Front Range

Mountain Living in Castle Rock

The butte, a walkable downtown, and quick access to Denver and Colorado Springs.

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Photo: Jeff Albright, CC BY-SA 3.0
County
Douglas (county seat)
Elevation
6,224 ft
Population
About 84,000
Downtown Denver
28 mi · about 35 min
Colorado Springs
37 mi · about 40 min
Schools
Douglas County School District

Drive times are typical and change with traffic and weather.

Living in Castle Rock

What it's like to live in Castle Rock

Castle Rock sits on I-25 halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs, named for the butte that rises over downtown. Every year a star is lit on top of it, and you can see it from all over town.

The town has grown fast, but it still feels like a town. There is a walkable downtown with restaurants and Festival Park, miles of trails, and neighborhoods that back right up to open space. You can be on a trail ten minutes after work.

It works well for people who commute to Denver or the Tech Center, buyers looking at Douglas County School District, and anyone who wants foothill views without giving up city access. Newer master-planned communities sit alongside older acreage on the edges of town, so the range of homes is wide.

Where it is

Where Castle Rock sits on the Front Range

Hover a pin for a quick look. Click to open that town's guide.

Neighborhoods

Where to look in Castle Rock

Crystal Valley Ranch

A master-planned community on the south side with about 600 acres of open space and the Crystal Valley Nature Preserve.

The Meadows

A large planned community west of I-25 with dozens of neighborhoods, parks, and trails.

Castlewood Ranch

A quieter, rural-feeling community with about 159 acres of open space and 3 miles of trails, close to Castlewood Canyon State Park.

Red Hawk

A planned community built around Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course.

Plum Creek

An established neighborhood with a golf course, Plum Creek Park, and a paved bike path.

Downtown

Condos and apartments within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and Festival Park.

Get outside

Things to do in Castle Rock

  • 01

    Rock Park

    An easy 1.4-mile loop to the base of the butte, with views to Pikes Peak.

  • 02

    Philip S. Miller Park

    300 acres with the Miller Activity Center, Challenge Hill, and about 8 miles of single-track.

  • 03

    The EDGE Ziplines & Adventures

    Ten ziplines and a ropes course above Philip S. Miller Park.

  • 04

    Castlewood Canyon State Park

    About 10 minutes from town, with canyon trails, waterfalls, and the remains of an old dam.

  • 05

    Ridgeline Open Space

    About 370 protected acres with more than 13 miles of trails.

  • 06

    Rhyolite Regional Park

    A bike park with bike-only trails and a cyclocross course.

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FAQ

Castle Rock questions, answered

How far is Castle Rock from Denver?

About 28 miles south of downtown Denver on I-25. Most drives take 35 to 45 minutes, longer at rush hour.

What county is Castle Rock in?

Douglas County. Castle Rock is the county seat.

What is the elevation of Castle Rock?

About 6,224 feet.

Which school district serves Castle Rock?

Douglas County School District RE-1. Check the district boundary for any specific address.

Do Castle Rock neighborhoods have metro districts?

Many newer neighborhoods sit inside metropolitan districts that add to the property tax bill. Ask for the mill levy on any home before you write an offer.

How far is Castle Rock from the ski resorts?

Roughly two hours to the Summit County resorts via C-470 and I-70, longer on winter weekends.

Nearby

Towns near Castle Rock

Castle PinesGolf-course neighborhoods and custom homes just north of Castle Rock. Franktown, Perry Park & LarkspurAcreage, horse property, and red-rock views south and east of Castle Rock. MonumentPine-covered hills between Castle Rock and Colorado Springs. Palmer LakeA small lake town tucked right against the foothills.