Rock Park

This park has some amazing views from the top and the bottom. We parked our car and started up. There are two trails to get to the top. When we reached the split in the trail we went to the right on the way up and came down the other way. Both trails are clearly marked. There are some stairs but mostly it is gravel and rocks. I would say to bring some water and wear some sunscreen because there is not a lot of shade on the trail. Once you get to the top you will have some pretty good views. We only saw a few other hikers so not too busy or crowded feeling. I would definitely recommend coming here at least once if you are visiting the area. It's worth a stop.

Came on a Saturday at 8 AM & there was plenty of parking & we mostly had the Rock to ourselves. I think this is the first official hike my husband & I have done together anywhere & at anytime in our relationship/lives. Great place to start as it's a quick & easy park & gives you a cool story whenever you drive by Castle Rock ("I've climbed that!").We took the John Emerson Summit Trail up to the base & used the Paul Hill Perimeter Trail to come back down to the trail head. The John Emerson is more challenging then Paul Hill (relative to each other; both are beginner status regardless). I don't think I could've done the trails in the opposite loop because Emerson would be a bit steep for me coming down (though it was fine heading up). Took us 40 minutes to complete but would take even less time without stopping at the base to admire the views like we did of the town of Castle Rock & Pikes Peak. Recommend popping over to Dos Santos after a morning hike for a breakfast burrito to cap off a great morning!

Went for a short hike to The Rock. It was hot so I was glad to get some shade up at the base of The Rock. The hike isn't bad it's the elevation that gets you. I'm a little out of shape because I haven't been making the gym my priority so I had to stop to catch my breath. Also, his legs are longer than mine so I was scrambling to keep up. There's a wall now where before it was fencing only and you can sit on it. Benches strategically placed for seating at two bends. It was nice to be out doors and the view was great. I like to look out over Castle Rock. We saw new developments and the mountains because the sky was so clear.

It's a short and zero-stress hike, regardless of which path you take, to get to the top. There are great views at the summit including the mountains and the downtown area. Parking is free in the main lot, but there are 2 other street entrances as well. The two paths up loop around and return you to the parking lot.

Rock Park is very unique. I say so because it's pretty much in the center of the town/city of Castle Rock and yet you will also get the feeling that you just climbed/hiked a fairly high mountain. This is not very typical for a metro area like CR.I believe it's only about a mile (no more than) no matter where you start so it's not going to take all day to look around. It's a good place if you want to experience a 360-degree view of the town/city. And it is breathtakingly beautiful to say the least. And once you are done with your hike you can head down to downtown Castle Rock for a cup of coffee or lunch (only 5 min away.) Or should you wish you can head to the Mini Incline just on the other side of the highway (only 10 minutes away); you'll be able to do a lot of cardio that way (that's exactly what I did the past weekend!)

Seeking a close to home (home being Parker and Bennett) day hike for myself, a friend, and the child she nanny's for we decided that some light hiking in Rock Park, Castle Rock was just what we were looking for!++ Parking is free in the surrounding neighborhood. Though I do think that there might be another trailhead that features a parking lot. ++ Compared to many other hikes in the area this was def easier. It's about a 1.7 mile loop with a few stairs and a bit of an uphill incline. Nothing to strenuous! ++ The trail is, for the most part, a wide packed dirt path. ++ Probably would take under an hour for the average person not stopping to fuss with a baby or take pictures.+/- To get to the actual "top," where the flag and the holiday star are, you have to do a bit of rock climbing/scrambling. You will def want your hands free for this part! A couple spots are a little tricky, but overall nothing too sketchy.-- There were a few poop bags left along the trail. Don't be "that person," pack out your pups poop!Great quick little hike to start our sunny day! Would def come back for a close to home "get outside" fix.

Nice little hike close to town. Family friendly. There's two trails up with different starting points. The longer one has a parking lot but the shorter one is street parking in a residential neighborhood. Unfortunately google maps took me to the shorter one, which is really my only complaint.

One of the many "turrets" you seen on I-25 as you make your way though Castle Rock. There is a small parking lot at the base, and there are signs for the trail. It is a giant loop, so whether you go north or south, you will eventually get back to your car. The trail is not that intense at all and would probably take the average person about 45 minutes to complete.Now, if you are up for the challenge, you can climb to the top of the rock to even getting better views. It is a small climb that will require all fours but definitely worth it. This is also where they have the huge star that is lit up during the holidays.

Always saw this giant rock while driving back & forth from the springs to Denver. Finally decided to see if it was an actual thing to hike. Found the parking lot & we were up the trail & climbed to the top of the rock in no time! The view was DEFINITELY worth the adventure.

My husband and I are visiting from out of state and wanted to find a light hiking trail. This was perfect. It wasn't too far outside of Denver and it's nice for beginners. Lots of friendly people, families, and dogs.