Castle Rock, Colorado

Welcome to Castle Rock

Nestled between Denver and Colorado Springs, Castle Rock blends small-town charm with big-time scenery. Known for its iconic rock formations, vibrant downtown, scenic trails, and thriving community, it’s no wonder Castle Rock is one of Colorado’s most desirable places to live, shop, and explore.

Explore Castle Rock

Castle Rock, 1925

Castle Rock, 1929

A Brief History of Castle Rock

Castle Rock gets its name from the towering butte that resembles a medieval castle perched on a hill — a striking geological formation that still defines the town’s skyline today. Long before settlers arrived, the area was home to the Arapaho and Cheyenne peoples, and artifacts from these early inhabitants still turn up across Douglas County.

In the 1860s, European-American pioneers were drawn to the area during Colorado’s gold rush. While gold wasn’t found in abundance here, rhyolite — a durable volcanic stone — was. Castle Rock became a hub for quarrying and rail transport. The arrival of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway in 1871 helped fuel the town’s growth as a supply and shipping center.

The town was officially incorporated in 1881 and has steadily grown from a sleepy frontier settlement to a thriving community of over 80,000 residents. Despite its growth, Castle Rock has maintained its small-town charm, historic downtown core, and appreciation for open space.

Today, Castle Rock blends rich history with modern development, offering the best of both worlds — from preserved architecture and family-run businesses to master-planned communities and tech-enabled infrastructure.

Castle Rock, 2025

Castle Rock Today

With an estimated population of over 90,000 residents, Castle Rock has grown into a dynamic and thriving Colorado town that still retains its small-town warmth and scenic beauty. Nestled just 30 minutes south of Denver, it offers the perfect blend of suburban comfort and outdoor adventure.

Residents enjoy access to over 95 miles of trails and dozens of parks, including the renowned Philip S. Miller Park and Rock Park. Families benefit from top-rated Douglas County schools, community recreation centers, and family-friendly events year-round.

Castle Rock’s bustling shopping districts include both national retailers and boutique finds at the Outlets at Castle Rock and the Promenade. Grocery needs are met with multiple King Soopers, Safeway, Natural Grocers, and specialty markets like Sprouts.

Whether you’re hitting a hiking trail, browsing local shops downtown, catching a concert at Festival Park, or enjoying a local craft beer — life in Castle Rock offers something for everyone. It’s a town where growth meets livability, and where neighbors still say hello.

The Meadows

Terrain

Crystal Valley Ranch

Founders Village

Red Hawk Ridge

Downtown Castle Rock

Plum Creek

Puma Ridge

Diamond Ridge