No matter where you are in Colorado, you are sure to be close to an outdoor wonder of some sort. Isn’t it great? However, if you have been searching for something truly unique and surreal, you are going to want to hike to this aboveground cave that is unlike anything else:
Located near Franktown, Castlewood Canyon State Park is a 2,621-acre park that houses not only numerous hiking trails, but an important part of Colorado history as well.
Flickr/Robin Kanouse
What is the area’s historical significance, you ask? In 1933 the Castlewood Canyon Dam burst, sending a 15-foot wave of water all the way up to Denver, which resulted in a large flood.
Wikimedia Commons Fortunately for us, the ruins of the dam are still viewable when visiting the Castlewood Canyon State Park.
While walking one of the various .5 to 4 mile trails, you will pass through such beautiful ecosystems as shrublands, grasslands, and caprock…
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…native animals like prairie falcons, black bears, and golden eagle…
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…and —of course— numerous aboveground caves and dwellings!
Yelp
While caves can be found scattered throughout the park, we recommend taking the designated Cave Trail at Castlewood Canyon; a 1/8-mile hike that may be difficult, but worth the trek!
Flickr/Josh Montague
When taking this trail, you will not only encounter several caves, but waterfalls and cliffs as well.
Flickr/MAD Hippies Life
For more information on the Cave Trail at Castlewood Canyon, click here.
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Are you looking for even more outdoor goodness? This Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Hike In All Of Colorado!
Flickr/Robin Kanouse
Wikimedia Commons
Fortunately for us, the ruins of the dam are still viewable when visiting the Castlewood Canyon State Park.
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TripAdvisor
Flickr/Josh Montague
Flickr/MAD Hippies Life
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