Bishop Castle Colorado - One Man, One Castle

Bishop Castle - Address: 12705 CO-165, Wetmore, CO

Colorado: In a lifetime of relentless dedication, one Colorado man has accomplished something no other man has, or may ever again. Jim Bishop has built an entire stone castle, by himself, with his own hands!

Reaching over 160 feet into the Rocky Mountain blue skies are the cascading towers rising above the tall pine forest in the Southern part of Colorado. Bishop Castle is to be admired. The sheer strength of the structure itself is sure and sound, constructed one stone at a time, day after day, regardless of weather, in the triumph of defying the laws of the land and living life the way he determines, Jim Bishop has had many battles with local enforcements and government strafe, but he won't back down.

Jim Bishop had $1,250 when he bought the 2 1/2 acre land. It was enough for the purchase in 1959 and plans on fishing and hunting in a small mountain home was suffice for Bishop. Building his original cabin from stone because of their limited income, it suited them fine, but visitors always remarked how his cabin looked like a small castle, and enjoying working with his hands, Jim Bishop continued on that small cabin in 1969, and what we see today is the ongoing pursuit of creativity at its premier!

Looking up at the massive structure, it is hard to believe that one man could possibly create a Castle of such elegance, beauty, and mystery.  A donation box rests at the base of the castle where the first stone was placed, donations are the only thing that keeps Jim Bishop and his Castle moving forward.  He does not accept admission, but a great gift store is also on site.  It's part of being a Free American, to donate what you feel is right, and to be able to build anything you want on your own land.

'We are the People' is displayed proudly for the castle's visitors to remember. On hand, Jim Bishop himself is still building his historic masterpiece, taking time to yell at the top of his lungs, down the echoing canyon, his creative opinions on the way the government has treated him. Unfairly to say the least, in his mind.

But few a day comes and goes without additions to Bishop Castle. The day of our visit, the entrance to the drawbridge was being assembled in front of our eyes, Mr. Bishop gingerly placing a large boulder over the archway to complete the curve. An engineering looking up at awe asked Bishop, "How do you know this structure is safe?"

Barking back, "Well, you're standing under it, ain't ya..?!" Bishop's creative words never seize to astound whoever may be in earshot.

Medieval type stone stairway climb up Bishop Castle's exterior. Grand windows on the cathedral create a dramatic effect. A dragon's head juts from the castle's front apex to ward off evil, or maybe government officials, from entering. A six foot breath of fire erupts from the dragon's mouth top prove the point.

In summer months the dragon is sure to please as a family favorite with a few surprises in store including performers and more.

The main hall is astounding!  Masterfully built in natural wood, arching high above the floor.  Dynamic stained glass windows rise above the area, light pours in from all around.  Skylights draw light from above with massive windows on both sides of the grand area.  A worker's arm and axe grow from the floor in an artistic approach to Bishop Castle's laborious creation.

The ground level of the castle is a romantic open area, much like a five star restaurant with archways and a stone floor to compliment an already amazing experience. The coolness of the stone was apparent down low as the temperature was several degrees cooler. Hiding in the back of the main floor were entrances into stairways that led to either side of the castle.

Climbing the castle's winding staircases takes a brave soul. In areas, uneven surfaces and tight squeezes are the norm. Endlessly upward, the view at each step becomes more and more spectacular, looking over the Colorado mountain landscape on a sunny afternoon. Over 15 stories high on a manmade stone tower pillar can make one think twice about their next step.

Reaching the top is an challenge in itself, meandering around visitors and getting the courage to move on. Vibrations and movement flow through the metal bridges that cross between the towers. All these features are as they would be in a real castle, with little protection from the absent footed. Looking down, Vertigo can take hold. Use extreme caution while visiting Bishop Castle.

Climb up any of the daring staircases, poke your head out any of the many windows, walk around the edge with care, and take in all the features and really appreciate the efforts that must have gone into creating this larger than life undertaking by a man who does what he wants, how he wants.

A large steel shaped ball lets visitors look out from the heights of the tower. From here, the steel walkways hang over the castle and the grounds below.

Aside from the magnificent mountain landscape you'll drive through on your way to Bishop Castle, you'll grab amazing views from every point of your adventure and hours of fun by simply exploring this place of enchantment, and for an experience to truly remember, don't leave without attempting to scale the Bishop Tower Pinnacle.

For those who are brave enough to scale Bishop Castle all the way to the pinnacle, hold on. At what first you thought were high, dynamic views of the world around, the view becomes even more dramatic on top.

Looking down on your friends and the entire complex below make you feel like an eagle. Take in a deep breath of Colorado Mountain air and give a good thought for someone.

Look down on some high country eagles as they soar over the treetops below...

Around each turn is a new wonder. Contoured stone walkways, ledges and platforms, carved stone windows allowed for extreme views. Construction was unfinished in many areas, like Jim Bishop works on whatever he feels like on the particular day. His architecture is top notch and dramatic. Peaks and apexes give this castle a European flare from the historic dark ages, right in the Rocky Mountains.

Jim Bishop doesn't use any blueprints for his project, only his original thoughts. What you see at Bishop Castle is an idea in production. What may come next might not have even been in the plans for today.

If you are planning to visit, allow extra time to explore this Colorado wonder. Keep a close eye on children, as Bishop Castle can take prey on the unaware.

Come brave, the castle is open for visitors to climb and explore at their own leisure. Take time to look at the details or stop a moment to ask Jim Bishop a question - You'll be in for a treat!

"I want to live as long as I can and keep building that castle bigger and bigger and bigger."

Below - enjoy some of the photos of Bishop Castle and some of its' premises. The gift store, the old work truck, the moat and drawbridge entrance, donation boxes, and a model of the castle all live amongst this strange Colorado destination, all well worth the visit.

Jim Bishop has worked over 40 years on his castle.  He has overcome obstacles along the way and it has turned him into a solid-minded man who isn't afraid to say whatever he thinks is right, whatever that might be.

On any given day you can watch Jim Bishop construct the next idea of ongoing project.  From Drawbridges, to towers, to moats filled with water, he doesn't even know what's coming next, and he may not even know what he's bout to say next.

Here is a short documentary created by a visitor who spent a day with Jim Bishop and saw what kind of daily routines went into building a castle of this magnitude and hear his take on life, liberty, and the lack of American happiness...

Bishop Castle

Address: 12705 State Highway 165, Colorado

Open: daylight hours - dawn 'til dusk

Admission: Donations Only - Thanks!

Phone: 719 485 3040

** ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK **