If you’re looking for a laid-back, quiet, friendly place surrounded by nature to get a foothold during your visit to Colorado, then the town of Castle Pines in Douglas County is the place for you. Although the town has a rustic feel on the edge of the Great Plains, it is only 20 miles from downtown Denver and is considered a suburb of the city.
With only 11,000 people living at Castle Pines, you’ll be away from the crowds of the big city, yet close enough to easily access all its attractions and services.
Castle Pines has something for everyone, including dining, golf courses, a beautiful downtown area, a vibrant arts and cultural scene, and proximity to the Rocky Mountains. For visitors who enjoy the great outdoors, there are several parks with walking and biking trails within the town limits.
Here are 15 of the best things to do in and around Fort Pines, Colorado.
1. Woodhouse Day Spa
Whether you arrive at Castle Pines by road or plane, you can unwind at the full-service Woodhouse Day Spa after your trip.
Visitors can enjoy many luxurious services including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and body treatments by professionally trained staff whose goal is to ensure you leave their premises relaxed, looking and feeling good.
2. Elk Ridge Park
Elk Ridge Park in Castle Pines is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy an active day outdoors. The park is a beautiful and well-maintained green space with lots of activities for all ages.
Kids love the fountain, splash pad, playground, maze and climbing wall. There are several walking trails for all levels scattered throughout the area. The park is also an ideal place to enjoy a picnic.
3. Pinot’s Italian Kitchen and Bar
Visitors to Castle Pines can enjoy top-notch cuisine in a fun, relaxed setting at the family-owned Pino’s Italian Kitchen and Bar. The extensive menu has something for every taste, and while the focus is on authentic Italian food, there are many different options to choose from, including steaks, seafood, soups and salads.
Offering a range of unique cocktails, the knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right wine to accompany your meal. Every Saturday night, live music entertains customers.
4. Colorado Pumpkin Patch
During the fall months, Monument’s Colorado Pumpkin Fields is a 41-acre family farm with fun for the whole family. Jumping pillows, large outdoor board games, straw slides, mazes and swings are just some of the fun facilities on site.
Visitors can also take part in duck races, laser tag, hay carts, face painting and pony rides. There is a petting zoo with alpacas, sheep and chickens on site.
5. Rockyard Brewing Co.
Douglas County’s longest-running brewery offers award-winning craft beers and uniquely crafted meals. For over 20 years, Rockyard Brewing Co. has been creating and serving options in their bars.
Hopalypto (a tropical IPA), Primadonna (a German pilsner) and Buoyant (an American blonde) are just some of the types of beers you can expect to find.
6. The Ridge at Castle Pines Golf Course
Golfers visiting Castle Pines have the opportunity to tee off at one of the best golf courses in the state. The Ridge of Castle Pines is a famous course that has won many awards for its incredible layout and spectacular scenery.
Large fairways, rolling greens and bunkers are just some of the features of this beautiful course in the Colorado Mountains. After a long day on the field you can enjoy some quality food and drinks in the fully equipped bar and restaurant on site. On good days, you can dine on the terrace overlooking the valley.
7. Cherry Creek Reservoir
Cherry Creek Reservoir near Denver is a place for tourists and locals to get away from the hustle and bustle and escape the natural world. Not only do you get stunning views of the surroundings, but there is a lot to see and do in the park, and there are plenty of facilities to use.
Bird watching is a popular activity and you can see many different species including bald eagles, eagles, songbirds and waterfowl. The reservoir is where you can engage in many water activities, including swimming, water skiing, jet skiing, fishing and boating. There are many hiking trails to choose from, including Butterfly Mountain Trail, Prairie Ring Trail, Vista Trail, and Beaver Pond Nature Trail.
There are also 135 campgrounds and several picnic areas on site.
8. Clue Room
A fun and exciting pastime that is gaining popularity around the world. Visitors to the nearby Centennial can experience it at The Clue Room. You can join as long as your tour group consists of two or more people. This unique experience is the perfect way to have fun with friends.
Your team will be placed in a locked room and your task is to try to figure out how to escape. In the allotted time you have to figure it out, you will find the solution by looking for clues and solving riddles. There are 11 different games to choose from.
9. Rueter-hess Reservoir
The Rueter-hess Reservoir at Castle Pines is a beautiful body of water located in a remote area near Frank Jaegar Dam. The tranquility of the area and the calm, sparkling blue waters of the reservoir attract kayakers and anglers alike.
Visitors can camp near the water’s edge, and there are several walking trails around the area.
10. Castlewood Canyon State Park
Outdoor enthusiasts will find many activities in the natural setting of Castlewood Canyon State Park near Franktown. Originally designed to preserve the history surrounding Castlewood Canyon Dam, today it is an outdoor recreation paradise.
There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to difficult. All of the trails are less than four miles long, but they link together for visitors who enjoy long hikes. Along the way, the remains of Castlewood Dam, which burst its banks in 1933, can be seen. There are many rest stops along Cherry Creek that flows through the park, and there are picnic areas on site.
Other activities available in the park include bird watching, horseback riding, rock climbing and wildlife viewing.
11. Castle Rock Zip Line
Ziplining is a popular activity for those seeking adventure and thrills on the treeline, and nearby Castle Rock is home to Colorado’s longest and fastest zipline. There are ten different zipline adventures that take visitors of all ages to high places, where they soar to the end at rocket speed.
The park is also home to the largest aerial adventure park in the region, with over 100 elements and obstacles.
12. Explore the parks in Castle Pines North District
There are four community parks in the Castle Pines North area. The retreat park is only five acres, but the small space is packed with amenities, including a large playground, picnic areas, barbecue pits, a walking trail and a field for a variety of sports.
Coyote Ridge Park is the largest park in the area, with 15 acres of facilities and green spaces. Visitors have access to a baseball field, multipurpose field, skate park, two basketball courts, playgrounds, and picnic facilities.
Daniel Gate Park features fields for a variety of sports, playgrounds and pavilions.
The 12-acre Elk Ridge Park also features a multipurpose venue and many other amenities, including a climbing wall, splash pad, maze, walking trails and educational exhibits.
13. Pikes Peak Brewing Company
At the Pikes Peak Brewing Company at the nearby monument, the whole family can visit the winery and restaurant. Offers a wide range of award-winning craft beers ranging from classic to modern, as well as a variety of meals and snacks.
14. Wings of the Rocky Mountains Air and Space Museum
Denver’s Rocky Mountain Air and Space Museum offers visitors a journey through the combat history of Lowery Air Force Base. The museum includes more than 50 aircraft and spacecraft. A research library is on site.
There are a variety of exhibits to view, including the Lowry Heritage Room, Become an Astronaut, the Virtual Reality Lounge, Project Amelia, and the Colorado Air National Guard Room. There is also a very realistic flight simulator in the museum with an audio guide.
15. Explore the historic LoDo community
LoDo is a colorful historic district in Denver that’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike due to the area’s exciting vibe and variety of attractions and services.
Brewpubs, bars, restaurants and trendy rooftop cafes are scattered around. One of the most popular stops along the way is El Chapultepec, where you can listen to live jazz music while enjoying delicious Mexican food.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Fort Pines, CO
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