A bridge to nowhere… it sounds like an oxymoron, because what is the point of building a bridge if it isn’t to connect two things (or places)? As it turns out, these random structures do exist, and this one in Colorado has a surprising and fascinating history that you will want to hear:
Welcome to the beautiful Castlewood Canyon State Park, home to scenic trails, the ruins of an old dam, and one of Colorado’s most beautiful bridges.
Flickr/Kari Wolfe
Located 5 miles south of Franktown along Highway 83, the distinct bridge at Castlewood Canyon features a dramatic arch and intricate concrete rails, making it one of the most unique and easy to recognize in the state.
Google/Ken P.
Constructed in the 1940s, the purpose of this “bridge to nowhere” was to offer a means of transportation from one side of the 232-foot-wide Wildcat Canyon (now Castlewood Canyon) to the other, as the state was working on routes to connect Colorado Springs to Denver.
Flickr/Jim & Robin Kunze
Despite the completion of the bridge, state engineers decided to abandon their plans and relocate this north and south running road further west (to what would become I-25), leaving the bridge surrounded by incomplete dirt roads for several decades.
Castlewood Canyon State Park Facebook
In the 1960s, the roads on both sides of the bridge were finally paved, but the nickname remained, with many still referring to this massive structure as the “bridge to nowhere.”
Google/Russ Houston
When you visit today, be sure to get an up-close look at the bridge, as it truly is an architectural marvel!
Google/Stephen Holst
To learn more about the bridge to nowhere and surrounding Castlewood Canyon State Park, please visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website.
Google/Hethyr Fouse
Castlewood Canyon State Park is open every day from sunrise to sunset.
Flickr/Eric Lumsden
To learn even more about Castlewood Canyon State Park, check out The Unrivaled Canyon Hike Near Denver Everyone Should Take At Least Once.
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Address: Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 CO-83, Franktown, CO 80116, USA
Welcome to the beautiful Castlewood Canyon State Park, home to scenic trails, the ruins of an old dam, and one of Colorado’s most beautiful bridges.
Flickr/Kari Wolfe
Located 5 miles south of Franktown along Highway 83, the distinct bridge at Castlewood Canyon features a dramatic arch and intricate concrete rails, making it one of the most unique and easy to recognize in the state.
Google/Ken P.
Constructed in the 1940s, the purpose of this “bridge to nowhere” was to offer a means of transportation from one side of the 232-foot-wide Wildcat Canyon (now Castlewood Canyon) to the other, as the state was working on routes to connect Colorado Springs to Denver.
Flickr/Jim & Robin Kunze
Despite the completion of the bridge, state engineers decided to abandon their plans and relocate this north and south running road further west (to what would become I-25), leaving the bridge surrounded by incomplete dirt roads for several decades.
Castlewood Canyon State Park Facebook
In the 1960s, the roads on both sides of the bridge were finally paved, but the nickname remained, with many still referring to this massive structure as the “bridge to nowhere.”
Google/Russ Houston
When you visit today, be sure to get an up-close look at the bridge, as it truly is an architectural marvel!
Google/Stephen Holst
To learn more about the bridge to nowhere and surrounding Castlewood Canyon State Park, please visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website.
Google/Hethyr Fouse
Castlewood Canyon State Park is open every day from sunrise to sunset.
Flickr/Eric Lumsden
To learn even more about Castlewood Canyon State Park, check out The Unrivaled Canyon Hike Near Denver Everyone Should Take At Least Once.
Flickr/Kari Wolfe
Google/Ken P.
Flickr/Jim & Robin Kunze
Castlewood Canyon State Park Facebook
Google/Russ Houston
Google/Stephen Holst
Google/Hethyr Fouse
Flickr/Eric Lumsden
