Watch Colorado's Dragon Breath Fire at Bishop Castle

Sometimes a scenic drive in Colorado includes a few surprises. Discoveries made along the way might include stunning overlooks, and wildlife encounters, or you may stumble upon one of the state's many hidden castles.

Heading West out of Colorado City while traveling on Colorado 165, you'll discover the legendary 'Bishop Castle,' home to a fire-breathing dragon hiding deep in the Wet Mountains of Southern Colorado.

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Bishop Castle in Rye, Colorado

When Jim Bishop purchased the land for his castle he was just 15 years old. In 1969 the land cost just $450. His original intentions were to build a cottage, yet most people who saw his work asked if he was building a castle. His castle is believed to be one of the largest one-man (architecture) projects. It already contains thousands of tons of rocks and is a project that may never be finished during his lifetime.

The Features of Bishop Castle

The 160-foot-tall castle is truly one of Colorado's wonders. Jim Bishop allows guests to visit his creation for free (pets are welcome too). You can tour the three stories of the castle, grand ballroom, iron walkways, stained-glass windows, and an enclosed dome for viewing the San Isabel National Forest. The castle is open to the public every day from dawn to dusk. According to RoadsideAmerica.com guests should be ready to meet a "tough-talking man with strong, extreme beliefs, and sometimes he expresses them bluntly and loudly." Bishop's castle, Bishop's rules.

The Fire-Breathing Dragon

If you are lucky, you'll visit Bishop Castle on a day when the fire-breathing dragon responds to your calls for "dracarys" in High Valyrian. The Bishop Castle Facebook account is letting Coloradans know they can see the dragon breath fire on Saturday, August 31st, at 5 PM and 7 PM, and on Monday, September 2nd, at 5 PM and 7 PM.

LOOK: Colorado's Amazing 160-Foot Castle Is 52 Years In the Making

This Colorado destination has been 52 years in the making. Head to this Colorado forest, roughly 48 miles southwest of Pueblo, and you'll find a breathtaking 160-foot stone castle just off the road.

Jim Bishop, an ornamental ironworker from Colorado, launched this project back in 1969. What started out as a small stone cottage has evolved into a magnificent stone castle. What's more, you can visit this amazing creation at any time, seven days a week, 365 days a year at no cost. Make your way to Colorado's unbelievable Bishop Castle.

Gallery Credit: Waylon Jordan

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Colorado is loaded with some pretty interesting roadside attractions. Check out the wonder of Bishop Castle, the largest fork sculpture in America, an 18-ton hotdog, a UFO watchtower, and even a statue of a headless chicken. Scroll on to check out 12 of Colorado's strangest roadside attractions.

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Source: Watch Colorado’s Dragon Breath Fire at Bishop Castle

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Categories: Colorado News, Colorado Outdoors, Colorado Travel, Colorado Local