Castlewood Canyon State Park

Near Franktown, Colorado, the Cherry Creek has carved Castlewood Canyon, perhaps a hundred feet deep and only describable as quaint compared to the Grand Canyon (the last canyon I'd visited). The same Cherry Creek flows on through central Denver. A dam built in the canyon in the late 1800s burst in 1933 flooding much of downtown. The dam was never rebuilt although its ruins remain. In late February on one of my Fridays off, I made the hour drive to Castlewood Canyon State Park and hiked for a few hours in the morning. There was hardly anyone else there. Though the trail was easy, the park offers a peaceful respite from the bustle of downtown, interested human history, and great views of Pikes Peak.