Douglas County Fall Festival at Sandstone Ranch

Douglas County's annual Fall Festival returns to Sandstone Ranch on Saturday, September 26, 10am to 3pm. Free, all ages, no registration. Guided hikes with Open Space Rangers, hay rides through the historic parts of the property, food trucks, and family games. The Fire Safety Showcase puts the County's firefighting helicopter on display alongside wildland firefighters, Sheriff's deputies and first responders demonstrating the mitigation tools used to protect the county's landscapes. Bring water, sunscreen, layers and walking shoes; there's seating near the food trucks. Two German shepherd rescues — Front Range GSD Rescue and German Shepherd Rescue of Colorado — say they've been invited to take part. Parking is free but limited so carpooling is encouraged, and directional signage goes up on the roads nearby — the festival is on the GUIDED side of Sandstone Ranch at 8309 S Perry Park Rd in Larkspur, which is a different entrance from the public trailhead at 9605, and it sits on narrow rural roads in southwestern Douglas County, so leave extra time.

Our visit: We made it out late on September 26 and there were still a bunch of people there: the firefighting helicopter and fire engines in the meadow, Front Range German Shepherd Rescue, painted pumpkins, inflatable axe throwing, horses and live music. Read the full visit, with photos.