Why Bishop Castle and Lake Isabel should be your next Colorado Day Trip?

Bishop Castle and Lake Isabel make for one of the most unique Colorado day trips because they sit just minutes apart in southern Colorado, linked by the stunning Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway. Together they give you a full day of one-of-a-kind architecture, a gorgeous scenic drive, and peaceful lakeside trails, all for almost nothing.

Whether you are driving from Denver or Colorado Springs, a Bishop Castle and Lake Isabel day trip belongs on your Colorado bucket list. Even if you are just passing through southern Colorado on a longer road trip, these two stops are absolutely worth the detour.

The Drive: Frontier Pathways Scenic Byways

The adventure starts before you even arrive. Bishop Castle sits off Colorado Highway 165, which runs along the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway through the Wet Mountains and San Isabel National Forest. The scenery alone makes this route worth the drive, and we found ourselves slowing down just to take it all in. Winding mountain roads, luscious greens of towering pines, and dramatic elevation changes set the tone long before the castle comes into view.

Bishop Castle

Jim Bishop and his father set out to build a simple rock cottage in the Wet Mountains of Colorado. Curious visitors passing by started joking that it looked more like a castle, and Jim took that and ran with it. That little cottage slowly became the towering, one-of-a-kind structure you see today, complete with winding staircases, stained glass windows, and a metal dragon on top.

Standing in front of it for the first time, the scale of the structure is impressive. In fact, seeing people exploring and climbing through the upper levels of the castle gave it a sense of scale that photos do not quite capture. The stonework is detailed, with iron and steel woven throughout. Large gothic windows, steel walkways, and stained glass panels give the castle a creative quality that surprised us. I personally liked the stained glass as it caught my attention.

Entry is free and open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours, on an enter at your own risk basis. Warning signs are posted throughout and construction is still ongoing, so come prepared and pay close attention to your surroundings. We made it up the first set of stairs before our nerves got the better of us. The structure is high, open, and absolutely not for anyone uncomfortable with heights. That said, plenty of visitors had zero hesitation and climbed all the way to the top without looking back. And if you are up for it, you can climb the stairs on the outside of the castle. There is also a small gift shop on site and axe throwing if you want to add a little extra fun to the visit.

We brought Tira, our medium sized dog, and he handled the stairs just fine. That said, we would not recommend it for larger dogs. The footing is narrow, the drops are significant, and the stairs are steep. There are also sections with metal mesh flooring where you can see straight down through the gaps, not comfortable for dogs and honestly not comfortable for a lot of people either. Even if you do not get to explore as much with your dog, it is worth taking the time to walk the grounds, enjoy the architecture from below, and let them sniff around the open areas near the entrance.

Tips for visiting Bishop Castle:

• Entry is free but donations are welcomed
• Wear closed toe shoes with good grip
• Not recommended for those with a fear of heights
• Small dogs can manage the lower levels but use your best judgment
• Pack snacks as food options along the route are limited
• Last restroom stop before arrival is in Colorado City

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Lake Isabel

After the adrenaline of Bishop Castle, the drive toward Lake Isabel felt like a natural exhale. Lake Isabel sits within the San Isabel National Forest and is an ideal spot for fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The 40-acre lake is quiet and unhurried, with families and solo fishermen lining the water on the day we visited. The whole place had an easy, peaceful energy that felt restorative.

There is a $10 per vehicle day use fee during summer months, so bring a card or cash. If you are registered at one of the San Carlos Ranger District campgrounds, the fee is waived.

Hike along Lake Isabel

The walk around the lake is an easy 1.8 mile out and back trail with only about 42 feet of elevation gain, making it perfect for all skill levels and for dogs. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour at a leisurely pace. The trail is paved in some sections and follows the shoreline with beautiful views of the water and surrounding pines. Note that the path does not go entirely around the lake, so you will retrace your steps back to the parking area. See it on AllTrails.

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Extend Your Trip: More to Explore Nearby

If you have extra time or want to turn this into a full weekend, southern Colorado has no shortage of stops worth adding to your route.

Natural Water Slide at San Isabel is a 1.6 mile trail with a natural rock waterslide carved by years of running water. It is a local favorite and just a short drive from Lake Isabel. Best visited in summer when the water is flowing.

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is about 45 minutes from Bishop Castle and home to one of the highest suspension bridges in the country. The views of the Arkansas River 956 feet below are unreal. If you are into adrenaline, they also have a zip line and gondola. Worth a half day stop if you are already in the area.

Skyline Drive in Canon City is a free, three mile, one way road along a narrow ridge with steep drop offs and panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley below. No guardrails, so not for anyone uncomfortable with heights, but it only takes about 15 minutes and is an easy add if you are passing through Canon City on your way home.

Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting is a popular activity near Canon City, which you will pass through if you take the scenic loop home via Highway 115 through Florence and Wetmore. Several outfitters run trips ranging from mellow floats to Class IV rapids, making it a great add on for adventure seekers.

Bartlett Trail to Apache Falls is a gorgeous option if you want a longer hike in the Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness area. It connects to the Greenhorn Mountain Trail, which totals 13.1 miles out and back for those looking for a real challenge.

Lake Beckwith in Colorado City is a quick detour on your way in or out. It is stocked with bass, trout, and other game fish, and makes for a relaxing stop if you want one more lakeside moment before heading home.

Great Sand Dunes National Park is about 1.5 hours south and pairs perfectly if you want to extend this into a two day road trip. The tallest sand dunes in North America surrounded by 14,000 foot peaks is a bucket list experience on its own. Park entrance is $25 per vehicle or free with the America the Beautiful Annual Pass.

For tours and activities along this route, check Viator and GetYourGuide for options near Colorado Springs and Canon City, including scenic train rides, ziplines, and rafting excursions.

Turning This Into an Overnight or Weekend Trip

This day trip works beautifully as a quick escape from Colorado Springs or Denver, but if you want to slow things down and stay the night, there are a few great options in the area.

The Lake Isabel Cabin is a Forest Service cabin just three minutes from the lake that sleeps up to six, with a full kitchen, shower, and fireplace. It books through recreation.gov and fills up fast in summer, so plan ahead. Camping is also an option at the Lake Isabel Recreation Area, with several Forest Service campgrounds right on the lake.

For something more spacious, the Beulah Valley and Wet Mountains area have charming pet friendly cabin rentals perfect for a weekend getaway. We love searching Vrbo for mountain cabins with hot tubs and real kitchens, which is exactly what this area delivers. If you prefer a more traditional hotel, the Days Inn in Colorado City is about 25 minutes from Bishop Castle and makes for a simple, affordable base.

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Final Thoughts

Bishop Castle and Lake Isabel are one of those Colorado combinations that feel like they should not exist this close together: a massive handmade castle rising out of the forest and a quiet alpine lake just minutes down the road. Together, they make for one of the most unique and affordable day trips we have taken since moving to Colorado. Whether you are looking for a spontaneous weekend drive or a planned stop on a longer road trip through southern Colorado, these two stops deliver something you will not find anywhere else. And if Tira’s tail wagging the entire way home is any indication, the dogs approve too.