Rye, Colorado: Bishop Castle

There are some high towers with amazing views if you aren't afraid of heights.

Bishop Castle, the one-man project of obsessive builder Jim Bishop, is no stranger to controversy. Its latest drama involves the claims of David Merrill, who says he now owns the castle with the blessings of Jim. Jim's wife, Phoebe, says that Jim was duped into signing papers that he hadn't read (Jim has been sick).

Merrill says he intends to keep the Castle open as a free attraction, but he also says that he has changed its name to the unwieldy "Castle Church for the Redemption of the Office," and that he plans to bring in laborers to finish its construction, a radical change from the one-man-castle-builder ethos of Jim Bishop.

This place is fantastic -- the tower is over 160 ft tall. At the very top one person can stand on a 1 ft. deep by 2 ft. wide iron step and feel the structure sway in the wind. Definitely an adrenaline rush that'll have your legs shaking a bit!

We look for the back roads to travel and we weren't disappointed. Taking Hwy 165 off I-25, we drove winding roads amid towering cliffs and trees, with several wildlife sightings.

Bishop's Castle appeared suddenly as we rounded a curve and the joy of discovery excited all three generations in our car. We would have spent more time there had the weather been better, but the cold wind and snow were not conducive to climbing the narrow, steep steps and wandering around the open grill work at the top. I will certainly return when it is warmer!

Suggest potty stop at a modern convenience station prior to arrival.

Jim Bishop is frequently working at the site. Although many taunt him by asking inflammatory questions, he responds gently to kind words. Wish him a happy day and drop a few dollars in the donation box to help the castle grow.

Yes, he [Jim Bishop] was verbally loud that weekend. Perhaps this hint will help...: Don't get him or his assistant started with any political banter.

This castle is well worth the trip. I can't wait to return and see what he has done next. He was busy in the moat area, setting large boulders onto iron grids.

Please donate more than a buck or 2 to him too. He works in Pueblo for his regular job. He does [Bishop Castle] for the people.

You rawk Jim!