Franktown, CO. – 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 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 October, 2011:

10/8/2011: It’s Fall! 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 noon

Location: Castlewood Canyon State Park

10/8/2011: Falcons and Eagles and Hawks, oh my! (indoor/field sessions)

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 Castlewood’s 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, volunteer naturalist and State Parks Raptor Monitor.

Time: 10 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Location: Castlewood Canyon State Park

10/22/2011: The Homestead To North Point

After a quick trip through the Homestead we will climb to the top of the canyon. Once on top we will observe the broad valley that leads to Parker. It will be a time to sit, relax, reflect and rejuvenate.

Meet volunteer naturalist Ron Claussen at the Homestead Parking Lot. No pets please. Limit 10. Call 303-688-5242 for a reservation.

Time: 10 a.m.-12 noon

Location: Castlewood Canyon State Park

10/29/2011: Castlewood’s Amazing Canyon – the Dynamic Geology of the Park

On this 4.4-mile hike we’ll examine the rocks, the cliffs, and the creek to see how the canyon is being formed. Hear how great rivers brought the rocks and now erosion is taking them away. Some dam history, too. Meet volunteer naturalist Peter Laux at the Event Facility Shelters. Reserve a spot by calling 303-688-5242. Limit 12.

Time: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Location: Castlewood Canyon State Park

10/29/2011: ‘Round Rim Rock

The first leg is up to Rim Rock, a uphill hike offering some unusual views looking north, we will hike a very flat terrain. There are some spectacular views of the Front Range..After reaching the southern most point of Rim Rock Trail we will decide if we wish to backtrack or head down to the Dam and take Creek Bottom Trail back. No matter what the weather the views will be very photogenic. Meet volunteer naturalist Ron Claussen at the Homestead Parking Lot. No pets please. Limit 10. Call 303-688-5242 for a reservation.

Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Location: Castlewood Canyon State Park

Castlewood Canyon State Park, located southeast of Denver, offers a beautiful natural setting with hiking, picnicking, rock climbing, sightseeing, and nature study. Visitors enjoy spectacular panoramic views that stretch more than 100 miles along the Colorado Front Range. Designated as a Colorado Natural Area, the park preserves 2,303 acres of the ecologically unique Black Forest Region, including a number of rare and endangered plant species. Additional information on Castlewood Canyon State Park is available at: www.parks.state.co.us/Parks/CastlewoodCanyon.

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.