May have met my match this past week when I went to Bien y Tu to try their special for restaurant week — the birria skewers. I usually finish my plate (and sometimes other people’s), but I’ve been bested. They were amazing and extremely filling. Not sure if they’re staying on the menu, but I hope they make a comeback at some point down the road.
I tried to work them off this past weekend by getting out to Lost Canyon Ranch’s newest trails which we’ll get into below after a word from our newest sponsor!
Sponsored by
Fidelis Wealth Advisors
Your financial future deserves a plan built around you.
Fidelis Wealth Advisors helps individuals, families, and business owners make confident financial decisions – from investing and retirement to tax, estate, insurance, and business succession planning.
Founded by Sam Tenney, CFP, AIF, with more than 26 years of industry experience, Fidelis is an independent, principles-driven firm focused on building lasting relationships and putting clients’ goals first.
Planning for what’s next? Start today by visiting www.fidelis-wealth.com.
Disclosure: Investment advisory services are offered through Fidelis Wealth Advisors, a registered investment advisor. Fidelis does not provide tax or legal advice.
The last two trails at Lost Canyon
So, I went back out to Lost Canyon Ranch on Saturday to finally hike the last two trails, Golden Eagle Loop and Rustler’s Ridge Loop. The Town wrapped up Rustler’s Ridge in late September, which means all 15 miles out there are now open...and my trail guide couldn’t say “not hiked yet” forever.
Golden Eagle Loop (1.8 miles). This one sits up on the open slickrock and caprock, the highest ground on the property, with little to no shade. You can see the homes to the north for part of it (I wonder what this open space did for the home values all along it — to be investigated). Once you’re up there, it’s an easy walk. The work is the road up from the Creekside lot, which climbs about 170 feet and looks down on Willow Creek, where the leaves were turning yellow and orange. There’s a bench partway up if you need a quick pit-stop. And if you’re looking for a longer hike out there, you can always take Turkey and Gobbler’s up there on the west side or connect to it via Bear Hollow.
And we had company: two mule deer bucks bedded down in the shade under the pines. I’d love to tell you my camera work did them justice...it did not. One of them scared the daylights out of me when I turned a corner because he was only 10-15 feet away from me when I came around a rock. Yes, I had been warned they were out there — yes, my fight or flight kicked in because I’m jumpy.
Rustler’s Ridge Loop (2.2 miles). Totally different feel. It starts right off the Creekside parking lot and has a lot more shade, with tall ponderosa pines and oak turning color, kind of like Big Bear Hollow or Bootlegger’s. It’s moderate, not crazy.
The one thing to watch for is the skinny spot, where the trail squeezes between two big boulders. It’s a tight squeeze. This might be the only time in my life I was glad my lats are as small as they are...
Out of the two, if it’s a hot day and you want some shade, go Rustler’s Ridge.
I updated the full trail guide with distance, elevation and shade for every trail: Lost Canyon Ranch trail guide
As a reminder: there’s a wildlife easement on the property, and for that reason there are no dogs allowed. No bikes or horses either.
Ad
NJR Handyman Services
Before and After: Nick's Latest Cabinet Makeover
Nick's latest job started with two large cabinets and a bench in between. He refinished the cabinets on each end, pulled out the bench and installed new cabinets in its place, with a wine fridge tucked in. New hardware and fresh paint on everything finished it off.
Nick runs NJR Handyman Services solo: he quotes the job, does the work and handles the billing himself. Built-ins, cabinets, flooring, trim and the everyday fixes too.
Pet Adoptions
Small but Stout, this little guy has got lots of energy and would love to be part of an outdoors and adventurous family. Has lived with other dogs in the past and had no issues.
Ad
Tri Arts Project
TAP's two free evenings of local creativity at Cantril School.
Celebrate the artists and authors of Douglas County at two free, family-friendly events with Tri Arts Project at Cantril School, 312 Cantril St., Castle Rock.
TAP Talk: A Creative Journey Exhibition Opening
Wednesday, October 21 · 6:00–7:30 p.m. · TAP Gallery
Celebrate creativity at every stage! A Creative Journey showcases work by TAP students and instructors from across Douglas County, from emerging artists to seasoned professionals. Come view the art, meet the artists, and hear the stories behind each creative path. Hear from the jurors of our final exhibition of 2026, Mayor Jason Gray and award winning artist Erma Jean Woodis. Join in the fun with our first "People's Choice Award" and vote at the event for your favorite artist in the exhibition and help us to honor them with a special award. Free entry and includes food, drinks, and family-friendly fun.
More info: triartsproject.org/exhibitions
Author Showcase & Book Fair
Friday, October 23 · 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Meet the writers behind the pages! Tri Arts Project and the Colorado Authors League bring together local authors for an evening of books across every genre. Browse, chat with the authors, and take home a signed copy of your next favorite read. Free and family-friendly.
More info: triartsproject.org/author-showcase-book-fair
Sports
Broncos — Anybody else feel like it’s been a long season already? Why is it not fun to watch these guys at all? I dropped J.K. Dobbins in my fantasy league because he’s been so underwhelming and of course he had a good game...it’d be great to see some of our offensive weapons take off, especially now that Sean Payton is calling plays. Anyways, we beat the Chargers (23-17) and are 3-2, 2nd in the AFC West behind 4-0 Kansas City (they had a bye this week). We were down 17-10 going into the fourth quarter, then the defense forced a turnover on downs, picked off Herbert and recovered a fumble, and we scored the last 13 points on a Bo Nix touchdown to Courtland Sutton and two Wil Lutz field goals. It was Sean Payton’s first game back calling the plays after taking them over from Davis Webb. We host Seattle Thu, Oct 15 at 6:15pm.
Nuggets — We won both preseason games this week, at Utah (117-106) and at home over the Bulls (133-128). Aaron Gordon led us in both, with 18 and 25, and Jokić had 11 rebounds and 10 assists against Chicago. We finish the preseason @ the Clippers Wed, Oct 14 and @ the Lakers Fri, Oct 16. The regular season opens @ Oklahoma City Thu, Oct 22.
Avalanche — We’re 3-2-0 (6 pts), 4th in the Central. We went 1-2 this week, losing at Winnipeg (3-2), beating Calgary (7-3) behind two goals and an assist from Cale Makar, and losing to Toronto at home (6-3). We head @ Dallas Tue, Oct 13, host Dallas Wed, Oct 14 and Pittsburgh Fri, Oct 16, then head @ Philadelphia Mon, Oct 19.
Rockies — Offseason mode. President of baseball operations Paul DePodesta said starting pitching is the biggest hole to fill (the rotation had about a 7 ERA after the Trade Deadline), and when asked about a bigger payroll, he said “we have the means.” Warren Schaeffer is back for the second year of his two-year deal. More from DePodesta.
MLB Playoffs — Over in the American League, the Rays swept the Yankees (3-0) and the Guardians came back from down 0-2 to beat the White Sox in five. Cleveland then took Game 1 of the ALCS in St. Petersburg Monday night (7-3). In the NL, the Padres are out (Milwaukee beat them 3-1), and the Dodgers beat the Braves (3-1), then dropped the first two games of the NLCS to the Brewers (2-1, 7-4).
Rapids — We drew San Jose at home (1-1). We’re 11-13-4 with 37 points through 28 matches, 8th in the West. Next up, we host Minnesota Wed, Oct 14, then head @ Portland Sat, Oct 17.
Summit FC — No match last week. We’re 10-9-8 with 38 points through 27 matches, 10th in the NWSL. Next up, we host Angel City Sat, Oct 17 at 6:45pm at Centennial Stadium.
Sabercats Football — The Sabercats lost at Legend (50-7) and are 3-4. They head to Regis Jesuit Thu, Oct 15 at 7pm. Check out their schedule.
Huskies Football — The Huskies took their first loss of the season, a close one at home to Chaparral (29-27), and are 6-1. They head to Overland Fri, Oct 16 at 7pm. Check out their schedule.
Want your business in front of 6,300 locals? Reach out if you’re interested in sponsoring the newsletter.
Noteworthy
The July fireworks show is back on...in November
Remember the Fourth of July show that got called off? The Town rescheduled it for Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 7pm, weather and fire restrictions permitting. It’s a 20 to 22 minute show launching from Miller’s Landing, just east of Philip S. Miller Park, and you’ll hear a three-shot salute right before it starts. The Town’s suggested viewing spots are Downtown, Metzler Ranch Community Park, Miller Park, parts of Red Hawk and Rock Park (no parking on the major roads). Personal fireworks are still a no that night. Full details here.
Also from the 10/6 council meeting: the kratom retail ban passed its final vote 6-1, and water rates (about $76 a year for a typical home) and the $411.8M 2027 budget passed first reading 7-0. Final votes on both are Tue 10/20. Kratom ban · Water rates · Budget
Castle Rock Jobs
Looking for more? Every open job we track across the county lives at dougcosocial.com/jobs.
Best of Douglas County
Don’t forget to get your vote in. You can always change it or add more as you try new places.
Tons of categories. Best burger, best green chile, best cinnamon roll, etc. Takes a minute or two. No wrong answers.
Events
Top Events This Week
Fri 10/16 - Gilly’s Pumpkin Patch, Gilly’s Pumpkin Patch - last weekend: Fri 10/16 + Sat 10/17, 9am–dark - $5 a person / $20 a family
Fri 10/16 - Sarah P and the Hay Pullers at The Stagecoach Saloon, The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:30pm–10:30pm - Free
Sat 10/17 - Spooktacular, Miller Park - 1pm–4pm - Free
Sat 10/17 - Murder & Mystery at the Castle: Midnight at the Masquerade, Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 6pm–9:30pm - $84.95
Sun 10/18 - Castle Rock Fall Festival, Festival Park - 10am–3pm - Free
Sun 10/18 - Romancing the Rockies: Halloween Edition, Sinners & Saints - 4pm–7pm - $17.85
Tuesday, 10/13:
McDonald’s - Coffee with a Cop - 9am–10:30am - Free
Columbine Open Space - Columbine/Maytag History Hike & Bike - 10am–12pm - Free ($10 suggested donation)
Sinners & Saints - Make & Mingle at Sinners & Saints - 5pm–7pm - Free
Pines Bar and Grill - Trivia Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6pm–8pm - Free
The Whiskey Lodge - Tuesday Trivia at The Whiskey Lodge - 7pm - Free
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Trivia at Wild Blue Yonder - 7pm–9pm - Free
Wednesday, 10/14:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 10am–11:30am - $21–$24
105 West Brewing Company - Trails N’ Ales Mountain Bike Ride at 105 West - 6pm–7pm - Free
Alidade Brewing - Music Bingo at Alidade - 6pm–8pm - Free
Pines Bar and Grill - Karaoke Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6pm–9pm - Free
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Looking Back 70s at 105 West - 6pm–9pm - Free
Sinners & Saints - Weekly Bingo at Sinners & Saints - 6:30pm–9pm - Free
Castle Rock Museum - Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales Walking Tour - 7pm–8pm - Free
Thursday, 10/15:
Lone Creek Farms (Franktown) - Lone Creek Farms Fall Festival 2026 - Thursdays 10am–5pm, runs through 11/1 - $23.95/person
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 10am–11:30am - $21–$24
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Afternoon Tea at the Castle - 1pm–3pm - $74.95
Wide Open Saloon - Thursday Line Dancing at Wide Open Saloon - 6pm–10pm - Free
105 West Brewing Company - Trivia Night at 105 West Brewing - 6pm–8:30pm - Free
Crowfoot Valley Coffee & Crowbar - Trivia Night - 6pm–8pm - Free
Pines Bar and Grill - Open Mic Night at Pines Bar and Grill - 6pm–9pm - Free
Sinners & Saints - Boots & Broncos: Western Dance Night + Thursday Night Football at Sinners & Saints - 7pm–9pm - Free
Friday, 10/16:
Wide Open Saloon - Brian Brooks’ Sundown Rising at Wide Open Saloon - Free
205 Fourth St - Business Planning Workshop with Coach Margaret Gade - 9am–3pm - Free
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 10am–11:30am - $21–$24
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Afternoon Tea at the Castle - 1pm–3pm - $74.95
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Sinatra Tribute Show Live at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 6pm–9:30pm - $86.80
Pines Bar and Grill - Live Band at Pines Bar and Grill - 6pm–9pm - Free
Iron Mule Public House and Brewery - Starry Halloween GLASS Painting at Iron Mule Brewery - 6pm–9pm - $55
Wellspring Community - Club 21 Halloween Dance Party at Wellspring Community - 7pm–9pm - $15
The Whiskey Lodge - Friday Karaoke at The Whiskey Lodge - 7pm - Free
Sinners & Saints - Mike Maurer — Live at the Altar - 8pm–10pm - Free
Saturday, 10/17:
Wide Open Saloon - Off Ramp at Wide Open Saloon - Free
Indian Creek Campground - 13th Annual Indian Creek Trail Runs - 6am–8pm - $64.60–$181.20
Outlets at Castle Rock - ACTV Studio IRL: Vuori Castle Rock x SHRED415 - 7:30am–10am - Free
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale Auctions - 9am - Free
Sandstone Ranch Open Space (Guided Side) - Sandstone Ranch Geology Tours: Morning Session - 9am–12pm - Free
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Castle Tour at Cherokee Ranch & Castle - 10am–11:30am - $21–$24
The Green at The Canyons - Fall Festival & Model Home Tour at The Canyons - 11am–2pm - Free
105 West Brewing Company - Dessert Truck: Alsie’s Ice Cream - 12pm–7pm - Free
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Afternoon Tea at the Castle - 1pm–3pm - $74.95
Castle Rock Museum - Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales Walking Tour - 1pm–2pm - Free
Sandstone Ranch Open Space (Guided Side) - Sandstone Ranch Geology Tours: Afternoon Session - 1pm–4pm - Free
Alidade Brewing - Adult Spelling Bee at Alidade Brewing - 6pm–8pm - Free
The Stagecoach Saloon - Mountain Magic Band at The Stagecoach Saloon - 6:30pm–10:30pm - Free
105 West Brewing Company - Live Music: Chancer’s Hooley at 105 West - 6:30pm–9:30pm - Free
Magic Manor (Sedalia) - Séance Parlour at Magic Manor - 7pm - $50
The Whiskey Lodge - Saturday Live Music at The Whiskey Lodge - 7pm - Free
Sinners & Saints - Live DJ in the Lounge with ‘DJ Max’ - 9pm–12am - Free
Sunday, 10/18:
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Princess Party at the Castle 2026 - 1:30pm–3:30pm - $56.95
Sinners & Saints - Romancing the Rockies: Halloween Edition - 4pm–7pm - $17.85
Sunday Salmon - Sunday Salmon Community Dinner - 5pm - Free
The Whiskey Lodge - Sunday Karaoke at The Whiskey Lodge - 6pm - Free
Monday, 10/19:
105 West Brewing Company - Trails N’ Ales Run Club at 105 West - 6pm–7pm - Free
Sudden Fiction Books - Final Draft Book Club at Sudden Fiction Books — Meet Author J. Hoolihan Clayton - 6pm–8:30pm - $5 ($7.18 with fees)
Alidade Brewing - Team Puzzle Competition at Alidade Brewing - 6pm–8pm - $50
Looking for more? Every Douglas County event we track lives on our events calendar: dougcosocial.com/events.
Heads up on events that are further out:
Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Glass Suncatcher Workshop at Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Wed 10/21, 6pm–8:30pm - $65.87
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe at Cherokee Ranch - Thu 10/22, 6:30pm–9pm - $65.95
The Whiskey Lodge - Dueling Pianos Road Show at The Whiskey Lodge - Thu 10/22, 7:30pm–9:30pm - $27.50–$160
Village Square Shopping Area - Bonfire, BBQ, and Brews - Fri 10/23, 6pm–9pm - $42 adults, $30 under 21
Village Square Shopping Area - Castle Pines Fall Festival - Sat 10/24, 10am–2pm - Free
Festival Park - Fangtastic Festival - Fri 10/30, 11am–2pm - Free
Wide Open Saloon - That Eighties Band Halloween Party at Wide Open Saloon - Sat 10/31, 7pm–10:30pm - $17.85–$33.85
Sinners & Saints - Halloween Party at Sinners & Saints with DJ Max & DJ Marvin - Sat 10/31, doors 8pm, dueling DJs from 9pm - No cover, 21+, costumes encouraged
Douglas County Fairgrounds and Event Center - 34th Annual Castle Rock Craft Show Extraordinaire - Sat 11/7, 9am–4pm - Free
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.
Let us know of any events, locations, establishments, or businesses that you would like us to highlight in coming editions. [email protected]
If someone forwarded this to you, join the crew and subscribe here! And/or subscribe to our sister newsletter at the county level.
Local partners and occasional affiliate links help support Castle Rock Crew and keep it free for readers.
