The outlets are a big draw, sure, but the Douglas County seat named for its unmistakable castle-shaped butte overlooking the town and visible for miles is an easy 40-minute drive from Denver and offers more rewards than just discounted shopping, including several places to get outside early in the season. Story and photos by Kyle Wagner
A QUICK AND QUIET HIKE
If you need to walk off, say, some eggs Benedict, the Mitchell Creek Canyon Trail is a nice, moderate 1.5-mile loop through ponderosa forest and open grassland. Part of the trail follows Mitchell Gulch Creek, and because only pedestrians and their dogs are allowed, it’s a quiet area, with plenty of birds and other wildlife. To get there, take Exit 184 from Interstate 25, and follow Founders Parkway for 4.4 miles. Go left on Colorado 86 for 2 miles; turn right on dirt driveway to park at the trailhead.
BIKE LOOPS FOR ALL
Ridgeline Open Space offers up to 11 miles of open-prairie singletrack for mountain bikers, easy enough for beginners to get through it but with enough switchbacks and steeps to keep more skilled riders interested. It’s a great conditioning season-starter, dries out early and provides several options for continuous loops. Also, it’s pretty much impossible to get lost because all routes connect and eventually drop you back into the main Coachline trail. To get there, take Exit 182 from Interstate 25 and head west for 1.5 miles. Turn right on Coachline Road, and go 1 mile. Turn left on Foothills Drive, and go 0.4 miles. Turn left on Clear Sky Way, and go 0.25 miles, park at Bison Park on the left, and access the trail from any of several trailheads within a block or two of here.
Get there: Castle Rock is 30 miles south of Denver via Interstate 25.
BURGERS TO CRAVE
It may feel as though Crave (3982 Limelight Ave., 303-814-2829, ) is a bit out of the way, but the setup with a movie theater across the parking lot and a smattering of shops in the surrounding developments is kind of ideal. Not to mention that the well-conceived and well-executed burgers at this casual spot make it enough of a destination on its own. Some of the combinations are so over the top that they have to be eaten to be believed: the 3 Little Pigs, with pulled pork, ham bacon and cheese; or Dim Sum Daffy, with roasted duck, hoisin sauce and onions. But this place doesn’t sacrifice taste for catchy names. Pair it with an equally flavorful milkshake (adult versions available, too).
BREAKFAST AT PEGASUS
With its comfy wood furniture and houselike décor, the inviting atmosphere at Pegasus Restaurant (313 Jerry St., 303-688-6746, ) makes it easy to settle in for a while over a good cup of joe while you plan your day. But the best reason to stop by this welcoming eatery, which serves three meals daily, is to get breakfast before 2 p.m., especially the real-hollandaise eggs Benedict and the peppery, medium-hot, green chile.
BUYS BY THE BARNFUL
The Barn (400 Third St., 303-814-0066, ) is a co-op of more than two dozen antiques and specialty shops delightfully crammed into one enormous former lumber company building — and it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon (or more) exploring every exquisitely decorated nook and cranny. Each proprietor has a unique style and collection. One might feature French linens and china, while another has vintage jewelry or clothing and yet another furniture or art. Half the fun is the sense of discovery. The Barn Too next door holds more antiques.
Kyle Wagner: 303-954-1599, outwest@denverpost.com,
