About
Connor’s Visit (2026): I made it out for the Douglas County Fall Festival on Saturday, September 26, late in the day, and there were still a bunch of people there. The county’s firefighting helicopter and fire engines were parked in the meadow, Front Range German Shepherd Rescue had a pen of pups, and tractors kept hauling people way back into the ranch on hay rides. Read the full visit, with photos →
Sandstone Ranch Open Space is a 2,038-acre Douglas County ranch in Larkspur that shares 3.5 miles of boundary with Pike National Forest. The county approved buying it on December 27, 2017, and calls it the crown jewel of its Open Space properties: red rock formations, hay meadows, wildlife habitat and ranch buildings dating back to its original owners in the 1870s.
What To Expect:
- 🥾 12 miles of trail in the eastern part of the ranch
- 🐎 Open to hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers
- 🪨 Red rock formations and wide hay meadows
- 🎃 County events like the Douglas County Fall Festival on the guided side
Important Information:
- – Open one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
- – Leashed pets allowed; non-motorized use only
- – Public trailhead: 9605 S. Perry Park Road. Guided-side events use a separate entrance at 8309 S. Perry Park Road
📍 Local Insights
📍 Two entrances, two addresses: the public trail system is reached from the trailhead at 9605 S Perry Park Rd (the address on this listing). Douglas County's guided-access side of the ranch — where the Open Space Fall Festival, the geology tours and Douglas Land Conservancy programs are held — is a separate entrance at 8309 S Perry Park Rd. Check which one your event lists before you drive out; they are not the same gate.
🌞 Early Mornings for Peace: Visit early to enjoy the trails with fewer visitors and cooler temperatures.
🐎 Horseback Access: Several trails are perfect for horseback riding, with ample parking for trailers.
⚠️ Watch for Wildlife: Be cautious of rattlesnakes, especially on the Buzzard Loop trail.
🌺 Geology Buffs’ Haven: Check out the Lyons red rock formations and nearby ancient volcano views east of the parking lot.
🎉 Events at Sandstone Ranch Open Space
⏰ Hours
Daily, one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
👉 Best For
- •Hiking
- •Biking
- •Horseback riding
- •Family outings
- •Dog walking
Location
9605 S Perry Park Rd, Larkspur, CO 80118Review Sentiment
Based on 74 Google reviews
"Sandstone Ranch Open Space is widely praised for its scenic views, well-marked trails, and diverse activities suitable for families and pets. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and ample parking. A few reviews note occasional dog leash law violations and sporadic maintenance needs for restrooms."
What You'll Find
- •Loop Trails
- •Hiking
- •Biking
- •Horseback Riding
- •Birdwatching
- •Picnic Tables
- •Public Restrooms
- •Wheelchair Accessible Parking
- •Dog-Friendly Areas
- •Rolling Terrain
- •Red Rocks
- •Open Space
📆 Best Times to Visit
Visit early weekday mornings for quiet trails and mild temperatures; weekends see peak use at late mornings and early afternoons.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Castle Rock Crew · free weekly email
I send the new spots worth trying in Castle Rock every Tuesday morning. No crime, no politics, no noise.
DougCo Social Experiences
We don’t just cover Douglas County — we get people together in it.
Small-group dinners, a sunset supper club, and paint nights we host across the county. Come to one and you’re in.
See our experiences →✱ Similar
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