Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space

📰 We hiked it. Read our full guide: Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space Is Now Open in Castle Rock — every trail, both trailheads, and what to know before you go.

Connor’s Visits: Opening week, July 2026: “I hiked all 10 open miles over two days, and besides choosing the worst time of day to do it and not being in proper shape, I really enjoyed it and I’d highly recommend checking it out. A few of the best trails don’t start at a parking lot — you walk a connector to reach them — so it pays to know the layout before you go.” (Castle Rock Crew, July 21, 2026) A year earlier he got a guided sneak peek while the ranch was still closed: “Not only was it great to get outdoors and hike (mostly under cloud cover), but it was great to meet some of the awesome individuals behind CR Parks & Trails.” (Castle Rock Crew, July 22, 2025)

Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space opened to the public July 13, 2026, and it is the largest open space the Town of Castle Rock has ever acquired. The 716-acre property has 15 miles of hiking trails, per the Town, winding through rolling grasslands, mature mixed coniferous forest, exposed hoodoo rock formations and dramatic canyon cliffs. The steep terrain was carved by Willow Creek cutting through the wide Lost Canyon, with side canyons formed by spring-fed drainages. The last two trails, Golden Eagle Loop and Rustler's Ridge Loop, were finished in late September 2026, so all 15 miles are now open. We hiked both on Oct. 10, 2026.

What To Expect:

🥾 15 miles of hiking trails across color-coded loops, per the Town

🪨 Hoodoo rock formations and dramatic canyon cliffs

🧭 A trail connection into Castlewood Canyon State Park

🐻 Wildlife including rattlesnakes and black bears

🚻 Portable restrooms at both trailheads

🚲 Bikes permitted on roadways only, never on trails

Important Information:

– NO PETS. Dogs and horses are not permitted anywhere on the property.

– No drinking water on site. Bring plenty of your own.

– Cell service is limited throughout the property.

– Most trails are rated moderate or difficult, with steep grades, rock steps and cliff edges.