Red Canyon Park, Cañon City

Good memories of a place I took my two sons in 2003. Back then I drove them up the riverbed in my 4 wheel drive. Now in 2022 the riverbed has dropped considerably. With new terrain the canyon is a bit deeper & can only be seen by foot. The hike is an adventure as you turn each corner to find a new view of the canyon walls.

Oil field flats Red Canyon Park 4 mile creek sand Gulch shelf Road these all come to mind when you think north of canon city. You can even go all the way up shelf Road to cripple Creek Colorado hopefully you’re not afraid of heights they don’t call it shelf Road for nothing. San Gulch is known for some world-class rock climbing wonderful camping sites beautiful views if you look to the south you can see the wonderful beautiful wet mountains range. To the east gigantic granite rock faces were you can go up and over to Phantom Canyon the west beautiful red rock ridges the top out into whiskey Park Deerhaven Hyde Park Rd. red Canyon national Park is a beautiful place to take a hike have a picnic have a family get together or if you just feel like getting out of town blowing off some steam see most of us in Colorado. Are drawn to the mountains it’s our sanctuary it’s our church it’s where we lose our self and we find our self. And you won’t understand it tell you felt it yourself there’s something about these granite mountains the wind whispering through the pine trees the water rushing down the canyons and the gorgeous sunrises sunsets it’s that Colorado love.

I came across this park on Google Maps on a road trip and ended up camping a night there. I loved every minute! It's free to hike and to camp, and the views are awesome.

Nice dirt road drive thru hills, forest and red rocks. Lots of picnic areas. Did not find any hiking trails. Good if you are just looking for a sometimes rough but scenic road drive.

Rolled in before sundown. Set up the ol tent and slept peacefully. Outhouse wasn't too shabby. Hiked around and there are some great views. Good place to camp for free.