Douglas County entices travelers year-round with its exquisite scenery, outdoor recreational opportunities, and various historical and cultural attractions. Located between Denver and Colorado Springs, the county is characterized by diverse landscapes for you to cherish. In this area, you will encounter mesas, foothills, small streams, red rock formations, the high peaks of the Front Range, eastern prairies, ponderosa pine, and more.
In This Article
TL;DR
- Historical attractions like the Santa Fe Trail and Gold Belt Tour trace the region's pioneer past.
- Outdoor recreation ranges from hiking and biking to skiing and rock climbing in the Rocky Mountains.
- Family resorts, summer camps, parks, and hands-on museums provide multi-generational appeal.
Scenic Diversity: High Plains, Peaks, and Red Rocks
Douglas County’s 2,000 square miles encompass a striking diversity of scenery. To the west, the county reaches up to 14,000 feet in the Collegiate Peaks, Front Range, and Pike National Forest, where conifer forests and alpine tundra create a rugged mountain backdrop. Flowing east, the landscape descends into rolling prairies and grasslands dotted by hayfields and cattle ranches. Signature red sandstone outcroppings, cliffs, and hogbacks add splashes of color.
The variety of biomes and ecosystems supports biodiversity. Herds of elk and deer roam the foothills and forests. Visitors may spot black bears, bighorn sheep, coyotes, bald eagles, wild turkeys, and other species. Sightings of hummingbirds, woodpeckers, hawks, and migrating songbirds are common.
Tracing the Footsteps of History
For over 10,000 years, before European settlers arrived in the mid-1800s, native peoples like the Utes and Arapaho lived in what is now Douglas County. Several historic trails and byways commemorate Colorado’s frontier era. As part of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway follows wagon ruts and interpretive sites left by Mexican traders. The Gold Belt Tour National Scenic Byway loops through Cripple Creek and Victor, passing old gold mines and railroad lines from the 1890s Gold Rush. In Roxborough State Park, visitors can see wagon ruts from pioneers traveling the Cherokee Trail west.
Other historic attractions provide insight into more recent eras. The Plains Conservation Center in Aurora preserves original prairie ecosystems and educates visitors on homesteading history. At the Four Mile Historic Park in Denver, a dozen restored 19th-century buildings recreate a frontier-style town. Throughout Douglas County, numerous museums cover topics from paleontology to railroads to Air Force aviation.
Hitting the Trails: Hikes, Bikes and Scenic Drives
Crisscrossed by trails and byways, Douglas County offers plenty of opportunities for road-tripping, biking, and hiking. Winding through canyons and mountains west of Denver, The Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway is considered one of America’s most scenic drives. The Colorado Trail and Continental Divide National Scenic Trail traverse over 500 miles through Douglas County’s western peaks and forests. With hundreds of miles of bike paths and single-track, the county ranked #6 in the U.S. for mountain biking.
Top hikes include the scenic Manitou Incline, the Horseshoe Trail to Lost Pond in Pike National Forest, and the Devil’s Head Lookout Trail. Roxborough State Park’s red rock trails feature unique geological formations. For multi-use trails, the Cherry Creek Regional Trail runs from downtown Denver, while the South Platte River Trail follows its namesake waterway. The High Line Canal Trail intersects the county east-west for 71 miles.
Family Fun and Summer Camps
With kid-friendly resorts and activities, Douglas County makes an ideal family getaway. Many ranches and lodges offer horseback riding, fishing, archery, ziplining, and programs for kids. Dinosaur Ridge has life-size dinosaur models and tracks from the Cretaceous period. Hands-on museums like the Space Foundation Discovery Center engage young visitors with interactive science exhibits.
The county’s natural areas provide the backdrop for many summer camps. Options range from outdoor adventure camps teaching survival skills to art camps focused on crafts or performing arts. With day and overnight choices available, parents can find the perfect summer experience for their kids.
Winter Recreation: Skiing, Snowboarding and More
As snow blankets the peaks from November through April, Douglas County morphs into one of the best winter playgrounds in the United States. Downhill skiers and snowboarders flock to Breckenridge Ski Resort’s five interconnected peaks, Copper Mountain Resort’s 2400 acres, and Loveland Ski Area stretching above the Continental Divide. With one of Colorado’s longest ski seasons, Arapahoe Basin stays open into June for spring skiing and riding.
Alternatives like snowshoeing, sledding, tubing, ice skating, and more are plentiful for non-skiers. Many state parks and mountain towns offer ice rinks and sledding hills. Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA center has a tubing hill and over 25 miles of snowshoe and cross-country ski trails.
Soaking up Local Culture: Cuisine, Festivals and Traditions
Beyond the natural landscapes, Douglas County’s cultural traditions and events give visitors a taste of authentic local flare. From Native American powwows to pioneer reenactments, festivals and fairs celebrate history and heritage. Cheyenne Mountain State Park and Roxborough State Park host annual Native American cultural events, while Four Mile Historic Park puts on Old West-themed heritage festivals.
The county’s residents also host cultural festivals like the Parker Days Country Fair, Highlands Ranch Concert Series, Castle Rock Brewfest, and the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival. Many ranches and farms allow visitors to experience traditions like cattle drives, chuckwagon dinners, and rodeos. Farmers markets, corn mazes, u-pick farms, and wineries offer seasonal harvest fun.
Distinctive local cuisine showcases Colorado ingredients, from bison to elk to Rocky Mountain trout. Craft beer and signature dishes like game meats, grilled rainbow trout, and elk chili pair nicely with mountain views. From fine dining to food trucks, the county’s top restaurants incorporate local flavors.
Recharging Wellness: Hot Springs, Spas, and Mountain Zen
With its stress-relieving landscapes and rejuvenating retreats, Douglas County entices visitors to relax, recharge, and focus on wellness. Natural hot springs bubble up mineral-rich waters for sokaing. Indian Hot Springs offers geothermal soaking pools east of Denver, while Mount Princeton Hot Springs lies southwest near Buena Vista.
For spa lovers, luxury resorts like The Inverness Hotel and Spa, Sonnenalp Vail, and The Broadmoor Spa pamper guests with massages, body treatments, and salon services. Wellness and yoga retreats help visitors decompress while surrounded by nature.
Of course, the inherent peace of the backcountry often provides the best place to unwind and practice mindfulness. Hiking through an aspen grove, stargazing from a quiet campsite, and greeting the peaks at sunrise are examples of mountain moments that will refresh your mind, body, and spirit.
Adventure Awaits: Rock Climb, Mountain Bike, Ski and More
Expert mountaineers test their mettle on the area’s 54 peaks over 14,000 feet tall. Class V rapids churn through Clear Creek and the Arkansas River, prime for whitewater rafting. Adrenaline junkies also flock to the county to skydive, zipline, race sports cars, or paddleboard on high-altitude lakes.
With seemingly endless trails, 10,000-foot ascents, and breathtaking descents, the Rocky Mountains surrounding Douglas County are a mountain biker’s paradise. Endurance athletes take on the grueling Manitou Incline, climbing 2,000 feet in less than one mile. For rock climbing, over 1,000 routes scale the county’s granite domes, spires, and cliffs.
From skiing powder in the backcountry to shredding terrain parks, the county’s ski resorts offer endless winter fun. Expert runs plunge down steep chutes and tree glades at advanced mountains like Arapahoe Basin. Meanwhile, at family-friendly resorts like Keystone, beginners can learn on gentle bunny slopes and groomed cruisers.
Planning Your Douglas County Getaway
Whether you’re a family looking for outdoor adventure together, or you’re a couple seeking romance and relaxation, Douglas County has something for everyone. The county’s diverse natural areas, historic sites, and wealth of activities make it an ideal, year-round destination. Vibrant communities like Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch, and Larkspur anchor the county with dining, arts, and amenities.
Nearby Denver International Airport provides easy access for travelers. Getting around the county is easiest by car but shuttle services are excellent resources for visitors who want to avoid winter driving in the mountains. Accommodations range from hotels and resorts to guest ranches, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. With endless sights to explore, Douglas County always leaves visitors longing to return and discover more.
FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Douglas County?
Douglas County offers appealing sights year-round, but spring, summer, and fall showcase the most pleasant weather for exploring the outdoors. Winter is best for snow sports.
What is there to do in Douglas County with kids?
Top family-friendly activities include easy mountain trails, hands-on museums, mining heritage tours, u-pick farms and orchards, dinosaur fossil sites, summer camps, and seasonal festivals.
Where are the best areas to see fall foliage in Douglas County?
The most vibrant fall colors can be found in the aspen groves and mixed conifer forests in the higher-elevation counties to the west. Scenic drives like Guanella Pass and the Peak-to-Peak Highway offer gorgeous views.
What is there to do in Douglas County if I don’t ski or snowboard?
Non-skiing winter activities include snowshoeing, tubing, ice skating, sledding, sleigh rides, winter zip lining and adventure parks, photography, and soaking in hot springs.
What towns or areas should I stay in to explore Douglas County?
Top home bases include Castle Rock, Parker, Larkspur, Sedalia, and Highlands Ranch. Travelers can also stay along the corridor from Denver to Breckenridge in towns like Littleton and Evergreen.
Is Fort Collins in Douglas County?
No, Fort Collins is in Larimer County. However, from Fort Collins, you can arrive in Douglas County by car in just under two hours.
Is the Douglas County School District considered good in Colorado?
Yes, for three years in a row, the Douglas County School District has been acknowledged as the best in Colorado.
Who are the Douglas County Commissioners?
Douglas County Commissioners include Abe Laydon of District I, George Teal of District II, and Lora Thomas of District III.
