Castle Rock. Colorado

Castle Rock, CO

Outdoor recreation, great golf, proximity to Denver, excellent restaurants... Castle Rock has it all. For the last few years, the city has been on lists of the fastest-growing cities in the country as others discover the extreme livability of this Denver suburb.

Castle Rock, named for the parapet-like butte in the middle of town, got its start due to the prevalence of rhyolite, a volcanic rock that envelopes gemstones and can be used in construction. Quarries employed hundreds during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, the more than 64,000 residents primarily work in Denver to the north or Colorado Springs to the south.

The Community of Castle Rock

Bisected by I-25, Castle Rock has four main quadrants that surround the downtown area with more than 35 residential neighborhoods. The Castle Highlands area with the new and huge Philip S. Miller Park and Miller Activity Complex are to the west, with the large The Meadows neighborhood and many of the city's schools to the northwest. Founder's Village and Castlewood Ranch are developments to the east of Castle Rock.

What to Do in Castle Rock

The Miller Activity Complex is a community center that offers options for just about everyone, including a pool, indoor sports fields, zip lines, batting cages, a golf simulator, a trampoline and a huge playground for kids. Some of the activities are an additional cost beyond the reasonable admission fee of $8/adult and $7/child for non-residents.

Seven golf courses spread through and around Castle Rock, including the famed Castle Pines that used to host the PGA Tour's The International tournament. Red Hawk Ridge is an excellent test of golf with country club conditions that's open to the public. Plum Creek, a Pete Dye design, is another public gem that's known for its par-3 17th over water.

With more than 100 stores, the Outlets at Castle Rock call to bargain hunters and high-end shoppers alike. Grab a snack in the food court and enjoy mountain views when your feet get tired from shopping.

One Place You Shouldn't Miss in Castle Rock

Rock Park provides an easy to moderate hike up to the top of the city's namesake castle-like butte, which give you excellent views of the area and surrounding Rockies. (Going to the top of the rock isn't recommended, but is possible if you've got rock climbing chops.) Sturdy shoes are necessary, and if you're going to watch the sunset, don't forget a flashlight.

Dining in Castle Rock

Union Bistro is a funky eatery with a mix of large and small plates to appeal to all appetites. Try the Cheeseburger Egg Rolls or the Truffle Parmesan Tots off the Little Plates menu and the Blackberry BBQ Salmon or housemade Pappardelle in pesto from the Big Plates. Salads and sandwiches offer more choices; many come gluten-free.

Local dishes and long-time favorites like pan-fried chicken, baby-back ribs and smoked pork burritos headline the menu at The Castle Cafe, nestled into the original downtown Castle Hotel & Bar.