Franktown, Colo. – Come join the fun, learn about nature and watch Castlewood Canyon State Park change with the season. Park naturalists will lead you on a journey of discovery through our guided hikes and activities. Programs are free, however, please remember that all vehicles entering the park must purchase a $7.00 daily pass or display a $70 annual pass. Unless otherwise indicated, programs require reservations. For program information and reservations call the park at (303) 688-5242.

The following programs are offered the month of September 2011:

9/3/2011: Have You Hugged A Gargoyle Lately?

Join Ron Claussen for a hike on the Rim Rock Trail. Enjoy a panoramic view of the dam ruins and lake bed. Is that really an Indian bathtub up there? Perhaps you will see a Turkey Vulture cruise by at eye level. Meet at the Homestead parking lot and be prepared for a 15 minute climb up to the rim. Reservations required, call (303) 688-5242 limit 10.

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: Castlewood Canyon State Park

9/7/2011: Falcons and Eagles and Hawks, oh my! (indoor/outdoor)

Raptors in and over Castlewood may seem common, but learning how to identify one from another can be tricky. If you want to improve your identification skills, or simply learn a few basics of raptor ecology, come to the Visitor Center Media Room for a 75-minute indoor program. Then join raptor monitors outdoors, looking for hawks, eagles, and falcons. If you stay for the hour field session, remember to bring your binoculars. Offered by Karen Metz, State Parks Volunteer Naturalist and State Parks Raptor Monitor. Limit of 25, call (303) 688-5242 to reserve your place for this event.

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Location: Castlewood Canyon State Park

9/10/2011: A Journey Through Time Geologic Hike

This is a 2 mile hike into the canyon via Inner Canyon and Lake Gulch Trails. We will recreate the ancient geologic history and environments of the park.

Meet naturalist/geologist Scott Knight at Canyon Point Parking lot at 9:00AM for this 2-3 hour hike. Bring water and please no pets. This hike is limited to 12 people. Reserve your spot by calling (303) 688-5242

Time: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Location: Castlewood Canyon State Park

9/17/2011: It’s a Week before Fall and All Through the Park…

Time for a Family Hike!!

This will be an off and on trail hike looking for seasonal change, cool rocks and fun hiding places. Join volunteer naturalist Pat Murphy at the bathrooms at the Canyon Point Parking Lot. Bring your kids!! See the park through someone else’s eyes and enjoy outdoor time with your family. We will hike the Inner Canyon trail to the Lake Gulch trail with a few off trail detours. Please dress appropriately for the hike. Bring water and a snack. Limit 12 people including children. This hike is not suitable for strollers. Call (303)688-5242 to reserve your spot today!

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Location: Castlewood Canyon State Park

9/24/2011: East Canyon Ecology Hike

We will examine the topography and vegetation along the 4-mile East Canyon Preservation Trail as it goes along rimrock, across Cherry Creek, up a side canyon and across rolling prairie, and discuss the ecosystems in this remnant of Colorado’s Black Forest. Which late summer wildflowers will we find? Please, no pets. Meet volunteer naturalist Peter Laux at the visitor center. Reserve a spot by calling (303) 688-5242. Limit 12.

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Location: Castlewood Canyon State Park

9/24/2011: Falls To The Dam

There’s a lot of history and a mystery amidst all the geology and ecology. The plan is to hike two miles in three hours in flat, rocky terrain. However our pace may be slowed by what we see. Meet volunteer naturalist Ron Claussen at the Falls parking lot. No pets please. Limit 10. Call (303) 688-5242 for a reservation.

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: Castlewood Canyon State Park

Colorado State Parks get everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado’s 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado’s economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.