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Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 363 Google reviews · Running trail in Castle Rock, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Trail system for hiking, biking, horse riding and snowshoeing, plus picnic tables.
What runners say about Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space Trail
“Towards the west side of 25 by Castle Rock is this hidden gem of a trail with great views, an easier trail, yet not a flat, open space that leaves you half baked in the sun.”
“Awesome trail, a lot of decent shade spots throughout, can also get a lot of much needed vitamin D as you stroll throughout, we did a small loop then the big loop, 5.”
Had the MOST amazing experience walking this trail yesterday with my partner and dogs. The trees were gorgeous and only a few puddle along the trail after the early afternoon rain. At mile 3.5, it started pouring. So we embraced it, took our shoes off and walked in the muddy water the rest of the way back.
Great hike. Decent parking and a few trail options that all intercede at some point. Lots of open hiking area as well as areas throughout the trees. The main trail on mile 3-4 is near the road, though not a lot of traffic, be aware of you are looking for that away feeling.
Nice 5 mile loop. This trail is used by bikes and horses. The first 3 miles was quite nice. The last two are pretty exposed by the sun.
Great hike. Good for beginners. Good 5 mile loop. Update: great early fall grass colors.
Trail conditions & character
“Awesome trail, a lot of decent shade spots throughout, can also get a lot of much needed vitamin D as you stroll throughout, we did a small loop then the big loop, 5.”
“It is a 5 mile loop but there are plenty of benches and areas for a picnic to space out the journey.”
“Towards the west side of 25 by Castle Rock is this hidden gem of a trail with great views, an easier trail, yet not a flat, open space that leaves you half baked in the sun.”
“😳 There are two porta potties at the main parking lot and some picnic tables.”
“Trail is mostly flat with few inclines throughout, but nothing crazy, the elevation went to 450-500 meters up.”
“The trail will get muddy when snow is melting, so bring hiking sticks and study boots for that season.”
“Awesome trail, a lot of decent shade spots throughout, can also get a lot of much needed vitamin D as you stroll throughout, we did a small loop then the big loop, 5.”
“Towards the west side of 25 by Castle Rock is this hidden gem of a trail with great views, an easier trail, yet not a flat, open space that leaves you half baked in the sun.”
“😳 There are two porta potties at the main parking lot and some picnic tables.”
“Had the MOST amazing experience walking this trail yesterday with my partner and dogs.”
Plan your run at Dawson Butte Ranch Open Space Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance5 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitedouglas.co.us
- Phone+1 303-660-7400
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Castle Rock
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Columbine Open Space and Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 81 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area featuring a barn and picnic tables.
Challenge Hill and Trails at Philip S. Miller Park
4.9 ★★★★★ 460 reviews
Regional park with 8 miles of unpaved trails, a playground, and a hill with 200 steps.
Ridgeline Open Space
4.7 ★★★★★ 63 reviews
This 370-acre open space features grasslands & log benches, plus trails for hiking & biking.
Ridgeline Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 182 reviews
Popular, well-maintained area for mountain biking and hiking with trails that offer a view of the Meadows.
