Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space Trail

Closed
$
Castle Rock
4.8
Scenic 5-mile loop trail in Castle Rock offering hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnic areas, and restrooms amid forests and meadows.
$
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
counter-service
ReservationsVisit
Now
Closed

Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space Trail

Castle Rock

$

Explore the easy 5-mile loop trail at Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space in Castle Rock, CO. Enjoy horseback riding, hiking, biking, picnic areas, and dog-friendly paths.

ReservationsVisit
Menu
Visit
DougCo Drop
Join 5,000+ Douglas County residents who get weekly picks, local deals, and insider tips.
Join for Free
About
4.8
(
342
)

Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space Trail features a well-maintained 5-mile loop through pine groves and open meadows with moderate climbs suited for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Picnic tables and porta potties are available, with dog-friendly leash rules and plenty of free parking including wheelchair accessible spots.

What to Expect:

    πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ Easy to moderate 5-mile loop trail
    🐎 Popular with horse riders, mountain bikers, and hikers
    🧺 Picnic tables and benches along the trail
    🚻 Porta potties available at trailhead
    πŸ• Dogs allowed on leash; be cautious around horses

Important Information:

    – Opening Hours: 6 AM to 9 PM daily
    – Parking: Free lot with some wheelchair accessible spaces
    – Restrooms: Portable toilets on site
    – Pets: Leash required; consider horse interactions
πŸ”Š
πŸ”Š
πŸ”Š

πŸ“ Local Insights

🐎 Horse-Friendly Trails: Perfect spot for horseback riders; expect horse traffic and some manure on paths.

πŸŒ„ Visit Early or Late: For peaceful hikes and photos, mornings or late afternoons provide cooler temps and solitude.

🧺 Picnic Ready: Enjoy multiple picnic tables and benches along the loop for rest breaks and meals.

🚻 Restroom Facilities: Porta potties are clean and located near parking areas for convenience.

⏰ Hours

Monday: 6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Tuesday: 6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Wednesday: 6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Thursday: 6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Friday: 6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Saturday: 6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Sunday: 6:00 AM–9:00 PM

πŸ‘‰ Best For

Hikers, horse riders, families, dog walkers, and mountain bikers

Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space Trail

1753 Tomah Rd
,
Castle Rock
,
CO
80109

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Visitors consistently praise the scenic, well-maintained trails that accommodate hiking, biking, and horseback riding. They enjoy the peaceful natural setting, picnic amenities, and ample parking. Occasional mentions of deep sand near trail ends and horse manure on paths highlight some shared trail-use realities but do not diminish the overall positive experience.
Last updated on
November 9th, 2025

From The preserve

Standout Dishes

Mountain Stats

The Selection

Accommodations

Course Stats

Angler’s Offerings

What You'll Find

Loop Trails; Horseback Riding; Mountain Biking; Hiking; Birdwatching; Picnic Tables; Forest; Meadow; Port-a-Johns; Free Parking; Wheelchair Accessible Parking; Dog-Friendly Areas; Leash Required

πŸ“† Best Times to Visit

Early mornings and late afternoons offer cooler temps and fewer crowds; weekends get busier by late morning to early afternoon.
DougCo Drop
Join 5,000+ Douglas County residents who get weekly picks, local deals, and insider tips.
Join for Free
Similar

Aspire To Coaching

Castle Rock
β€’
$$
5

Platte River Valley View

Sedalia
β€’
$
5

Willow Pointe Neighborhood Park

Parker
β€’
$
4.7

The Par Club

Castle Rock
β€’
5

Westcreek Disc Golf Course

Parker
β€’
$
4.5

Castlewood Canyon Dam

Castle Rock
β€’
$
4.8

Reflection Park

Highlands Ranch
β€’
$
4.1

Riva Ridge Parks

Parker
β€’
$
4.5

Memmen Ridge Open Space

Castle Rock
β€’
$
4.6

Bar CCC Park

Parker
β€’
$
4.2

Matney Disc Golf Course

Castle Rock
β€’
$
3.4

Sugar Creek Lower Trailhead

Sedalia
β€’
$
4.6
VisitReservations
Menu
Visit