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Bishop Castle

Bishop Castle

Bishop Castle is a free, donation-based stone-and-iron castle that Jim Bishop built by hand in the Wet Mountains near Rye, Colorado.

Bishop Castle in Rye, CO

High in the San Isabel National Forest above Rye, a medieval-looking fortress rises out of the pines with spiral staircases, iron catwalks and a tower that climbs roughly 160 feet. There is no ticket booth and no velvet rope. Jim Bishop started what became Bishop Castle in 1969, hauling rock, mixing mortar and forging iron himself for more than five decades. Visitors climb at their own risk, leave what they can in the donation boxes and walk out onto open stairways with views across the Wet Mountains. A stainless-steel dragon perched on the structure can breathe fire when the donated hot-air-balloon burner is lit, and smoke from the fireplaces exits through its nostrils.

Bishop always insisted the castle stay free so anyone could enjoy it. He died in November 2024 at age 80, and the site remains open on a donation basis under the family and foundation that continue his work. Wear closed-toe shoes with grip, keep kids close on the open stairs and iron bridges, and plan on an hour or two exploring the towers, grand hall and grounds. Bring cash for donations and the gift shop; cell service is spotty on Highway 165.

Photo Gallery

Photo credits: Dscf1183 Jpg (111389135) by Matt Trush (CC BY-SA 3.0); Bishop Castle Fairview CO by Hustvedt (CC BY-SA 3.0); Bishop Castle2 Fairview CO by Hustvedt (CC BY-SA 3.0); CastilloBishop2 by Hugo90 (CC BY 2.0); Bishop’s Castle by 420 Photography (CC0); Arches below the great room (5116131919) by JOHN LLOYD from Concrete, Washington, United States (CC BY 2.0); Dscf1192 Jpg (111389141) by Matt Trush (CC BY-SA 3.0); Vistainterior3 by Hugo90 (CC BY 2.0); Staircase at Bishops Castle by Erie Bard (CC BY-SA 4.0). Images via Wikimedia Commons.

News & Events

Check current visitor notes and safety guidance on the Bishop Castle website for Rye, CO.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Climb the towers: Walk spiral stairs and iron catwalks up the main tower for Wet Mountain views.
  • Explore the grand hall: Step inside the multi-story stone rooms and arched windows.
  • See the dragon: Find the stainless-steel fire-breathing dragon chimney on the castle.
  • Gift shop and donations: Support ongoing work with a donation; browse the on-site shop when open.
  • Picnic and photos: Use the forested grounds for photos and a short picnic.
  • San Isabel National Forest: Trails, camping and fishing surround Highway 165.
  • Lake Isabel: A mountain reservoir south of the castle for paddling and shore walks.
  • Rye and Colorado City: Small towns with basic services a short drive away.
  • Pueblo: Museums, the Riverwalk and dining about an hour northeast.
  • Royal Gorge Bridge & Park: A classic canyon attraction northwest toward Cañon City.

Jim Bishop began building on the family land in 1969, first as a stone cottage and then as an ever-growing castle. He continued the project for more than fifty years, funded largely by visitor donations, and died in November 2024. The castle remains open to the public.

Visitors are welcome every day of the year from roughly sunrise to sunset, at their own risk. There is no admission fee; donations keep construction and maintenance going. Third-party listings often show about 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but the official guidance is sun-up to sun-down. Call (719) 564-4366 with questions before a winter visit.

Wear sturdy shoes, skip the highest open stairs if you are uncomfortable with heights, and watch children closely. Bring water, layers and cash. The site sits above 9,000 feet, so take altitude seriously. Dogs are common on the grounds but keep them leashed and off the climb structures if asked.

Bishop Castle is located at 12705 Highway 165, Rye, CO 81069. Call (719) 564-4366 or visit thebishopcastle.com for visitor info.

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