Bishop Castle, South Central Colorado Travel Guide

4.7 (7283)

Explore a towering, hand-built castle in the Colorado mountains, a testament to one man's vision and a unique roadside attraction.

Bishop Castle is a towering, intricate roadside attraction in Rye, Colorado, constructed by one man, Jim Bishop, over several decades. This unique structure, built without blueprints, features soaring towers, iron walkways, and stained-glass windows, offering a quirky and unforgettable experience for visitors.

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 and be prepared for climbing, as the castle has uneven surfaces and open heights.
Bring water and sun protection, as the castle is located at a high elevation and offers little shade.
Supervise children closely, as the castle is an active construction site with potential hazards.
Consider making a donation to support the ongoing construction and maintenance of the castle.

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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 Colorado Springs, take CO-115 S and US-50 W to CO-165 S in Pueblo County. Continue on CO-165 S for approximately 20 miles. The castle will be on your left. Parking is available along the side of the road. Be prepared to cross the highway to get to the Castle. There are no parking fees.

Discover more about Bishop Castle

Bishop Castle is a testament to one man's vision and determination, a towering roadside attraction located in the Wet Mountains of Rye, Colorado. Jim Bishop began building the castle in 1969, originally intending to construct a family cottage. Over the years, it evolved into an elaborate, intricate structure that stands over 160 feet tall.Constructed from stone, concrete, and iron, Bishop Castle features soaring towers, wrought-iron walkways, and stunning stained-glass windows. Visitors can explore the castle's many levels and discover unique architectural details at every turn. The castle also features a steel fire-breathing dragon. Bishop Castle is a work in progress, with Jim Bishop continuing to add to and modify the structure until his death in 2018.Visiting Bishop Castle is an adventure in itself. The castle is open to the public during daylight hours, and admission is free, though donations are appreciated. Visitors are welcome to explore the castle at their own risk, as it is still an active construction site. Caution is advised, especially when climbing the towers and walkways, as safety features are minimal. Despite the inherent risks, Bishop Castle offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those who dare to explore its heights.