The Castle Built by One Man

A must see Colorado roadside attraction nestled in the San Isabel National Forest

If you haven’t yet been to Bishop Castle, you must plan a trip! The castle, named after the man building it, claims to be the largest castle built by one man. Intricate ironwork and stonework make up this impressive structure. At it’s highest point, 160 feet high, it’s about as tall as a 16 story building.

Climbing the towers is not for the faint of heart. But, there is plenty to explore on the main levels if you can’t handle the climb! I can’t make it up the smallest tower without my knees knocking. However, it’s still one of my favorite places to visit!

Donated by visitors and lovers of the castle, the stained glass artwork adds to the charm. Outside of the castle, there is a small gift shop open most days throughout the summer. In addition, the castle is free to visit and always open to the public.

PLEASE NOTE: Bishop Castle is private property and still under construction. Enter at your own risk! Above all, please be respectful of the property and it’s owner.

Located near Rye, CO, Bishop Castle is just an hour south of Canon City and the Royal Gorge. San Isabel National Forest offers numerous hiking, biking, and camping opportunities.

History of Bishop Castle

In 1959, Jim Bishop bought the two and a half acres that the castle sits on today for four hundred and fifty dollars. He was 15 years old when he bought the land. In 1967, Jim married his wife, Phoebe. Two years later the work really began. Using the plentiful stone from the land, Bishop started work on a one room cabin. As the cabin grew, people stopped by and asked Bishop if he was building a castle. The seed was planted, and work on cabin soon became work on the castle.

Bishop never had blueprints of the castle he was building. As areas grew to completion, he visualized what he could build next. And then, he’d build it. Every stone in the castle was carefully placed by Jim himself, and all the ironwork crafted with his hands. His wife, Phoebe, was able to create a Non-Profit Charitable Foundation for the castle. As a result, this made it possible for them to accept donations towards the construction. The Bishop’s have been able to make many donations through the charity as well. They help financially support families with young children with medical issues that aren’t covered by insurance.

Bishop and his castle have seen many hardships throughout the years. From fires, to fights with the government, to cancer. Jim miraculously survived Merkel Cell Carcinoma in 2014. The cancer was supposed to kill him. Yet, you can still find him to this day out at his castle. 77 years old, and still building his dream.

For more information on Bishop Castle, visit: https://www.bishopcastle.org/

To read about my experience at the Castle, scroll down to the end of my last post: https://wanderingprose.com/new-mexico-road-trip/