Douglas County Outdoors

Douglas County Outdoors Douglas County Outdoors

Discover your backyard; one of the reasons you love Douglas County. Informing and engaging local citizens is key to our communication.

This is the official page for Douglas County Outdoors and is intended to inform and engage with citizens about what is happening in the outdoors throughout Douglas County. Douglas County is committed to operating as a transparent, accountable and open government. We generally only post Facebook updates Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Douglas County will remove content, com

ments or replies that are perceived as offensive, discriminatory, slanderous, abusive, or contain a personal attack. Douglas County disclaims liability for content posted by others. Douglas County does not favor one group over another and any references to any organizations, commercial products or services do not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by the County.

Looking for a place to spot wildflowers this summer? Ask a Douglas County Ranger! 🌻🪻To help you discover more of our pub...
05/27/2026

Looking for a place to spot wildflowers this summer? Ask a Douglas County Ranger! 🌻🪻

To help you discover more of our public lands, we’re taking some of your questions straight to the experts in the field, Douglas County’s Open Space and Natural Resources staff.

Rangers Lindsay and Chase say check out Dawson Butte and Spruce Mountain. There are also great wildflowers at Sandstone and the wildflowers at the top of Lincoln Mountain will surprise you!

05/24/2026

This summer, iSpy Agent Douglas!

Families and adventurers can dive into a summer of exploration with the brand new I Spy Agent Douglas scavenger hunt, an exciting twist added to the popular Agents of Discovery program! This season, Agent Douglas isn’t just your guide… he’s hiding around the County, and it’s your job to track him down. Follow DLC and Douglas County - Government social media for clues to discover where he’s hiding each month. If you find him, a special prize awaits!

While the scavenger hunt takes center stage this summer, the core Agents of Discovery experience continues. Everyone can still enjoy monthly missions crafted by Douglas County Rangers and Douglas Land Conservancy, guiding players through the county’s pristine open spaces and trails. Each mission is designed to spark curiosity, learning, and outdoor adventure.


05/22/2026

Spring is here, and many wildlife species are becoming more active! 🐻🦌Black bears, elk, and mule deer spend time foraging on green grasses, while wild turkeys are busy shaking their tail feathers for anyone and everyone. Mountain Lions and foxes continue to scent mark their territory in hopes of finding a mate.

Did you know Dawson Butte Open Space, south of Castle Rock, is among front range hikers' favorite places to visit? Find ...
05/21/2026

Did you know Dawson Butte Open Space, south of Castle Rock, is among front range hikers' favorite places to visit? Find out why and help us preserve the unique trails and landscape with Agents of Discovery.

Join a journey (at home or on site) with Agent Douglas this month as you learn the principles of Leave No Trace.

Visit our webpage to download the Agents of Discovery app and start your summer adventures: https://www.douglasco.gov/open-space-natural-resources/agents-of-discovery/

🌊 🥾 Ask a Rueter-Hess Ranger! 🐾🎣 Heading out on the water at Rueter-Hess Reservoir? Let’s talk life jackets 👇 Ranger Sup...
05/19/2026

🌊 🥾 Ask a Rueter-Hess Ranger! 🐾🎣

Heading out on the water at Rueter-Hess Reservoir? Let’s talk life jackets 👇

Ranger Supervisor Jason Trujillo wants visitors to know not all life jackets are the same – and choosing the right one matters.

✔️ Life jackets come in different styles and sizes
✔️ Must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved
✔️ Must be worn at all times on the reservoir
✔️ Should be properly fitted and in good condition
✔️ If you are unsure about the correct type, a local park ranger can help you check fit, understand proper use, and make safe selections

💡 Pro tip: If you forget your life jacket, Surf’SUP Colorado, a Rueter-Hess Reservoir concession, can rent you one for the day.

Ready to enjoy the water? Learn more and make reservations on our webpage: https://www.douglasco.gov/rueter-hess-recreation/

Looking for a new hiking trail? Ask a Douglas County Ranger! 🥾🏔️To help you discover more of our public lands, we’re tak...
05/15/2026

Looking for a new hiking trail? Ask a Douglas County Ranger! 🥾🏔️

To help you discover more of our public lands, we’re taking some of your questions straight to the experts in the field, Douglas County’s Open Space and Natural Resources staff.

Q: What trails are the easiest to hike with a family, including small kids?

A: Ranger Chase suggests checking out both Columbine loops (south of Castle Rock) for great views and trails that can be hiked by kids as young as toddlers.

Find directions and information on Columbine Open Space on our website: https://www.douglasco.gov/open-space-natural-resources/properties/columbine/

For more outdoor exploration, check out the Agents of Discovery app, which takes you on an expertly guided mission through a new open space each month: https://www.douglasco.gov/open-space-natural-resources/agents-of-discovery/

05/15/2026

Looking for something to do this weekend? Think you can out-sneak Bigfoot? This month, Agents of Discovery is bringing you "Be Like Bigfoot and Leave No Trace," a mission all about discovering the Leave No Trace principles that protect our regional trails and open spaces. Prove you can roam without a trace! 👣

How to play:
1. Download and open the free Agents of Discovery app!
2. Pick your path! Explore Dawson Butte Open Space up close and personal to put Leave No Trace principles into action, or go Play Anywhere from home, the car, or wherever you happen to be roaming. Just find “Be Like Bigfoot and Leave No Trace” in the Missions tab, hit Download, and start your stealthy adventure! 🌲
3. Answer questions, solve Challenges, and leave nothing behind but your love for the outdoors 🥾

Our 2026 Mission Calendar is now available on our website! Get ready for amped-up adventures that teach you all about nature on local trails or at home, suitable for the whole family.
https://douglaslandconservancy.org/agentsofdiscovery/

photo: Jim Guerra

🐾 More sunshine means more time outside with your dog. Let’s keep it safe for everyone.We’ve recently seen an increase i...
05/13/2026

🐾 More sunshine means more time outside with your dog. Let’s keep it safe for everyone.

We’ve recently seen an increase in dog-related incidents, including bites, in our community. Keeping your dog on a leash in public spaces helps prevent unexpected interactions and keeps parks and trails safe for all.

A few quick reminders:

👉 Dogs must be on a leash, 6 feet or shorter, in parks and on trails unless you are in a designated off-leash area

👉 Always clean up after your pet

👉 Keep your pet licensed, microchipped, and vaccinated
Looking for off-leash fun? Visit a designated dog park like Bayou Gulch, Fairgrounds, Glendale Farm or Greenland.

A leash is a simple step that makes a big difference. Thank you for helping keep our shared spaces safe and enjoyable.

🌊 🥾 Ask a Rueter-Hess Ranger! 🐾🎣 What wildlife might you see at Rueter-Hess Reservoir? Ranger Matt Aiguier says animals ...
05/08/2026

🌊 🥾 Ask a Rueter-Hess Ranger! 🐾🎣

What wildlife might you see at Rueter-Hess Reservoir?

Ranger Matt Aiguier says animals are everywhere—you just have to look.

🦌 Mule deer & pronghorn

🦅 Raptors (red-tailed hawks, even bald eagles!)

🪶 Pelicans, herons, ducks & other waterfowl

🐾 Coyotes & foxes

🐇 Rabbits & small mammals

⚠️ Reminder: Rattlesnakes may be present in warmer months—stay on trail and stay aware.

Address

100 3rd Street
Castle Rock, CO
80104

Telephone

+13036607400

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