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Outdoor Programs
Throughout the year, the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of outdoor programs for all ages. Get out and explore everything Colorado has to offer! From breathtaking views at 14,000 feet to a local hike near your own backyard, Colorado has something for everyone. Check out our seasonal outdoor adventure offerings.
Local Hikes
We offer weekly morning hikes and some weekend ones throughout the year. Take advantage of the great trails in and around Castle Rock and Douglas County. We will also hike to spots in Conifer and Palmer Lake, just about anything within about a one hour drive. Most of these hikes are designated as easy, and are 2.5-4 miles long with not much elevation gain. Moderate hikes may have some steep hills and will be 3.5-8 miles long. In the winter just grab your snowshoes instead of your hiking boots!
Excursions
Santa Express Train
Sunday, Dec. 6
3:45-6:45 p.m.
Join us for a journey to the North Pole in Colorado’s Royal Gorge and meet Santa Claus himself. The Santa Express Train is a winter wonderland, where children of all ages gather to make memories you’ll treasure year after year. Holiday cheer abounds aboard the Santa Express train!
You'll have the option to get dinner, complete with child and adult beverages from a fully stocked bar. You'll also enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, as the train makes its way to pick up St. Nick.
Once the guest of honor boards the train, Santa will greet every child and give them a very special gift.
We will meet at the train station in Canyon City for this adventure!
Outdoor Education
Basics for Low Impact Hiking
Hike a local natural area and discuss ways hikers can avoid or reduce negative impacts on nature and fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Learn the Leave No Trace principles, and the science behind them. Note: Instructor will notify participants of location prior to class.
Guided Forest Therapy
Research shows that visits to natural places have real health benefits. Experience the healing and wellness of Shinrin-Yoku: the practice of bathing the senses in nature. Take a quiet, contemplative walk that integrates gratitude, reflection and creativity. Note: Instructor will notify participants of location prior to class.
Register for one of the outdoor education classes
This Town Hikes!
Local Day Hikes
We offer weekly morning hikes throughout the year. Take advantage of the great trails in and around Castle Rock and Douglas County. We will also hike to spots in Conifer and Palmer Lake, just about anything within about a 1-hour drive. Most of these hikes are designated as easy, and are 2.5-4 miles long with not much elevation gain. Moderate hikes may have some steep hills and will be 3.5-8 miles long.
Front Range Hikes
Designed for adults 18 yrs and older who wish to get into the outdoors with competent and experienced guides. Guides carry GPS in case of emergency and are Wilderness First Aid certified. Transportation is provided from the MAC at the designated time. Participants are required to provide their own equipment, water, and snacks. Participants must be in good health and capable of moderate physical activity, meeting the distance and elevation requirement associated with each outing. Destination of outings may change due to weather, trail conditions, or other factors at the discretion of the program coordinator.
These are moderate to strenuous hikes with elevation gain of up to 850 ft. and up to 7 miles at a 1-1.5 mile and hour pace. Travel time up to 1.5 hours from Castle Rock. Cost includes transportation to and from as well as experienced guides.
Register for one of our Front Range hikes
14er Hikes - Advanced
Guided day hike to some of Colorado’s tallest mountains. No experience necessary. Be prepared for breathtaking views. Don’t hesitate if this is your first one. We will help you through the hike and transportation is provided to the base of the mountains. All ages welcome.
Local Day Hikes
We offer weekly morning hikes throughout the year. Take advantage of the great trails in and around Castle Rock and Douglas County. We will also hike to spots in Conifer and Palmer Lake, just about anything within about a 1-hour drive. Most of these hikes are designated as easy, and are 2.5-4 miles long with not much elevation gain. Moderate hikes may have some steep hills and will be 3.5-8 miles long.
Front Range Hikes
Designed for adults 18 yrs and older who wish to get into the outdoors with competent and experienced guides. Guides carry GPS in case of emergency and are Wilderness First Aid certified. Transportation is provided from the MAC at the designated time. Participants are required to provide their own equipment, water, and snacks. Participants must be in good health and capable of moderate physical activity, meeting the distance and elevation requirement associated with each outing. Destination of outings may change due to weather, trail conditions, or other factors at the discretion of the program coordinator.
These are moderate to strenuous hikes with elevation gain of up to 850 ft. and up to 7 miles at a 1-1.5 mile and hour pace. Travel time up to 1.5 hours from Castle Rock. Cost includes transportation to and from as well as experienced guides.
Local Day Hikes
We offer weekly morning hikes throughout the year. Take advantage of the great trails in and around Castle Rock and Douglas County. We will also hike to spots in Conifer and Palmer Lake, just about anything within about a 1-hour drive. Most of these hikes are designated as easy, and are 2.5-4 miles long with not much elevation gain. Moderate hikes may have some steep hills and will be 3.5-8 miles long.
Front Range Hikes
Designed for adults 18 yrs and older who wish to get into the outdoors with competent and experienced guides. Guides carry GPS in case of emergency and are Wilderness First Aid certified. Transportation is provided from the MAC at the designated time. Participants are required to provide their own equipment, water, and snacks. Participants must be in good health and capable of moderate physical activity, meeting the distance and elevation requirement associated with each outing. Destination of outings may change due to weather, trail conditions, or other factors at the discretion of the program coordinator.
These are moderate to strenuous hikes with elevation gain of up to 850 ft. and up to 7 miles at a 1-1.5 mile and hour pace. Travel time up to 1.5 hours from Castle Rock. Cost includes transportation to and from as well as experienced guides.