Bishop Castle Adventure with my daughter, Emily
This summer, my daughter Emily (who turns 22 this September!) and I took a spontaneous little road trip to one of Colorado’s most eccentric landmarks—Bishop Castle. Nestled in the San Isabel National Forest, this towering stone fortress is a true one-man masterpiece, built by hand over decades by Jim Bishop.
With no admission fee and very few guardrails (literally and figuratively), Bishop Castle is a must-see if you love unique roadside attractions—but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. The wrought iron staircases and sky-high walkways are beautiful, but terrifying. My legs definitely trembled a bit climbing those narrow stairs, and I may have gripped the railing like my life depended on it (because it kind of did!).
Inside, the castle has a gothic fairytale vibe—stone walls, arched windows, winding ironwork, and a dragon head perched boldly off the rooftop. Emily, of course, made the most of the trip—making faces, striking poses, and being her usual fun, spirited self. Whether peeking out of the tower or pretending to be grabbed by a sculpture, she brought the fun to every moment.
Bishop Castle isn’t just a quirky detour—it’s an inspiring story of one man’s vision and sheer determination. Jim Bishop began construction in 1969 and continued building nearly every stone and beam by hand. There are no official tours, and it’s open year-round, but caution is strongly advised—it’s very DIY in both style and safety.
I’m so glad we made the trip. It’s one of those places that reminds you how much adventure and weird wonder the world has to offer—especially with someone you love to share it with.
