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Outstanding views from the canyon rim await on this fun, fast trail.


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Map Key

2.1

Miles

3.4

KM

Point to Point

6,556' 1,998 m

High

6,165' 1,879 m

Low

141' 43 m

Up

401' 122 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Historical Significance · River/Creek · Views

Need to Know

While the trail can be done in either direction, the shifting views, and visibility, seem to flow a little better going south to north. This also allows from a slightly more gradual ascent to the top.

Watch out for small cacti, which like to grow on the slickrock along the canyon rim.

Description

Running along the eastern rim of Castlewood Canyon, Rimrock Trail offers glimpses into all of the state park's varied ecosystems: plains, valleys, rocky crags, and the canyon itself.

From the southern end, the trail meets at a signed three-way intersection with Creek Bottom Trail and Inner Canyon Trail in a scenic meadow. Follow the dirt singletrack as it wraps around to the north, climbing to the small remaining portion of the dam along the hillside. Stay right, following the trail as it switches back up the canyon wall. At one point it appears to dead end into a rock wall; turn left here for one last zig zag to the top.

After the brief climb, the trail stays flat as it follows the canyon for a little more than a mile. It's mostly slickrock up here, with the occasional rock cairn to help mark the way (or just follow the contour of the canyon). Fantastic views abound in every direction: green rural farmland to the south, the beginning of the Great Plains to the east, the valleys of the Palmer Divide to the north, and of course, Cherry Creek and Castlewood Canyon to the west. It's a sight few people take the short trek up to see, but if you're in the area, it's not to be missed.

A short spur splits off towards the rim as the trail veers right to begin its descent. The way down is a little more rocky and technical than the path up, but it's not so much difficult as it is fun. The trail levels out briefly for one last vista to the north before resuming its descent. At the bottom, Rimrock Trail enters a completely different feeling environment of green, leafy foilage, noticeably cooler than the rim.

Rimrock Trail crosses a small footbridge before finishing at another three-way intersection, again meeting Creek Bottom Trail. Homestead Trail heads off to the north.

Shared By:

Brendan Ross

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 6 votes

#11453

Overall
  4.0 from 6 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
17%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#976

in Colorado

#11,453

Overall
2 Views Last Month
822 Since Jun 13, 2020
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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75%
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25%
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Photos

Remnants of the Castlewood Canyon dam.
Jul 4, 2016 near Castle…, CO
Rim Rock Trail overlooking the Dam to the south
Oct 7, 2018 near Castle…, CO
Amazing steps from the bottom of the canyon up Rimrock Trail.
Aug 23, 2020 near Castle…, CO
Half way up the south side of the Dam Trail.
Oct 7, 2018 near Castle…, CO
Top of the Failed Castlewood Dam
Aug 5, 2015 near Castle…, CO
Where Rim Rock and the Dam Trail intersect.
Jul 4, 2016 near Castle…, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 75 days ago
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Check-Ins

Sep 22, 2021
Dorothy Krebill
Oct 3, 2020
dustingish
Aug 23, 2020
Allison Klein
4.6mi — 1h 48m
Jan 26, 2019
Austin Mower
Oct 6, 2018
Tim F
Perfect weather, nice and cool. Lots of fall colors
Jul 2, 2017
Tyler Harding
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