Rhyolite Regional Park
1701 Crystal Valley Pkwy., Castle Rock
Hours: 5:00 AM-11:00 PM
Rhyolite Regional Park is a beautiful 54.66-acre park in southern Castle Rock. With many acres of family-friendly trails in a natural habitat, this park is a great place to go and be with nature.
As we drove into the parking lot, we were greeted by a bird singing to us from the top of a tree. I couldn't help but notice the beautiful flowers erupting all around.
Before you enter the park, you can see the top of the playground peeking out over the trees. It helps to build some anticipation.
We read all the interpretive signs on the way telling us about rhyolite and how it was formed by volcanic ash, magma, pumice, glass, and rocks traveling more than 100 miles per hour from 100 miles away. The mining of it helped finance the town until the mine closed in 1998. It's fascinating and something I would never have known about without these panels.
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The outer part of the Playset looks like it is for younger kids. There is a bus stop bench, many steering wheels, and multiple manipulative play panels.
Once you cross the bridge, the features are better for older kids. You'll find many different ladders, slides, a climbing wall, and an area that looks like a treehouse.
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Climbing up the ladder to the top can be intimidating for little ones, but it's a gorgeous view for those who can talk themselves into it. You can even lean out over the playground if you dare. Sliding down the long tunnel slide is a fun reward for your braveness.
The playground could use some updating with the bright colors faded from the sun and a few patched holes or cracks in the slides. You can tell it has been well-loved and well used.
In addition to the playset, there is also a rope jungle gym, merry-go-round, and a teeter-totter.
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There are lighted tennis and basketball courts and a lighted multi-use soccer and baseball field. We flew remote control airplanes and kites and then ran out some energy playing tag on these fields.
We can't forget the Rhyolite Cyclocross Course. These hilly flow trails give you an exciting bike ride with a gorgeous view. My husband took a few rides on the course and returned grinning ear to ear. I guess you could say it's a fun one.
Past the Cyclocross Course, you can find access to trails that wind up the side of the mountain. These trails are primarily for older children and adult hikers.
All around the park, you will find family-friendly hiking trails; some are paved, others are not. It's a fun way to spend time with your little ones while teaching them about nature.
FEATURES
- Playground (ages 5-12)
- Multi-use basketball/tennis courts
- Multi-use lighted field (Reservable)
- Cyclocross Course
- Family-friendly trails
- ADA-accessible and stroller-friendly
SEATING
- Shelter/Pavilion (Reservable)
- Picnic tables
- Benches
AMENITIES
- Indoor restrooms (Seasonal)
- Portable toilets (Out of season)
NEARBY SWEETS AND TREATS
Swing down the road on your way home to Oo-de-Lally Coffee, one of my favorite coffee shops. I recommend their delicious Caramel Apple Red Bull blast or a peach smoothie. For lunch, we headed a few miles north to downtown Castle Rock. Granelli's Pizzeria has square-cut Chicago-style pizza in a relaxing atmosphere. Try the garlic bread with cheese or a taco pizza.
Get outside and play more! Visit the Parks and Playgrounds section of our directory to learn about other Douglas County parks.
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