Summer 2020 is turning out to be one for the ages. As restrictions loosen, some might still be weary of typica summertime activities. Here we have compiled a list to make this summer not only one for the history books, but full of fun memories too. These summertime activities allow you to stay safe, socially distant and close to home in Highlands Ranch and nearby.
Travel restrictions may still be in place for a portion of the summer, so now is the time to enjoy that staycation you’ve been meaning to take. Discover the remarkable places you may have been too busy to enjoy in other summers right in your own back yard.
We have highlighted small group activities, outdoor recreation, dining al fresco and family activities. Find unexpected treasures in a scavenger hunt or geocaching, alongside deeper and meaningful connections made when we slow down. Just be sure to bring your mask and hand sanitizer along with your sunscreen and water to safely enjoy all that our area has to offer.
Outdoor Recreation
Bucket list item #1 Nearby Hikes
With 70 miles of hiking trails, Highlands Ranch has outdoor recreation to suit almost everyone. The Bluffs Regional Park is a very popular, easy 2.7 mile loop with just enough hills and elevation gain to get your heart rate up. At the top, you are treated to 360-degree views, downtown Denver to Pikes Peak on clear days. For a less crowded hike, start from Red Tail Park on the Douglas County trail, Highlands Point East West Trail or Rocky Point Trail. Check out Daniels Gate and BackCountry too.
Bucket List item #2 Get-away hike
If you want to feel like you’ve left the city behind, but can’t travel far, head to Castlewood Canyon State Park south of Franktown. Most trails at this state park are for hikers only, so no bikers or equestrians to maneuver around. There are rock climbing routes as well, a rare find on our eastern plains. This area boasts remarkable biodiversity, as well as important Colorado History. It gets quite hot on summer days, so morning and evening hikes are ideal in July and August.
Bucket List item #3 Disc Golf
South Suburban, in partnership with Highlands Ranch Metro District, is building its newest offering, West Fork Disc golf course. Slated to open in June 2020, you can find it west of Broadway between Northridge Rd. and Highlands Ranch Parkway. Free to the public on a drop-in basis. Discs can be found online, in local sporting goods and second-hand sporting good shops. Don’t want to buy anything new? Go ahead, use your frisbee!
Bucket List item #4 Golf
Of course, golf with clubs is a great option for these times when you need to be further apart. You need to stay more than 6 feet away when a player Is swinging anyway. Plan to walk the course or rent a cart yourself. Many local public golf courses are open, including The Ridge at Castle Pines North, Links Golf Course, Lone Tree Golf Club and Red Hawk Ridge. Most private clubs are open for golf as well. For those that prefer putts and 9 holes, Colorado Journey Mini golf is open, by appointment only.
Al Fresco Dining
Bucket list item #5 Picnic
Tired of cooking 3 solids for weeks on end? Dust off that that picnic basket and get outside. Be sure to bring a blanket, as some parks’ picnic tables may still be off limits. Stop by Purgatory Cellars Winery for a bottle their locally vinted wine and a charcuterie platter. Alternatively, pack up a few cold salads, crudité, hummus and grilled chicken pitas or pan bagnet, hold the anchovies.
Bucket List Item #6 Old favorite
For a fabulous date night, head south to the quaint town of Sedalia. There you will find a south metro institution, Gabriel’s Restaurant and Tuscan Bar. Opened in 1986 in the Victorian Manhart home, Gabriel’s specializes in 3-course northern Italian fine dining experience and Tuscan specialties. For summer 2020, they are refining their outside menu for their patio.
Bucket List Item #7 Try for the first time:
Sierra in RidgeGate is an architectural beauty, both inside and out. For summer 2020, dine Al Fresco on their gorgeous deck with expansive views of the Colorado plains. American classics combined with southern and southwestern influences will satisfy both your craving for comfort and need to escape. This summer, you can also visit their farmers’ market, every Saturday starting June 13, 10am-1pm. Pick up goods from local vendors as well as family meals and signature items from Sierra. Cocktails are available for take away.
Family Fun
Bucket List Item #8 Scavenger hunt
Compass Outdoor Adventures has created a nationwide platform for scavenger hunts. They introduce a new theme every week, some are just for kids, others for the whole family. Download the GooseChase app, they will inform you of the theme when it starts, and you have 2 hours to complete. Most hunts are on a donate-as-you-are able basis, sometimes a fixed fee for a specific charity. For more information go to Compassoutdooradventures.com
Bucket List Item #9 Geocaching
If you are in the mood to hunt, but want to do it on your own time, try Geocaching. Geocaching is the process of navigating a GPS to specific coordinates on a map, then locating a special cache someone before you has left. Most caches have a written log to you record your name, and some have small items you might exchange for another item. You can find caches all over Highlands Ranch, particularly in and around Toepfer Park. It is a great way to introduce kids to maps, GPS and coordinates. Just be sure to have a small container of hand sanitizer with you this summer. Go to Geocaching.com to get started.
Bucket List Item #10 Inspiration rocks
Paint and leave or just enjoy the work of others. You can find these little gems in most neighborhoods and even some outdoor shopping areas. Brightly painted, sometimes by a steady hand, other times by beginning artists, these aren’t hidden like geocaches. They’re intended to be seen by others, to brighten the day and spread joy. Include a word or short phrase, paint an animal or just use cheerful colors. Some even invite you to take them should you be so inclined.
Bucket List Item #11 Drive in Movie
Kick it old school with a movie under the stars. Commerce City’s 88 Drive In is the last original drive-in in the Denver metro area. You can also try Denver Mart Drive In, set up in the Denver Mart’s parking lot. A new option is the Drive-In movie club, a pop-up drive-in movie of sorts.
Other Options
While not open as of publication, keep an eye out for these fabulous Douglas County destinations: Highlands Ranch Mansion, Cherokee Ranch and Castle, Chatfield Botanic Gardens and Castle Rock Adventure Park.