Cheese Ranch Historic & Natural Area

Open

Closed

$

$

β€’

Highlands Ranch

β€’

counter-service

4.6
62 acres of naturally landscaped open space with paved trails, a historic windmill, pond with ducks, and community garden in Highlands Ranch.

$

$

β€’

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading

β€’

counter-service

ReservationsVisit
Now
Closed

πŸ“

Cheese Ranch Historic & Natural Area

Highlands Ranch

$

Discover 62 acres of natural beauty with trails, a pond, historic windmill, and community garden at Cheese Ranch Historic & Natural Area in Highlands Ranch, CO.

ReservationsVisit
Menu
Visit

DougCo Drop

Join 5,000+ Douglas County residents who get weekly picks, local deals, and insider tips.

Join for Free

About
4.6
(
95
)

Cheese Ranch Historic & Natural Area offers a peaceful 62-acre setting with paved and gravel trails winding through lush greenery, open spaces, and interpretive historical signs. Visitors can enjoy a scenic pond often frequented by ducks, a historic windmill, and a well-kept community garden, all close to residential neighborhoods.

What to Expect:

    πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ Paved and gravel hiking trails
    🌿 Open natural landscapes and greenery
    πŸͺ§ Historical interpretive signs
    πŸ¦† Pond with ducks and wildlife viewing
    🌻 Community garden

Important Information:

    – Dogs allowed; leash rules apply
    – Wheelchair accessible entrance; some steep or loose gravel areas may be challenging
    – Open daily 5 AM to 11 PM
    – No reservations required

Haley's Pick 🍽️

You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.

Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.

The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.

Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.

It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.

– Haley @milehighandhungry
πŸ”Š
πŸ”Š
πŸ”Š

πŸ“ Local Insights

🐦 Wildlife Watching: Early mornings attract more wildlife activity, especially ducks at the pond.

🌺 Community Garden: Explore the garden to see local horticulture efforts and seasonal plants.

πŸ›€οΈ Trail Mix: A mix of paved and gravel trails offers variety, but some gravel sections may be tricky for mobility aids.

πŸ“œ History Buffs: Stop at interpretive signs to learn about the historical significance of Big Dry Creek Cheese Ranch.

⏰ Hours

Monday: 5:00 AM–11:00 PM

Tuesday: 5:00 AM–11:00 PM

Wednesday: 5:00 AM–11:00 PM

Thursday: 5:00 AM–11:00 PM

Friday: 5:00 AM–11:00 PM

Saturday: 5:00 AM–11:00 PM

Sunday: 5:00 AM–11:00 PM

πŸ‘‰ Best For

Family walks, dog owners, history enthusiasts, nature lovers

Cheese Ranch Historic & Natural Area

9193 Sugarstone Cir
,
Highlands Ranch
,
CO
80130

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Visitors consistently praise the beautiful scenery, well-maintained trails, and the peaceful, natural setting. Families and dog owners enjoy the space, along with the historic windmill and community garden. However, some note that certain areas are challenging for power wheelchair users due to steep or loose gravel paths.

Last updated on

November 9th, 2025

MOUNTAINΒ MAP

From The preserve

Standout Dishes

Mountain Stats

The Selection

Accommodations

Course Stats

Angler’s Offerings

What You'll Find

Paved Trails; Gravel Trails; Pond; Historic Windmill; Community Garden; Wildlife Viewing; Hiking; Dog-Friendly Areas; Wheelchair Accessible Entrance

πŸ“† Best Times to Visit

Visit early mornings for serene walks and wildlife viewing; late afternoons have moderate visitors; weekends get busier midday.
DougCo Drop
Join 5,000+ Douglas County residents who get weekly picks, local deals, and insider tips.

Join for Free

Similar

East-West Regional Trail

$

Parker

β€’

$

–

β€’

Heading

None

Chuck Vogel Memorial Park

$

Parker

β€’

$

–

β€’

Heading

4.5

Meridian Village Playground - Estates

$

Parker

β€’

$

–

β€’

Heading

5

BlueByrd Park

$

Larkspur

β€’

–

β€’

Heading

None

Perry Park Metropolitan District

$

Larkspur

β€’

$

–

β€’

Heading

3

Bluffs Regional Park Trail

$

Lone Tree

β€’

$

–

β€’

Heading

4.7

Oaklands Ranch Gravel

$

Sedalia

β€’

$

–

β€’

Heading

5

Overlook Park

$

Highlands Ranch

β€’

$

–

β€’

Heading

5

Beanbag Park

$

Castle Rock

β€’

$

–

β€’

Heading

None

Rampart Gulch

$

Sterling Ranch

β€’

–

β€’

Heading

None

Spruce Mountain Open Space Trail

$

Larkspur

β€’

$

–

β€’

Heading

4.8

Wildcat Mountain

$

Lone Tree

β€’

$

–

β€’

Heading

4.2

$

Heading

VisitReservations

Menu

Visit