Cano's Castle, San Luis Valley Travel Guide

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Discover Cano's Castle: A shimmering roadside attraction in Antonito, Colorado, built from beer cans and inspired by faith and recycling.

Cano's Castle in Antonito, Colorado, is a unique roadside attraction built by Dominic "Cano" Espinoza as an homage to God for surviving the Vietnam War. The castle, constructed from beer cans, scrap metal, and other recycled materials, stands as a shimmering and unconventional landmark in the San Luis Valley.

A brief summary to Cano's Castle

State St &, 285 E 10th Ave, Antonito, CO, 81120, US
Click to display

Monday 12:30 pm-6:30 pm
Wednesday 12:30 pm-6 pm
Thursday 12 pm-6 pm
Friday 12 pm-6 pm
Saturday 12 pm-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the vibrant colors and intricate details of the castle.
Be respectful of the site as it is private property, and observe the castle from the roadside.
Bring a camera to capture the unique architecture and shimmering surfaces of the castle.
Check out other nearby attractions such as the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and Pike's Stockade.

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Explore Cano's Castle on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Cano's Castle, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

To reach Cano's Castle by car, head to Antonito, Colorado, in the San Luis Valley. From Alamosa, drive 28 miles south on US Highway 285. Once in Antonito, turn east onto State Street from Highway 285 (Main Street). Continue for a few blocks; the castle is located at the corner of State Street and E 10th Avenue. Free parking is available near the castle.
Public Transport

If relying on public transportation, take a bus from Alamosa to Antonito via San Luis Valley Transit. From the bus stop in Antonito, walk north on State Street for approximately half a mile to the intersection with E 10th Avenue, where Cano's Castle is located. Alternatively, a taxi or rideshare can be taken from the bus stop to the castle. Taxi/rideshare cost is approximately $5 - $15.
Walking

From downtown Antonito, Cano's Castle is a short walk. Head east on State Street from US Highway 285 (Main Street). Walk for a few blocks until you reach the intersection of State Street and E 10th Avenue; the castle will be on your right.

Discover more about Cano's Castle

Cano's Castle, located in the small town of Antonito, Colorado, is a dazzling and eccentric architectural marvel. Built by Dominic "Cano" Espinoza, a Native American Vietnam veteran, the castle is a testament to faith, recycling, and personal expression. Cano began building the castle in the 1980s as a tribute to God for sparing his life during the Vietnam War, and it has been an ongoing project ever since.The castle is constructed primarily from recycled materials, including beer cans, hubcaps, scrap metal, and other discarded items. These materials are carefully arranged and attached to the structure, creating a shimmering and colorful mosaic. The castle features four distinct towers, known as "the king", "the queen", "the palace", and "the rook", each reaching approximately 40 feet in height. The King tower is often considered the crown jewel, covered in gleaming beer cans and hubcaps.Cano's Castle is a popular roadside attraction, drawing visitors from near and far who are intrigued by its unique construction and artistic vision. While the castle is on private property and cannot be entered, it can be viewed and appreciated from the roadside. Cano himself often resides in a trailer nearby and may interact with visitors, sharing stories and insights about his creation. The castle reflects Cano's deep appreciation for nature and community, encouraging visitors to reflect on their own creativity and potential.While a fire damaged Cano's residence in 2022, the main towers of the castle remain standing. Cano continues to add to the structure, ensuring that it remains a constantly evolving work of art.