Exploring Bishop Castle and San Isabel National Forest in Colorado
Both Bishop Castle and San Isabel National Forest were pleasant surprises only about a half hour away from our campground at Pueblo South KOA. We are so glad a fellow RVer let us know about Bishop Castle because it was one of the most unique places I’ve toured before!
San Isabel National Forest
Our first stop however was taking a short hiking loop around a lake in San Isabel National Forest. The hike itself wasn’t all too challenging but the views were amazing and it was dog friendly! It did have an entrance fee of $7 which was a bit steep considering we had just went there to wear out the dog a bit before hitting up the Castle, but it was still a nice area.
The Trail
The trail looping around Lake Isabel is only about 1.3 miles in length. AllTrails says it is an out and back, but we were able to turn it into a loop by incorporating the road on the north side. I actually recommend hitting up that portion because the little dam coming off the lake is pretty beautiful as well.
As I said previously, our main purpose of hiking this trail was to tucker out the dog before we took turns going into Bishop Castle later that day. Blaze really enjoyed this trail and getting his feet muddy despite our attempt to keep his feet clean. I’m sure it depends on the season, but towards the northeast side of the trail there is a small creek/waterfall running into the lake…which might be running over the trail. Just keep that in mind as that may turn the trail into an out and back depending on what you are hiking in.
Wildlife
Before heading on the trail there are quite a few signs in the parking lot showing what types of wildlife call this area home. Apparently, although we didn’t see any luckily, there are mountain lions as well as black bear roaming these parts of Colorado. There were quite a few folks fishing in the lake as well, so I’m sure all the activity does discourage wildlife from roaming during peak hours of the day.
Bishop Castle
After the pups was all good and exercised, we wanted to head up the road a few miles up to our primary destination for the day, Bishop Castle. Bishop Castle is technically free to get in, but after spending more than 15 minutes there I felt obligated to donate to the cause building this epic castle of art.
Unique Features
Some of the unique features of Bishop Castle is all the incredible iron work seen throughout your self-guided tour. The creator of this castle, Jim Bishop, started building this giant man-made rock mountain in 1969. The rocks he used to start building the castle were in and around the area making it a prime building material.
After touring the castle, I can tell you I am completely amazed how much progress has been made on such a structure over the time period. Jim is still adding on to the castle to this very day, so if you visit you may just happen to see him working away!
Questionable Stability
Although neither Deanna and I had any issues at all walking around this beautiful work of art, we couldn’t help but question the stability of such a structure. With Deanna’s work background, I am actually glad I toured the castle before she did so she didn’t stop me from exploring more areas than I did.
The rock and the iron work are amazing, but some of the stairs we walked upon did look as though they had been damaged and repaired at some point. Whether or not that was someone’s foot going through, or something else I will never know. Either way, as mentioned once you enter the kingdom, enter at your own risk.
OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES
Capulin Volcano National Monument
Great Sand Dunes National Park
NOTE FROM WRITER
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Also be sure to check out Deanna’s food blog, The Harvest Skillet, when you get the chance! A lot of awesome and healthy recipes to use there!
Adventure On!
