Bishop Castle, High Plains Travel Guide

4.7 (7283)

A towering, hand-built castle in Colorado's Wet Mountains, a testament to one man's vision, determination, and unique architectural style.

Bishop Castle, a towering roadside attraction in Rye, Colorado, is the extraordinary creation of one man, Jim Bishop. For over half a century, Bishop has been single-handedly constructing this elaborate, medieval-style castle using stone and iron, driven by his own vision and a strong sense of personal freedom. The castle is a testament to one man's determination and a unique, if somewhat perilous, exploration experience.

A brief summary to Bishop Castle

12705 CO-165, Rye, Colorado, 81069, US
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Monday 9 am-6 pm
Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
Thursday 9 am-6 pm
Friday 9 am-6 pm
Saturday 9 am-6 pm
Sunday 9 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bishop Castle.

Wear sturdy shoes with good traction, as the castle's surfaces can be uneven, slick, and crumbly.
Be prepared for heights and open walkways, as the castle features towers, spiral staircases, and wrought-iron bridges.
Supervise children closely, as the castle is an active construction site with potential hazards.
Consider visiting during the week to avoid weekend crowds.

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Explore Bishop Castle on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Bishop Castle, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Bishop Castle is located on State Highway 165, southwest of Pueblo, Colorado. From Pueblo, take CO-165 south for approximately 30 miles. The castle will be visible on the side of the road. Parking is available along the highway. Be prepared to cross the highway to get to the Castle. There are no fees for parking.

Discover more about Bishop Castle

Bishop Castle is a colossal, ongoing construction project located in the Wet Mountains of southern Colorado. Begun in 1969 by Jim Bishop, the castle has evolved from a simple family cottage into a sprawling, multi-story structure boasting towers reaching over 160 feet. The castle is built primarily from stone gathered from the surrounding San Isabel National Forest, along with a vast amount of wrought iron crafted in Bishop's own ornamental iron shop.Visitors can explore the castle's many levels, winding staircases, and open metalwork walkways at their own risk. The interior features a grand ballroom with stained glass windows, and the exterior is adorned with a metal dragon that was intended to breathe fire. Bishop Castle is a symbol of individual liberty and a challenge to authority, reflecting Jim Bishop's strong libertarian beliefs.While the castle is free to visit, donations are welcome and merchandise is available for purchase. Visitors should be aware that Bishop Castle is an active construction site and that exploring the structure involves inherent risks.