Bishop's Castle

Just up the canyon from where we went camping a couple of weeks ago amidst the tall trees and the palatial rocky mountains lies a red neck dream. Bishop's Castle has become one of the most popular eye sores in the state of Colorado. Jim Bishop has been risking his life to build this monstrosity since 1969 and is apparently quite proud of it. Every rock used was taken from the national forest in which the castle resides. Multiple charges have been filed against him including stealing rocks from the San Isabel National Forest. According to the signs and local lore public officials have tried to stop him from building this castle. Day after day he climbs upward of 70 feet in the air on rickety and rotting scaffolding to add on to his masterpiece. It is a very frightening experience to walk around this castle. The outer walkways are made of thin steel and shoddy welding. There is a detached gift shop and restaurant that probably doesn't have a food handling permit or business license. But if you arrive early enough you can get a pork chop, two eggs, and hash browns for breakfast for only $5. We would have stayed longer than we did but we forgot to go in for a tetanus shot before.