Quick Info
Stores: 100+ outlet shops. Location: I-25 Exit 184, between Denver and Colorado Springs. Hours: Generally 10am-8pm Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm Sunday. Type: Open-air outlet mall.
The Outlets at Castle Rock is the Denver area's primary outlet shopping destination. Located conveniently off I-25 between Denver and Colorado Springs, it draws shoppers looking for brand-name merchandise at reduced prices. The open-air design gives it a more pleasant feel than enclosed malls.
Notable Stores
The outlet features a mix of premium and everyday brands:
Fashion & Apparel: Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Gap, Banana Republic, J.Crew, Kate Spade, Coach, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger.
Outdoor & Sports: Columbia, The North Face, REI Outlet, Eddie Bauer.
Home & Kitchen: Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Le Creuset, Crate & Barrel.
Kids: Carter's, OshKosh B'gosh, Disney Store.
Are the Discounts Real?
Generally yes, though with caveats:
- Most items are 30-70% off regular retail
- Some merchandise is made specifically for outlets (check labels)
- Clearance sections within stores offer the best deals
- Sign up for store emails for additional coupons
If you're shopping for specific brands, the savings are real. Impulse buying just because something is "on sale" is where outlet shopping goes wrong.
Dining
Several restaurants on-site:
- Food court with quick-service options
- Sit-down restaurants including American and Mexican
- Coffee shops for breaks between shopping
For more variety, downtown Castle Rock is a short drive with local restaurants.
Getting There
From Denver: About 30 miles south on I-25. Take Exit 184. Roughly 40 minutes without traffic.
From Colorado Springs: About 40 miles north on I-25. Same exit.
Parking: Free and plentiful. The lot rarely fills except on Black Friday.
Tips
Go with a list. Knowing what you need prevents random purchases that add up.
Check store websites. Many outlets have additional coupons available online.
Visit on weekday mornings. Weekends and holidays are crowded. Weekday mornings are much calmer.
Combine with downtown. Make a day of it—shop the outlets, then explore historic downtown Castle Rock for lunch and local stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth the drive from Denver?
If you're buying specific items from multiple stores, yes. For casual browsing, probably not. Plan your shopping to make the trip worthwhile.
How long does shopping take?
Plan 2-4 hours depending on how many stores you want to visit. Serious shoppers can spend a full day.
Is there an REI Outlet?
Yes, one of the few REI outlet locations. Good for discounted outdoor gear, though selection varies.
What about tax-free shopping?
Colorado has sales tax (about 7.65% in Castle Rock). No tax-free shopping available.