were a number of people who had climbed up on top of the rock and there is a area on one side where you can climb up if you feel up to climbing a bit. I went about half way up those rocks, but since I was wearing sandals I decided to not press my luck. All in all, next time I'm in Castle Rock, I'll probably go back and walk the trail again.

We climbed to the top of Castle Rock with small children - a little challenging, but possible. There's a beautiful view of the town of Castle Rock from the top.

Easy hike to just below Castle Rock. Wonderful view of the little town and great view of the valley and the front range

Be ready for a climb. The start is deceptive as you're climbing more than you think. The rock itself was a sacred Indian place and you can still feel it if you're sensitive to that sort of thing. You can walk around the base of the rock itself for some pretty good 360 views - from Pike's Peak south to Long's Peak (at least) north. If you're truly adventurous, you can climb the rock and walk around the top. If you have problems with high open spaces I wouldn't recommend that part, though. This is one of my favorite open space walks in Castle Rock.

Our town is named "Castle Rock" after the large rock formation right near downtown. This easy hike is a great meeting point for friends to enjoy a short hike any time of day. My sister hikes it three times, walking up and trail-running down, which makes the total trip one hour, but just one trip will do if you aren't trying to cram in a workout. This is a great trail for kids, too, as it's not too long or too steep, though help from an adult here and there won't hurt. After you're done with your hike, head downtown to our cute streets, grab a cup of joe at Lost Coffee, and walk around for a great day of window shopping.

I have hiked at this park endless times. Once atop "the rock" the views are so nice. You really get a great look at the town of Castle Rock, and surrounding areas!

A great hike for all ages and abilities. There are 2 ways up, one is easy and pretty flat, the other scenic, longer and harder. Either way, it's a wonderful view of Castle Rock and the surrounding areas. On clear days you can see Pike's Peak and the Sleeping Ute. For the more adventurous, you can find the place to climb to the top. No hand rails and lots of leg and arm power needed, but it's worth the effort, if you can. There are benches for sitting and just enjoying it all. Take a few hours and go and see this name sake.

What a beautiful spot to hike up two different paths, see the awesome "castle rock" and get some great exercise. We try to hike up often and of course it's great to watch star lighting in December. Great spot and amazing views!

We were meandering from Denver to Colorado Springs when we saw this park and decided to hike. It's fairly short and has great views of the town (and Pike's Peak in the distance.) We climbed up to the top (some other visitors showed us where to get the best footing) and spent some time just sitting and watching. There are paths that lead to picnic tables and also a porta-potty. Nice, short diversion for the day.

Nice quick hike up to the base of Castle Rock with a beautiful view. 2 different paths to choose from, one easier/more meandering and the other with a short/steep road for part of the hike. It's nice to be able to go up one way and down the other instead of doing the same path over and over. Also dog friendly

The trails are open and exposed to the sun with low vegetation for the most part. Good exercise close to the town. Kids would be encouraged here since the rock looms above and is a well defined goal. The view is excellent and the area is safe including free parking areas with picnic tables and restroom facilities.

Rock Park is about 25 minutes south of Denver, and looks as if it is being developed into a tourist destination. There are plenty of restaurants and outlet stores in the town, but you will be disappointed if you are an experienced hiker looking for a good hike or vista. The hike is not demanding, so it is perfect for people who do not hike regularly. Unfortunately there is not much to see on the way to the top. The plant life lacks diversity and all you see are the commercial properties in the vicinity. Yes you can see the mountains in the distance, but there are other places that give you a better view.

We were looking forward to going to the top but the sign at the end of the trail recommends not going any farther. However two high school kids went all the way to the top. If you are in good shape and can rock climb, go for it.

If you are ever in Castle Rock, be sure not to miss this local park. The crushed gravel path the base of Castle Rock is a easy walk. Once the the base, you have an awesome veiw of the Front Range. Top if off with a climb up and down the rock. The climb is not exactly easy and is not for little ones. However, once on top, you will not be disapponited for the view. Unparrelled view of the Front Range all the way south to Pikes Peak.

Enjoy!!!!

A short hike but fun and relaxing. A good place to see the city and front range. Good place for kids to blow off energy

This is a nice little walk up to the Rock.
Once you get up to the Rock area you can boulder along the rock or climb all the way up.
You can get a good view of Castle Rock for sure.
Dusk is the best time to climb up to watch the sunset

The Rock is a brisk hike with a beautiful view at the end to reward your labor. You can go up the steeper, narrower path in the front or the broader, more gradual path in the back. Both are safe and both are solid but not overwhelming cardio for any hiker.

Just hiking up to the base of "The Rock" is a fun trip. Taking the extra little Class-3 climb to the top is sublime. The hike isn't long, and while it's uphill all the way, totally worth the view.

I took my five year old son on this hike and we both enjoyed it! I have been here multiple times and tried different paths. At the top is the glorious rock where some climb up atop it.Dogs are allowed on leash. Picnic tables are available for use. Awesome photo ops! Good spot to take out of towners.

Love this hike! It is the pride and joy of our town and a great hike with awesome views! Enjoy every moment!

This is a neat little hike (maybe 1/2 mile) up to Castle Rock. It's really cool when you get up to the top, because you can walk around the rock and climb on some of the lower levels...kids would love scrambling around on the rocks.

Fairly easy, quick hike to the base of the rock. For the more adventurous, there is a path to climb up the rock on the East side to get on top as well. Best views in Castle Rock.

It was an easy hike up to the top of the Rock. The kids got to climb a little higher for a great photo opportunity. The views are beautiful and it's nice to sit and enjoy sunrise or sunset. We have put this on our list to do every time we're in the area.

Fun and easy hike right in town. The trails are well marked and it is a nice view from the top. It is 1.4 miles from the trailhead. Good for families to do or something with limited time.

Great hike with views of Castle Rock. Easy terrain for most ages. Still recommend a water bottle on warm day. Good proximity to downtown.

Just 15 miles south of the south end of Metropolitan Denver is a short hike that that take you from an elevation of 6,220 feet to 6,590 over a distance of 1.4 miles. From the base of the Rock, the views of the Front Range of the Rockies and the surrounding area is nothing short of incredible. Not a seriously strenuous walk, but enough to invigorate. Particularly enjoyable in the mornings and easily completed within a1-2 hours depending on how long one lingers on the views.

Nice park, good views of Castle Rock from the top and the trails are well-maintained and easy to follow. There is really only 1 loop trail and it's not particularly long, but otherwise this is a nice park and easy hike to the top.

Since l moved here in 2000, Rock Park has improved in many ways. I am pleased at the restoration and fences, benches, etc. My only dismay would be the parking....

Don't miss hiking "The Rock" at Rock Park. Great view of Castle Rock up at the top. Also, there are picnic table at the park for after your hike. Fun family outing!

We recently hiked Rock Park with our 2 little boys, 2yrs and 3yrs. They had a great time and especially loved when they watched a train pass by. The trail was well groomed, but there are numerous stairs so you could not bring a stroller, not even a 'BOB'.

It's a nice park, kept pretty natural, with lots of good views of the rock formations, though it's close to the highway, so that may be a deterrent But it's clean and well maintained

The hike to the base of the rock is fabulous, but please be warned that climbing to the top of the rock is especially slippery and dangerous this 2018 season. I fell 30 feet just two weeks after someone else fell in almost the exact same place. We were both extremely injured and lucky to have survived. Falling in that area does not mean you gradually slide down, it means you fall through the air off a cliff and land on rock. The area around the tree and higher than the tree is especially slick. Please be careful! Wear a helmet or just avoid it altogether.

I have driven past Castle Rock many, many times since moving to Denver and today, I decided to try out Rock Park and climb to the top of the rock. The hike itself is very quick, nice views of Pike's Peak to the southwest and you can even see Long's Peak to the northwest, but mostly you're looking at houses, shops, and I-25. The whole hike takes about an hour or so, and lots of children were enjoying the trail as well. When you get to the top, there is a wide, flat path that circles the rock with a picnic area.
The north face of the rock looked like it would be easiest to climb. Other sites referred to this as a "scramble" but they were putting it mildly: it's rock climbing. It's dangerous. Take your time and be smart about it and you can get up and down just fine; I don't recommend going it alone unless you are 1.) very coordinated or 2.) experienced in navigating tricky boulders and crevasses. Children about 8 and up were climbing with help from their parents.
Views from the top of the rock were beautiful. Highly recommend doing this hike at least once if you live in the front range area.

Although admittedly the view is slightly ruined by the sight and sound of the I-25, the walk to top (which actually is very gradual and accessible even to small children) is still worth doing. The Rock from a distance looks like a castle (hence the name of the town) but up close is just a rock and is sufficiently unstable that you can sadly no longer get right to the summit. Plenty of parking when not in season.

I took my newphews (10, 12) up to the loop around "The Rock" to watch the sunrise in May. Great views of CR, Pikes Peak, Rail Lines, and the sunrise over the eastern ridge was breathtaking that morning. We parked in the designated Rock Park lot north of the trails, it is quick hike up (less than 1 mile), so we didn't have to start super early. Plus I liked that we could take an alternate route back down so that it felt like more of a "loop" rather than an up and back. Kids liked it so much that this was the second time we had gone up to the Rock in as many days. Love Rock Park.

Relatively easy, short hike to the base of the big rock. Upper section is fairly steep, but easily doable for all but the seriously out of shape flatlanders. Saw lots of folks who appeared to be materially older than i (58).

Hiking the Rock is a great way to unwind and get in some exercise. I've always gone later in the day, and watching the sunset from the top makes for a perfect evening.

I enjoy doing this hike twice. Once up the summit trail and down the perimeter but then turn around and go up the perimeter trail and back down the summit trail. Perfect workout! Careful during the winter as the perimeter trail tends to ice up. There is also a way to get on top of the rock on the east side but I would not recommend smaller children doing it.

A relatively easy hike up and around the castle rock with different views of the surrounding area. When you get to the top (which is not actually on top of the rock itself) the views across the Front Range are very nice. Great hike for families with kids and pets.

We had a quick hike to top in daytime. It was not hard at all but there are few places to be careful when we need to climb hill. So please be aware of steps. The view at top is very beautiful.

Climbed here with my aunt and uncle who live here. It is a short, great hike that has a great view of the town and Pike's Peak.

Easy hike up to the top. We saw deer on the trail. No one was on the trail at all or at the top. People, you need to go to this! The view was amazing! It’s free and there is parking.

This is a fun quick hike. It's scenic and you can spend an hour or two hours on this scenic hike. It's popular on weekends, so do not expect solitude. There are plenty of friendly people and their dogs. One time when we went, someone broke the back window of our car and stole my purse. It shouldn't have been there, but it was still very disapointing. Also, wear shoes that have tread.

Climbed up to the top for the lovely views and the fireworks show. I have short legs and am afraid of heights but the boys were very patient and helped me by telling me the best route to take. They’ve hiked up the rock many times and know where to go. Plus the best foot and handholds. Their legs are longer too so they just step here and there while I had to scramble a little or drop down a bit. Made it even scarier but I made it. Definitely worth the effort. I don’t score it a five because I wish it were an easier climb but I do love it once I’m up there. Seeing the American flag fly and the star is amazing. Will visit again as long as I have the guys and can still make it. Coming down at night was a challenge and I was lucky that they lighted the way for me. I couldn’t hold a light and climb at the same time. Please pack your trash because it hurts my heart to see trash left behind. And be courteous and don’t knock rocks off the top. We all want to enjoy the rock safely.

Trail was well kept. There is a great view at the top. Good little hike with little kids. We parked at the dead end on the NE side, in a neighborhood. Good spot to start from in you want to loop the rock.

I had knee replacement surgery last October and had a photo of the castle rock as my incentive to work hard in post surgery therapy. My husband and I climbed the rock on a Saturday in July. We did the Paul Hill trail which was the easier of the two trails. Beautiful view of downtown Castle Rock.

Its a great easy hike up to Casle Rocks namesake get there early enough and you can see an occasional deer

We wanted to do a quick morning hike before the heat of the day. This was just the right choice. You get a beautiful view of the area at the top!

It is a nice hike to the top of the Rock and the view is pretty impressive. It's location makes it easy to access I just wish there was a way to enjoy the view without the traffic noise.

We met in town there, she is from Denver and I am from Co Springs. After eating at a nice sushi restaurant we walked up to the Castle Rock in Rock Park. The sun was setting and the views were fantastic. A good climb that is fun and takes about 45 min both ways.

The hike is fairly easy (approximately a half mile up and half mile down) up gravel and slightly rocky terrain. I wouldn't recommend for people with strollers as there are some steps that are difficult to navigate. I haven't climbed to the top of the rock yet since I usually have my dog with me, but one of these days I'll make the trek up without the pooch. Either way, the panoramic views are great and an awesome place to watch the sunset.

If you live in Castle Rock you can skip the worries about the small parking lot and walk to the park! We have climbed with small children in backpacks, but they can also climb it on its own. There are two options for climbing so you you can take the steep trail or the longer one with the easier slope. You can choose to take one up and one down, which we usually do. You can see all of Castle Rock as you go around the rock several times on the way up and down. If you are adventurous you can climb up to the top of the rock but coming down is a bit dangerous. You need to pay attention climbing up because there are a few blind areas coming down that you have to know that there is a ledge to land on beneath that you can't see.

We visited the park on a Thursday morning. There were a dozen people on the trail, many with young children. Gradual incline to the base of the rock. On the side opposite the trails is the easiest spot to free climb to the top of the rock. My 24-yr old daughter and I (59-yr old) both climbed to the top, just remember to keep three-points of contact at all times. Great views from the top. Unique star up there (I assume it is illuminated at night?)

Stopped here after eating a great dinner to stretch the legs and walk off dinner. Nice area, not crowded. Unique views of Castle Rock.

Nice smooth trail with a great view. The trail does not take you to the very top of the rock - although there always seems to be people up there....

As far as I could tell there are only 2 trails. Very cool view of castle rock. Good workout. Can climb all the way up.

This is a quick hike that takes you to the base of the castle rock where you can circle it and see the Front Range mountains from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak. It's accessible from Front St, Canyon Dr, or Oakwood. Best done on dry trails.

It is definitely rewarding once you hike up to the top, the view in every direction is breath taking

We took this hike with 4 kids (7-12). The hike was relatively short 1 1/2 miles but lots of fun. You twist up thru a well marked trail to the base of the rock formation. Once there you have to climb up over a little more challenging area but so worth the view once on top. Views in all direction and great picture taking with the star on top.

A well maintained trail which is challenging enough for a good workout. The views from the top are breathtaking, with Pike's Peak to the south and the Rocky Mountains to the west.

This is a good short hike. Its a nice trail with plenty of people on it. Dogs are welcome. At the top there is a nice scenic view of all of Castle Rock. Lot's of families and people with dogs resting at the top.

Had always wanted to explore this park, and I finally got a chance while traveling with family. I used this as a quick break to stretch my legs. Hiked the summit trail and back, great view, nice workout, best part was the lack of humidity in the region. Climbed back in the car without sweat and continued driving.

We have enjoyed hiking Rock Park everytime we've been there. It's a moderate hike up the side of the Castle Rock Rock so it helps to be prepared with great shoes, etc. We always take our dogs. The hike akes about an hour up and an hour down for a leisurely hike ... I think you could do it quicker if you choose. Great view of the Town of Castle Rock at the top. Recommended!!!

Upon the advice, we tried to decide which way was the hard way up. We took the right path (what we think was the hard one) up and the left path down. There’s a bench or two at the top to enjoy the view. It looks like there used to be a place to climb higher that was sheared off on the rock and now has warning signs. It can be enjoyed without summiting the very top. Great views of the city and a nice hike. A decent amount of wildlife and some wildflowers.

I gave 5 stars based on the view on the very top. The last phase is a bit more difficult than a regular hike. Be aware of the fact that there are no safety fences at the top. Good shoes are required.

Just about anyone can handle this short hike to the top of the "Rock" located in Castle Rock. There are two options to chose from one being a little more challenging than the other. But no matter which trial you chose everyone gets to see the same wonderful view. It is a great trial to also walk with your pet, small children and those who may have minor physical limitations. Both trials are fairly flat and the steps are easy to walk up and down. At the top there are railings, and covered areas to look out with places to sit and relax.

Trail is well defined, not a long hike but is challenging at times. Parking lot fills up sometimes so parking along the street is better and it adds some more hiking too.

This is a cool easy trail. You can't go to the top of the rock, but it has alot of great views, so it's worth it.

On our infrequent trips to Colorado Springs we always would promise to visit the park as we sped on down I-25. Yesterday we finally put time into our itinerary and were well rewarded. Each trail provides a unique perspective for photography and hiking experience. Regardless whether you are heading north or south, the view looking west is a great primer for further treks as you will be able to see Pikes Peak on your left and peaks of the Rocky Mountain National Park on your right.

My family visited Rock Park on our trip from St. Louis. The elevation change can be hard, and we vowed to hike every day of our trip. Our second day in Colorado we decided to go to the park since we have previously walked it. It is an uphill trek, but it isn't busy and crowded to if you have to stop and take breaks like we did it isn't a problem. There are two paths. One is called Summit trail and involves a noted rugged trail, the other is the Perimeter trail and takes you up to the top by way of a wider, flat service road. Both go to the top. We took the Perimeter up and the Summit down since we wanted the harder part to be on the way down. By hard, I mean there will be rocks you have to step on and the ground isn't level. It's not grueling like the Rockies can be, but my uneven and has switchbacks.

The view along the way is beautiful with the Rockies in the distance and Castle Rock sprawling below. There are plenty of birds, and on some days you can see hawks in nests on the rock face. At the top you can circle the rock, but to climb it you have to have a permit so in our 2 trips we've only seen 2 people climbing. Most just hike or run the trail. There's a nice breeze at the top to cool down before you make your way down.

Good easy hike , especially if you are trying to acclimate and stay active.

This is a great hike if you have limited time. The trail is 1.4 miles. It took us approximately one hour. The top is a panoramic view of Castle Rock and several neighboring mountains. The mountain is steep and you have to navigate a few rocky areas. I'm a novice hiker and was able to complete the hike.

We had family visiting last month and of course we hiked the Rock! I was hiking it with my 73 year old aunt and she did great; it wasn't too strenuous for her at all. The thinner air did get her fairly winded as she lives at sea level, but by the second time she was breathing much easier. The second time we also had my son and 3 year old grandson join us, and the 3 year old did most of the hike on his own, albeit at a slower pace.

Just do it! You won't regret it. Easy hike for most, gets your heart beating if out of shape, but still do-able.

This was a solid hike for us - we are not used to Colorado hiking. The kids 10 and 8 were able to do it with a few breaks. It might be easy to experienced hikers, but for us, it was moderate. The trail was dry so it was easy to use, although it is pretty steep as you get close to the rock. We used the Paul Hill trail (turn left at the fork) both up and down, and that was the better option for the kids. The trail and views were pretty. Kids loved watching the birds swoop in and out of their rock homes.

A short hike, so we did it twice. This trail is a little misleading as one trail says summit and the other perimeter. Knowing it is a loop we opted for the perimeter first. Well maintained trail and I think this could be really good for hill training. However, when we reached the rock, the only way to get to the top of the rock and the star is to scramble the rocks. It is doable, but perhaps not at the pinnacle of heat for the day. They do not have stairs, just a few places that you might be able to scramble and if you are vertically challenged like I am, it makes it difficult. We started from the beginning and did the summit trail and it was a bit more difficult due to rocks and scree but a nice little hike again to the base of the rock. You would think summit would take you to the top. So, we stood below and gazed up at the flag and the star.

Me and my friends loved to climb the Rock! It is a nice hike up there and not just something for adults and teens but also something for the little ones!

The park has parking and a small shelter. The main attraction is the hiking trail to the top of the hill, where you can walk all around the rock for a 360 degree view of the Castle Rock area. For a little adventure there is a chimney on the east side of the Rock that allows access to the very top of the rock. It is a climb and descent that even novice rock climbers can make, not at all technical. Regardless, please be careful. You'll have a panoramic view of the Plum Creek valley, but avoid the climb if bad weather is in the forecast. You have nowhere to hide and lightning strikes are a distinct possibility.

Pretty easy and quick little hike. Take a walk up the main trail to get to the top and then hike around the backside for the return trip, Take about 1.5 hours to enjoy the ROCK.

This is an uncrowded and well-kept park, with plenty of free parking and an interesting hike almost to the top of the famous "Castle Rock" namesake of the town.

This is a great trial to get you up to the base of historic Castle Rock. The view are wonderful and the trail is relatively easy. It's moderate in a few places but overall so worth the effort to get up there.

We could see it from our hotel room & knew we had to hike it. Once we got to the top of the trail we had to figure out how to get to the top of the rock. After watching some people come down they told us the best way. It was pretty scary for us flat landers! But we made it & it was beautiful!! Glad we did it!

A rough walk up the narrow trail, but well worth the view. Didn't realize there was an easier path up to the top. Used that one to go down.

Stopped here on our way from Denver to Colorado Spring. It was a great short hike for our group of 9 (3 adults and children age 12/10/9/6/4 and 1).

Easy parking, and about 1.4 mile hike all the way around.

Easy Hike. You can't get on top of the rock but you can walk all the way around it. I wouldn't make a huge effort to get there, but if you live in the area or passing through, you need to do it.

Was attempting to climd on top of the rock, but was not able to see a path was. Other people were on it. Got as far as the trail lets you go. Can see 360 degree views. Will be making the trip back to reach the top of the rock. Overall was a nice trip up.

Beautiful park. Many trailheads marked, parking available, and maps. We us All Trails app...

Many pull overs to enjoy the view from a car. Good place.for photos.

Rock Park features roughly a mile of hiking trails that wrap around and lead to the base of the rock formation. The two main trails are neither steep nor technical and any able-bodied individual should be able to complete the hike without serious concern.

Even though the hiking is simple and straightforward, this is not a place you should attempt with a stroller. The trails are rough and some easy rock-hopping is needed in spots.

Once you get to the top of the trail, you can walk around the rock for 360-degree views of Castle Rock and the mountains to the west.

I'm not certain of the legality of going all the way to the top of the rock, but there are people up there all the time. Should you choose to do so, gaining the summit of the rock requires some scrambling and a couple easy class 3 moves from a well-worn route on the east side of the rock. Do not attempt if you're afraid of heights, and be advised that a fall could cause significant injury.

Every review indicates this a a moderate hike, takes about an hour etc., but that is SO subjective. Nowhere (here or at the park) could I find the information I was looking for. I'm not from Colorado nor an experienced climber, but I've done hundreds of nature park hikes in many states and never have I seen such a popular hike that has multiple routes that does not provide the two most basic and important things I need to know to make a decision: distance and elevation change. The only sign I saw told me it was .5 miles back to the parking lot that I just came from to get to the sign. Oh and that that was at the fork to decide which path to take to get to the summit. The sign did not give me advice about what was ahead on either path and why I should choose one or the other. I can't be the only person who thinks such information is basic and necessary and to help people make an informed choice.

We walked it in January and the most treacherous part was the ice on parts of the path that were very slick. I too found the hike to be a moderate one, for all the help that will provide the reader. I can tell you that the elevation change is about 300 feet, but I did not have a reliable way to measure the distance for the path we took so I can't tell you that. We too opted not to do the final climb to the very top given the signage which I would describe as "moderately" discouraging to visitors (we watched a few make the assent).

BTW: The views from the summit are very good, but nothing exceptional given all the mountains and views in the area.

Castle Rock used to be a little town in the middle of nowhere. Not anymore. The Rock Park is still the same though...great access, totally worth the time.

My husband and I certainly don't hike very much, but this was a relatively easy hike. We did this on a Saturday around 11 am, and it wasn't busy at all. The hike up was all uphill and took us about 40 minutes (with a couple breaks) and we stayed at the top for a while. Great views!

We've lived in South Denver for over 20 years, and I just tried this hike to the top when we had some relatives in town. Great views, and it is a very easy hike as well. Rock Park is well worth your time if you are in the Castle Rock area.

Fun and easy to get too. Nice trails and a great view over the city. You can easily see wildlife there.

The hike up Castle Rock is very beginner. Even children can do it with ease in about 30 minutes or so to the top, and about 20 minutes to get back down at a moderate pace. The view of the town of Castle Rock and I-25 is pretty decent from the top, and it is eerily quiet, leading to the illusion that you're much higher and farther away than you actually are.

We took a pleasant hike on a nice sunny day, well marked trails, some benches up at the top to enjoy the views of Castle Rock. It was only around a mile and a half walk .

This is a hike up a slope that leads to a r rectangular shaped rock. Very nice climb. Only problem
Is top view is I25 expressway.

A bit of a rough trail, but worth the views at the top. Be sure to take water on a hot day. Good up close view of the Castle Rock Conglomerate Formation.

Nice hike and view across the valley and of Castle Rock. Hike is easy to moderate and there are facilities at the base.

Pretty cool park around a famous rock cropping! Really worthwhile place to stop off at and check out!

Took the front up and slower, more gradual path down.A good hike, about 25 minutes. Great covered picnic tables at the base.
Son brought food up for a fun lunch.
Colorado does a great job with its parks and paths

I've traveled past this picturesque formation at least once a year for over 25 years and up until this weekend have never tried hiking it. I am happy to report that it is a fantastic little hike that, while short, is well worth the effort and ~1 hour of time it takes. A couple of friends and I hiked up for sunset and the view was amazing. If you enjoy photography, the height, mountain views, and proximity to I-25 makes for some fantastic long-exposure opportunities. My only recommendations are 1) bring sturdy shoes as there is some medium-intensity scrambling required to reach the summit, and 2) bring a flashlight if you are trying to catch sunset, as the light fades very quickly once the sun goes down!

If your in the area this is a wonderful walk around and around up the rock ~ any age, any level of fitness it's so easy. The views from near the top are beautiful ~ look 60 mi S to see Pikes Peak or watch a train safely and slowly snake its way into CR pass the rock heading N.
Much cooler in the mornings but anytime is a must!

We took daughter to the park on a Thanksgiving Day to climb the rock as her older sister and younger brother had done previously. She had to match their “climbing expertise” and she had fun doing it. In the meantime walking the trails is good exercise and taking a few photos from the top (daughter) and me from the bottom (ha!) was a kick.

A don’t miss outdoor experience, the head to a Castle Rock local watering hole and relive the fun.

The small parking lot was full, so we drove to side street where we found a different entrance to the park’s path. (I was glad I’d previously driven around the area to check it out before our friends from out of town came for a visit). The path to the top of the hill is rated difficult, and it was a little steep at times. However, it wasn’t as bad as I was anticipating.

From the top, the other part of the path that makes up the loop around the hill looked too difficult for me (I’m not normally a hiker). So I was glad we came onto the loop from the side entrance. Also, although there is a path around the rock itself, the part on the south side look too narrow for my comfort level. I wish they had a sign at the top telling which of the 14ners we were looking at from up there. Overall, the views from the top of the hill made the hike well worth it.

Worth the easy to moderate hike in the evening. Sunset is amazing! You don't have to climb all the way up the face of the rock to get an incredible experience. The trail takes you far enough.

Beautiful hike! Often crowded parking & trail. A couple of spots in the climb that made my "mom" alarm go off. A mostly easy/moderate climb with a few minor "yikes" moments. Worth the climb!

This is a great short hike in the town of Castle Rock. It is a great view once you get to the base of the rock. If you want to climb up to the top of the rock you can do it on the East side.

If you like to go on short hikes and see some great views, Rock Park is perfect. The Rock has become a real icon of Castle Rock, so if you are visiting you really must climb the rock. The hike is actually not that long or that strenuous and it leads you to a loop trail at the base of rock at the top of the hill. From here, the views of Castle Rock are great and my kids just enjoyed trying to pick out all the buildings that they know. There a many accessible places here for kids to do a little light rock climbing, which my kids always like to do. There is no official trail to get up the very top of the rock, but it can be done. However, scaling to the top is for the fit and nimble...all others should just stick to the loop trail.

Short hike up a steep rock. Might be a bit challenging for some due to the steep incline, but it doesn't take long to get to the top. Once you arrive, the views are worth it. The trail is pet friendly but it gets narrow at some spots so be careful. Nice little stop for a break from work or driving or just to eat lunch at the picnic tables.

Rock Park is a nice community park that the entire family is able to enjoy. Jogging down the trail is a family favorite. The views from the top are great, and also a nice place to watch the sunset.

I'm not able to climb the hill but I was amassed at the site of this rock at the top of the hill and to learn how it was formed. I know that there are numerous hiking trails in and around this town. we really enjoyed our visit to this city and how much there was there. My daughters have climbed the stairs and have gotten to enjoy a lot of the facilities. Look forward to returning

Able to assend and descend in about 45 min to an hour. Great views on a clear day. A little windy at the top but it felt great after the ascent. perimeter trail is easier with less rock steps.

Rock Park is an easy hike with tremendous views. If you climb to the top of the rock you get a much better view of Castle Rock and the mountains.

With the steep rise in temperatures, my family and I hiked here. The trail head is really easy to find, and there is an outhouse at the trail's beginning. At the trail head is also a set of covered picnic benches with a great view of Castle Rock.

The hike itself was very easy. The trail was mostly dry except for a few muddy spots. This loop trail leads to the base of Castle Rock, which also has a mini-loop around it. Be advised: THERE IS NO TRAIL TO THE TOP OF THE ROCK! The trail ends at the mini-loop encircling the rock's base. Guests can free climb the rock, but this isn't something to do with children or if you're not a decent rock climber. My husband and I decided against it because we had our toddler with us...it's just not worth the risk. Besides, there are plenty of overlooks with incredible views and places for little ones to run around.

I advise getting here earlier in the day, as the parking lot fills fast. But no wonder...this was a great way to enjoy some fresh air!

Beautiful walk up to the base of Castle Rock and a couple paths. Its really pretty in the fall. Its free, you can picnic at the base and its right in the city. Sunset is lovely.

Awesome trail with an awesome view! If you’re not used to high altitudes, take it slow- especially towards the top and bring chapstick lol

This is our go-to place for a quick hike on a beautiful weekend morning. It never feels crowded, it's a fun climb, and the views from the top are very pretty.
Although it's listed as a 'difficult' climb, there are always families with small children making the climb so it is do-able for most.
Enjoy!

I've taken my family up the Rock multiple times and we've loved each visit. It's easy for most people, but there are some areas I could see as challenging for some if you're not in good shape or used to hiking. I recommend going around dusk and catching the sunset. It's amazing!

Rock Park was more fun than expected. The hike was not overly tough but was challenging enough to provide a good experience. We did not find a way to the top except by climbing up some rocky areas. If you are in Castle Rock this park is a must.

This is a cool outdoor activity for friends, couples and family oriented trips. The Rock is THE iconic place to go see if you are in Castle Rock so yeah you should see it!

Short but semi strenuous hike up The Rock. You can hike up one of two ways, one is more of a straight shot, the other is more switchbacks and stairs. You can only hike to the base of the Rock, you cannot climb up to the very top. Plan for an hour up/exploring and back down.

This is a fun climb for great views! Bring lots of water and use your sunscreen. Its a somewhat tough climb, but anyone in good shape should be able to do it..

You can enjoy a hike up the rock with views of the surrounding mountains and valley with little effort! This is a beautiful park that does not require a whole day to explore and makes for a perfect morning adventure.

Rock Park was an early morning trek for me that I liked. Two hours is a sufficient time allocation for this excursion. The hike to the top is not tough but there were a couple of steeper parts that left me s tad winded. When you reach the top, you simply walk around the rock’s perimeter. There were a few seating areas and picnic tables to use. The views of the Castle Rock area from the top were ok but not spectacular. I enjoyed watching the birds going to and from their nests in the cliff walls. I also ran across a couple of wild rabbits as I hiked up. Glad I took the time to visit here.

You can see the Rock from 50 miles away on a clear day. Climbing to the top of the iconic Castle Rock offers terrific views. Go early before the park fills up and gets crowded.

We have hiked this many times with adults and kids as young as 7. It was just challenging enough for the kids to get some exercise but not too hard to be fun for everyone. The trails are nice and clear and the views from the top are great! Parking is easy and free. Pets are allowed and unfortunately too many old don't clean up after them. Otherwise, it's a great trail!