Bishop Castle
This monumental hand-built castle is the solo creation of Jim Bishop, who spent over fifty years stacking stone and iron. It features soaring towers, precarious bridges, and even a metal dragon that breathes actual fire. It stands as a mind-boggling testament to one man's persistence.
- Admission
- Free (Donations accepted)
- Hours
- Open daily, 24 hours (daylight hours recommended)
- Duration
- 1-2 hours
- Parking
- Free dirt parking lot and roadside parking along Highway 165
- Access
- Extremely limited wheelchair access; the interior features steep spiral stairs and narrow, open-air metal walkways
Read more
Tucked away in the Wet Mountains of southern Colorado, Bishop Castle is a monumental testament to one man's determination. Jim Bishop began building the structure in 1969, originally intending it as a simple one-room stone cottage before his ambitions swelled into a massive, multi-story castle. Over the course of more than fifty years, Bishop gathered and set nearly every stone by hand to create this towering marvel.
Visitors will find a surreal architectural wonderland featuring towering stone walls, elaborate wrought-iron bridges, and a fire-breathing metal dragon rising from the main dome. The interior boasts cavernous grand halls, stained-glass windows, and dizzying spiral staircases that lead to open-air towers. Because there were never any official blueprints, the castle has a chaotic, organic design that feels entirely unique.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Admission is entirely free, though donations are highly encouraged to help maintain the site and support its upkeep.
- ◆ Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip, as you will be climbing uneven stone steps and navigating narrow walkways.
- ◆ Visit during weekdays or early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds and secure a spot in the limited roadside parking areas.
- ◆ Take your time exploring the lower levels first to get accustomed to the heights before attempting the higher, exposed iron towers.
Heads Up
- ◆ The castle features many sheer drops, open-air spiral staircases, and hand-built iron walkways that may feel highly unstable or terrifying for those afraid of heights.
- ◆ There are no safety nets or modern building-code-compliant railings; visitors climb entirely at their own risk.
- ◆ Mountain weather can change rapidly, and high winds, rain, or lightning make climbing the exposed towers extremely hazardous.
- ◆ Signs displaying the builder's strongly worded personal and political views are posted around the property, which some visitors may find jarring.
Common questions
Is Bishop Castle safe for kids to climb?
Bishop Castle does not conform to standard building codes, and many of the high towers and iron walkways lack protective netting or secure railings. Parents should exercise extreme caution and closely supervise children at all times.
Is Bishop Castle wheelchair accessible?
Only the outdoor courtyard and ground level of the castle are accessible to wheelchairs. The upper levels, interior rooms, and towers can only be reached by climbing steep, narrow stone steps and spiral iron staircases.
Are dogs allowed at Bishop Castle?
Leashed dogs are welcome on the outdoor grounds and courtyard of the castle. For safety reasons, pets are not allowed on the elevated catwalks or up inside the towers.
Can you climb all the way to the top of the towers?
Yes, visitors are permitted to climb the stone stairs and exterior iron spiral staircases to the top of the towers at their own risk. The elevated metal walkways can sway in high winds, which may be intimidating for those afraid of heights.
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