Entry No. 61 — the Colorado Springs file — filed under: outsider-art
Bishop Castle
“built entirely by hand over 50+ years by one man”
An enormous castle built entirely by hand over 50+ years by one man, Jim Bishop — towers, a fire-breathing dragon, and ironwork you climb at your own risk in a gloriously un-commercialized, donation-only outsider-art monument.
The move: Drive the scenic mountain road out, dare each other up the highest tower and the precarious iron bridges, then read Bishop's hand-lettered manifestos on the way down.
📍 Before you go There is no parking lot — you pull off on the shoulder of Highway 165 (about 24 miles west of I-25 exit 74) and walk up a steep driveway to the castle. You are at roughly 9,000 feet in the Wet Mountains inside San Isabel National Forest, so expect thin air, wind on the towers, and fast-changing weather; bring layers. The stairs are steep, narrow stone-and-iron with minimal railings — sturdy closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable, and entry means accepting full responsibility for your own safety. Budget a couple of hours if you plan to climb every tower.
- 📍 Rye (south of Colorado Springs)
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 12705 State Highway 165, Rye, CO 81069
Hours: Added 2026-06-09 — confirm current hours before you go.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3
last checked: 2026-06-09