So, I spent last week doing what I do best. I completely overdid it and didn’t learn my lesson. I spent the super toasty afternoons of Tuesday and Wednesday hiking all of Lost Canyon Ranch. If you want to read the notes of a guy who hikes 18 miles when trying to hike 10 miles worth of trails, please see the main piece of content below!
Some quick hits beyond that:
I think all of Castle Rock was out and about on Thursday. Great to see some of you at Tunes for Trails and others at Sip & Stroll! Tunes for Trails helps support places like Lost Canyon Ranch! And if you weren’t able to make the Sip & Stroll, be on the lookout for the winter edition in December! Here’s one review from last week’s: “My daughter and I had the best time, and while we filled our bingo card and only bought from two of you, we found businesses we didn’t know existed and intend to return to.”
While at the Sip & Stroll, I met Sydney, who is opening up Pilates Addiction. They have some special rates right now before they open up in the fall. Check out their website here.
Jet’s Pizza, a place I have never been even though they have almost 500 locations, just opened up this past week. Learn more here.
The Hot Spot Studios is now open. I stopped by and met Michelle — she’s great. Could be a great place to hit with kiddos before the summer is over. More details here.
Palisade Peaches: the Rotary Club of Castle Rock's annual peach fundraiser is back, order by Aug 4 — order here.
Sunset Supper Club should have some additional dates here soon. Will keep you posted.
Join us for the Sea Turtle Sip & Paint next week on Wednesday, July 29th. Tickets here.
It's a big week. The Douglas County Fair and Rodeo rolls into the fairgrounds this weekend starting with the cattle drive on Friday night and the parade and Boots and Brews on Saturday. At the Fair we’ve got Trace Adkins on Friday night and then AWOLNATION on Saturday. Everything should be down in the events section or on the rodeo round-up here.
Quick side-note for anyone following along…the Crowsnest development that tried going through Castle Pines and is now trying to get through the County was tabled after 4+ hours last night. More on that in DougCo Drop later this week.
Lost Canyon Ranch Is Open
Entrance signage to LCR
The Town opened its newest open space to the public on Monday, July 13, and it's the largest piece of land Castle Rock has ever bought. It sits on the southeast edge of town, pressed right up against Castlewood Canyon State Park: 681 acres, with 10 miles of trail open right now and another 5 still being built, for 15 miles when it's finished. The ground runs from open grassland to mature pine forest to hoodoo rock formations and the wide canyon that gives the place its name.
I hiked all 10 open miles over two days, and besides choosing the worst time of day to do it and not being in proper shape, I really enjoyed it and I’d highly recommend checking it out. A few of the best trails don't start at a parking lot — you walk a connector to reach them — so it pays to know the layout before you go.
A few things: no dogs, no horses, no pets of any kind, anywhere on the property — take them to Castlewood Canyon next door instead. No biking on the trails either.
There are two lots: Creekside holds just 19 cars, Cattleman's holds 125. So you may want to plan your hike from Cattleman’s just in case because Creekside parking is going to be a hot commodity, especially on weekends.
There's no drinking water on site, so bring more than you think you need. They do have some porta-potties at each parking lot.
Cell service is spotty and the paper trail maps can run out, so pick your route before you lose signal or print your own copy at home.
Big Bear Hollow is not a loop. It does not connect to itself where The Overlook is on the map.
Two loops, Golden Eagle and Rustler's Ridge, are still closed and should open around September.
I put together a full guide — every open trail ranked easiest to hardest, with difficulty, parking, directions, and what's still closed. If you've been looking for a new place to get outside close to home, this is the one.
Some highlights from my trip: Gobbler's Pass steps you right through a gap in the rocks, Lost Moccasin has a 39-step stone staircase built into the hillside, and Big Bear Hollow climbs to an overlook that sweeps north and east across the whole canyon.
This is the west side of Gobbler’s Pass and one of my favorite spots I hiked through. You’ve got plenty of connectors and other trails to get here, though. It’s also the opening shot on the Instagram video I posted here.
This was another favorite spot. Here you’re going up from Big Bear Hollow to Golden Eagle.
And then even though this almost defeated me at the end of day one, these steps at the .6 mile portion of Moccasin are really cool. You’ll go up them if you’re coming from Willow Creek or Big Bear Hollow (west to east).
Let me know what you think of the place once you’ve gone out there!
Pet Adoptions
I let out an audible gasp when I saw this little guy. Oscar won’t be available to adopt for long!
And if your own furry friend is more the calendar-model type, Humane Colorado's 2027 Pet Photo Contest is open. Enter a photo (your pet doesn't have to be a shelter alum) and the top vote-getters become a Pet of the Month in next year's calendar. Voting runs through August 13.
Sports
Broncos — Training camp is the next thing on the calendar. The Broncos open Friday, July 31, and the roster keeps drawing national attention on the way in: Bo Nix landed at No. 59 on the NFL's player-voted Top 100, and defensive lineman Zach Allen came in at No. 73. The preseason is set too: we open @ Atlanta Fri, Aug 14, then host Green Bay Fri, Aug 21, and Minnesota Fri, Aug 28.
Nuggets — The one bit of real movement is the Peyton Watson standoff. Marc Stein reports the restricted free agent is looking for a deal above Christian Braun's $25-million-a-season value, which could stretch out the negotiation. With Denver tight against the cap, the front office is weighing sign-and-trade options while the Clippers and Bucks circle. As a restricted free agent, the Nuggets can still match any offer he signs.
Avalanche — Quiet week — no movement on the Cale Makar extension, still the one unsigned domino.
Rockies — We're 40-62, last in the NL West, and the second half picked up about where the first one left off. Coming out of the All-Star break, we opened at home against Cincinnati and dropped two of three: lost (7-2), won (10-3), then lost (9-6). One nice moment from the break itself, Hunter Goodman, our lone All-Star, got into the All-Star Game in Philadelphia. We opened a home series with Washington Monday night and dropped the opener 7-3, with Kyle Freeland taking the loss, and we finish it Tuesday and Wednesday before heading to Milwaukee for three this weekend.
Rapids — Finally back. We haven't played since May thanks to the World Cup break, and we're still 5-9-1 (16 points), 11th in the West. The layoff ends Wednesday, July 22, when we host San Diego FC, and then we're right back at it Saturday on the road at St. Louis CITY SC. And the tournament we've been tracking all summer has a champion: Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time on Sunday, with Ferran Torres scoring the only goal. Messi and Argentina came up just short in the final.
Summit FC — What a way to open the building. Saturday was the first match ever played at Centennial Stadium, the club's new home, and Denver Summit FC christened it with a 2-1 win over the Portland Thorns in front of 12,372. It didn't start clean, Portland went up 1-0 on a Sophia Wilson penalty in the 25th minute, but Janine Sonis leveled it deep in first-half stoppage time and Natalie Means won it in the 86th. The night also marked the debut of Lindsey Heaps, the U.S. women's national team captain who grew up in Golden. That moves us to 5-5-4 (19 points), 10th in the NWSL. Next up, we head to Washington to face the Spirit Sunday, July 26 at 5pm.
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Noteworthy
Rides to and from Castle Rock are coming at the end of the month
Starting Friday, July 31, you'll be able to book on-demand rides to and from Castle Rock through Link On Demand, the regional service that already runs in Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Stonegate and parts of Parker. The Board of County Commissioners approved a $1.9 million contract to bring it south on July 14, with the Town of Castle Rock adding $400,000. It runs Monday through Saturday, it's built to be accessible for riders with mobility needs, and you book it through the Link On Demand app or by calling 719-212-2430. Across the county it's been averaging 4.9 out of 5 stars and more than 17,000 trips a month.
A bull, a cow and a calf are up at Rock Park
The Town installed "Big Drive," its newest public art sculpture, at Rock Park Open Space — a bull, cow and calf standing about 11 feet tall and 20 feet wide, right where the Western Heritage Cattle Drive kicks off every summer. Nationally known artists Lisa Adler and Don Kennell built it as a tribute to the town's ranching heritage. The dedication is 5-6pm this Wednesday, July 22, at Rock Park Open Space, 1470 Front St., with the artists there, plus refreshments and giveaways. The ceremony will also honor former Castle Rock Police Commander and rancher John Anderson, whose work helped establish the Cattle Drive.
Castle Rock Jobs
Events
Join us for our Sea Turtle Sip & Paint at Wild Blue Yonder on Wednesday, July 29 from 6pm-9pm. Tickets here.
Tuesday, 7/21:
The Ridge at Castle Pines North - Big Dogs Huge Paws Annual Golf Outing - 7:30am–4:00pm - $260-$1000
Pines Bar and Grill - Trivia Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6:00pm–8:00pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Trivia Night at Honnibrook - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Classic Trivia at Wild Blue Yonder - 7:00pm–9:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Trivia Night at The Whiskey Lodge - 7:00pm–9:00pm
Wednesday, 7/22:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Arts Afield 2026 at Cherokee Ranch - 8:30am–12:00pm - $39
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 90-Minute Tour of Cherokee Castle - 10:00am–11:30am - $21-$24
Wide Open Saloon - Bike Night feat. Nikki Z at Wide Open Saloon - 5:00pm–9:00pm
Savina's Mexican Kitchen - Savina's Summer Concert Series: Two-Step's Tequila - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Karaoke Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6:00pm–9:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trails & Ales Mountain Bike Ride at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–7:00pm
Festival Park - Jazz in the Park - 6:30pm–8:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Wednesday Bingo at The Whiskey Lodge - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Thursday, 7/23:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 90-Minute Tour of Cherokee Castle - 10:00am–11:30am - $21-$24
RNK Running and Walking - Chog (Chill Jog) with RNK Running - 6:00pm–7:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Thursday Line Dancing at Wide Open Saloon - 6:00pm–10:00pm
Crowfoot Valley Coffee & Crowbar - Trivia Night - 6:00pm–8:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Trivia Night at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:00pm–8:00pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Open Mic Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6:00pm–9:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Trivia at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–8:30pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Jax Jordening at 105 West Brewing - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Poker Night at Honnibrook - 7:00pm–9:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Free Whiskey Tasting & Poker at The Whiskey Lodge - 7:00pm–9:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Karaoke Night at The Stagecoach Saloon - 8:00pm–11:00pm
Friday, 7/24:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Face Vocal Band - 6:00pm - $85.95
Downtown Castle Rock - Western Heritage Welcome: Cattle Drive - 6:00pm–8:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 90-Minute Tour of Cherokee Castle - 10:00am–11:30am - $21-$24
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Afternoon Tea at the Castle - 1:00pm–3:30pm - $74.95
Wide Awake Eatery - Steve Thomas on Guitar at Wide Awake Eatery - 5:30pm–9:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Jeffrey Alan Band at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - 5:30pm–7:30pm
Pines Bar and Grill - Live Band at Pines Bar and Grill - 6:00pm–9:00pm
The Stagecoach Saloon - Sarah P and the Hay Pullers Live at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:30pm–10:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Buckcherry at Wide Open Saloon - 7:00pm–10:30pm - $33.85+
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Trace Adkins Live at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo 2026 - 7:00pm–10:00pm - $65.08
Alidade Brewing - Top Gun Trivia Night at Alidade Brewing - 7:00pm–9:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Karaoke Night at The Whiskey Lodge - 7:00pm–11:00pm
Sinners & Saints - Chance Gallagher — Live at the Altar - 8:00pm–10:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Drone Show at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - 8:15pm–8:45pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Drone Show Encore at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - 10:30pm–11:00pm
Saturday, 7/25:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Petrified Wood Hike at Cherokee Ranch - 8:00am–11:00am - $39.50
Festival Park - Douglas County Fair Parade 2026 - 9:30am–12:00pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Tony Crank on Spanish Guitar at Wide Awake Eatery - 10:00am–1:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 90-Minute Tour of Cherokee Castle - 10:00am–11:30am - $21-$24
Festival Park - Boots and Brews 2026 - 11:00am–4:00pm
KB Ranch - Cowabunga Cafe at KB Ranch - 11:00am–2:00pm - $28
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Afternoon Tea at the Castle - 1:00pm–3:30pm - $74.95
Wide Open Saloon - Saturday Acoustic Show at Wide Open Saloon - 2:00pm–5:00pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Revenant Band at Outlets - 3:00pm–6:00pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Wayne Wilkinson on Guitar at Wide Awake Eatery - 5:30pm–9:00pm
Denver Polo Club - Denver Polo Club x Tiny Table Summer Dinner (July) - 6:00pm - $225
Wide Open Saloon - SPARTA 111: MMA & Bare Knuckle Boxing at Wide Open Saloon - 6:00pm–11:00pm - $55-$125
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Steve & the Cruisers at 105 West Brewing - 6:30pm–9:30pm
Wide Open Saloon - Skunk Draggin at Wide Open Saloon - 7:00pm–11:00pm
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Mead & Magic at Honnibrook - 7:00pm–9:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Live Music at The Whiskey Lodge - 7:00pm–10:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - AWOLNATION with Friday Pilots Club at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - 7:00pm–11:00pm - $65.08-$75.69
Sunday, 7/26:
Lost Coffee - Lost Runners Run Club with RNK Running - 8:00am–9:30am
Festival Park - Festival Park Farmers Market - 9:00am–2:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Colorado Farm-to-Table Brunch - 10:00am–12:00pm - $70-$133
Bar Hummingbird - Castle Rock - Bubbles & Beats Sunday Brunch at Bar Hummingbird - 11:00am–3:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Vintage Car Club of Castle Rock Car Show at the Fair - 11:00am–3:00pm
Teaology Tea Cafe - Watercolor Class with Raelene: Cute Frog - 1:00pm–3:00pm - $42
Wide Awake Eatery - Sip & Spin Sundays at Wide Awake Eatery - 2:00pm–5:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Jessica Loobey at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - 2:00pm–4:00pm
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Jack Hadley at 105 West Brewing - 2:30pm–5:30pm
Outlets at Castle Rock - Rock the Mountain: Alex Nikiforoff at Outlets - 3:00pm–6:00pm
Elk Ridge Park - Castle Pines Summer Concert Series — Narrow Gauge - 6:00pm–8:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Sunday Karaoke at The Whiskey Lodge - 6:00pm–9:00pm
Monday, 7/27:
Alidade Brewing - Mah Jongg Monday at Alidade Brewing - 5:00pm–7:00pm
RNK Running and Walking - RNK Trail Run: Dawson's Butte - 5:30pm–6:30pm
The Whiskey Lodge - Monday Bingo at The Whiskey Lodge - 6:30pm–8:30pm
Heads up on events that are further out:
Savina's Mexican Kitchen - Savina's Summer Concert Series: David James and the JWB - Wed 7/29, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Sea Turtles Paint & Sip in Castle Rock - Wed 7/29, 6:00pm–9:00pm - $55
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Jeff Goodwin at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - Wed 7/29, 7:00pm–9:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - ProRodeo: Roughstock at the Rock — Bares, Broncs & Bulls - Thu 7/30, 7:00pm–9:00pm - $43.86
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Western Flyers at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - Thu 7/30, 9:00pm–11:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - ProRodeo: Patriot Night at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - Fri 7/31, 7:00pm–9:00pm - $43.86
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Colorado Day Festival - Sat 8/1, 10:00am–2:00pm
Philip S. Miller Park Amphitheater - Summer Concert Series: Fitz and The Tantrums with Sun Room (Colorado Day Show) - Sat 8/1, 6:00pm–10:30pm - $49-$85
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - ProRodeo: Ride for the Brand at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - Sat 8/1, 7:00pm–9:00pm - $43.86
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Barn Dance at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - Sat 8/1, 9:00pm–12:00am
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Pancake Breakfast at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - Sun 8/2, 8:00am–10:00am
Denver Polo Club - Disco Sunday Polo Tailgate at Denver Polo Club - Sun 8/2, 10:00am–3:00pm - $28.52+
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Eric Golden at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - Sun 8/2, 11:00am–1:00pm
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - ProRodeo: Cowboys for Cops at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo - Sun 8/2, 1:00pm - $43.86
Sinners & Saints - Romancing the Rockies: Summer Edition at Sinners & Saints - Sun 8/2, 3:00pm–6:00pm - $28.52
Looking for more? Every Douglas County event we track lives on our events calendar: dougcosocial.com/events
Worth the drive: other Douglas County events can be found in our sister newsletter, DougCo Drop — subscribe below.
⚠️ Please verify event details and availability with the respective venues or organizers, as schedules may change.
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