Douglas County Outdoors

10/24/2026

10/23/2026

There’s still time to hit the water one last time this season! Head to Rueter-Hess Reservoir this weekend before it closes for boating on Monday, Oct. 26.

Prefer to cast a line? Shoreline fishing will still be available through the fall, weather permitting, with a permit.

Visit our webpage to learn more and plan your visit: https://www.douglasco.gov/rueter-hess-recreation/

10/23/2026

🌲 Do you have plans to visit Dawson Butte Open Space? Forest management work will take place throughout the next month. All trails remain open, but please stay alert for heavy equipment and increased work traffic. No weekend work is currently planned.

Please be aware that equipment may create dust clouds that resemble smoke.

Thank you for your patience as crews complete this work.

10/22/2026

10/19/2026

October is the month of all things spooky, so why not learn about a spooky and ecologically essential little eight-legged friend? This October, Agents of Discovery invites you to explore “Why Spiders Make Spidey Sense” at Bayou Gulch Open Space. Discover how spiders use their incredible senses to navigate the world, learn how their webs help them survive, and uncover the fascinating ways these eight-legged neighbors contribute to healthy ecosystems. Are you ready to explore the world of spiders and get your spidey-senses tingling? 🕷

How to play:
1. Download and open the free Agents of Discovery app!
2. Visit Bayou Gulch Open Space to complete conservation-themed Challenges along the trail, or choose the Play Anywhere version to join the adventure from wherever you are. Simply find “Why Spiders Make Spidey Sense” in the Missions tab, hit Download, and start exploring!
3. Answer questions, solve Challenges, and learn how public lands are protected- and how you can play a role in conserving these treasured places for future generations!

Learn more about Agents of Discovery and October's mission on our website: https://douglaslandconservancy.org/agentsofdiscovery/

Douglas County - Government
photo: All Trails

10/06/2026

🦺 Check your life jacket before you head to Rueter-Hess Reservoir.

Staff are seeing more visitors arrive with swim aids and flotation vests that are not approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Even if a product is advertised as a “life jacket,” that does not mean it meets U.S. safety requirements.

Before buying, find the permanent label and check for:

✅ U.S. Coast Guard approval information
✅ The correct size and fit for the person wearing it
✅ A readable label and straps, buckles and flotation materials in good condition

Do not rely on the device for required life jacket use if the label:

❌ Says “Not USCG Approved” or “not a lifesaving device”
❌ Does not include Coast Guard approval information
❌ Only shows another certification or a rating such as 50N or 70N

Shopping online? Look for a clear photo of the permanent label. If you cannot find one, ask the seller or manufacturer for the label and approval information before ordering.

Before heading onto the water, remember three checks: approval, appropriate fit and good condition.

Life jackets must be worn while recreating on the water at Rueter-Hess Reservoir. If you are unsure whether yours meets the requirements or fits correctly, ask a ranger for help.

10/02/2026

🐻 Bear activity is higher than normal in Douglas County this year due to weather-related impacts on natural food sources.

At home, please remember to:

✅ Secure trash or store it inside until the morning of pickup.
✅ Remove bird feeders from April through November.
✅ Clean grills after each use and store them securely.
✅ Keep garage doors, windows and doors closed and locked.
✅ Never leave pet food outside.
✅ Never feed or approach a bear.

Not following these suggestions in bear country may result in up to a $5,000 fine per state law. Learn more here: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1342

Bears are a natural part of Colorado’s landscape. By staying bear aware, we can help keep our families, neighborhoods and wildlife safe. 🌲

10/01/2026

There’s nothing spooky about Bayou Gulch Open Space in Franktown. This October, you’re invited to explore the property alongside Agents of Discovery and learn all about the fascinating world of spiders. 🕷🕸

Download the mission before you head out in case you don’t have a signal on the trail or play for free at home. Visit our webpage to get started on your autumn adventure: https://www.douglasco.gov/open-space-natural-resources/agents-of-discovery/

09/29/2026

Thank you for making the Douglas County Fall Festival a memorable day!

Hundreds of local families visited Sandstone Ranch this weekend for outdoor exploration, educational activities, crafts and community fun.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us, and to our first responders, County staff and vendors who helped make the event possible.

09/25/2026

🐻 You may have seen recent videos of bears in Douglas County neighborhoods. While they may be entertaining to watch, their visits are also an important reminder to take steps to prevent bears from being attracted to our properties.

This year’s drought conditions left bears with fewer natural food sources, so they’re more likely to come into neighborhoods to look for food. A bear that finds an easy meal near a home is likely to return.

Help keep bears wild and neighborhoods safe:

✅ Secure trash or keep it indoors until the morning of pickup.
✅ Remove bird feeders through November.
✅ Clean grills after each use and store them securely.
✅ Keep garage doors, windows and exterior doors closed and locked.
✅ Never leave pet food outside.
✅ Give bears plenty of space — never feed or approach them.

Learn more: https://cpw.state.co.us/living-bears

Bears are a natural part of Colorado’s landscape. By staying bear aware, we can help keep our families, neighborhoods and wildlife safe. 🌲