Bishop Castle, Uncompahgre Plateau Travel Guide

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

Bishop Castle, a unique roadside attraction in Rye, Colorado, is the extraordinary creation of Jim Bishop. Begun in 1969 as a family cottage, it evolved into a towering, intricate castle constructed from stone and iron, a symbol of individual determination and a 'must-see' for adventurous travelers.

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 stairways.
Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months, as there are limited options nearby.
Be aware that the castle is not built to code, and explore at your own risk. Supervise children closely.
Consider visiting during the week to avoid larger crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
Check the Bishop Castle Facebook page for updates on events or any temporary closures.

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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 off CO-165, southwest of Pueblo, Colorado. From Pueblo, take CO-165 south for approximately 30 miles. The castle will be visible on the west side of the highway. Parking is available along the roadside near the entrance. Be prepared for a mountain drive with winding roads. Parking is free.

Discover more about Bishop Castle

Located in the Wet Mountains of Southern Colorado, within the San Isabel National Forest, Bishop Castle stands as a remarkable testament to the vision and perseverance of one man, Jim Bishop. Construction began in 1969 when Bishop, then 25, purchased the land with the initial intention of building a family cottage. Over the years, inspired by the suggestion that his work resembled a castle, Bishop expanded his project into the elaborate structure that stands today.The castle is constructed primarily from native stone sourced from the surrounding forest, along with a significant amount of wrought iron crafted in the Bishop family's ornamental iron shop in nearby Pueblo. The structure features soaring towers, the tallest of which reaches over 160 feet, connected by wrought-iron bridges that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Inside, visitors can explore a grand ballroom adorned with stained glass windows and intricate ironwork. A steel fire-breathing dragon, made from recycled hospital trays, adds a whimsical touch.Bishop Castle is open to the public year-round during daylight hours and offers free admission, though donations are welcomed to support its upkeep. Visitors are free to explore the castle at their own risk, and are asked to sign a liability waiver upon entry. The castle reflects Jim Bishop's libertarian ideals, and he welcomes working-class people to experience its unique architecture.**Please note:** Jim Bishop passed away on November 21st, 2024. While his physical presence is missed, his legacy lives on through the castle, which his son Daniel maintains.