This Overlooked Colorado Suburb Has Scenic Rocky Mountain Views And Denver Proximity

Dakota Ridge, Colorado, may not be one of Denver's most well-known suburbs, but it's a dazzler nonetheless. Despite being designated as an unincorporated community, the unassuming residential area is pretty vast. Nearly 35,000 people live in this corner of the Centennial State, which spans just shy of 10 square miles.

Dakota Ridge could make for a stellar stop among the ultimate destinations to visit on a trip to Colorado. But before you plug it into your GPS, note that the community should not be confused with the smaller neighborhood of the same name found in North Boulder. The two are easy to mix up because they share several traits. For starters, both are set against the beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Both locales were also likely named after the craggy Dakota Hogback rock formation that stretches nearby.

All similarities aside, the larger Dakota Ridge stands in a league of its own. The outdoorsy gem is richly endowed with lakes and parks and is interwoven with hiking trails throughout. What's more, thanks to its proximity to the capital city, the community is just a short drive from even more fun. Neighboring suburbs like Littleton, a Colorado city with a charming downtown and ample green spaces, and the scenic Colorado escape of Highlands Ranch are just minutes away.

If you're on the prowl for outdoor adventures, you've definitely come to the right place. Dakota Ridge is situated just a couple of hours east of the southern flank of the Rocky Mountains' Front Range, which is a popular local destination for skiing and other snow-filled excursions. If you want to take a step back in time, the mountainous region is also a treasure trove of historical landmarks, from gravesites like the Griffin Monument to old mining sites like the Santiago Mill.

Dakota Ridge is also just a short hop, skip, and drive away from some of the best Colorado parks around the Denver area. Near the top of the list is the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre — a famed music venue that opened in 1941. The stage of this National Historic Landmark has been graced by a long list of big-name artists, including Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix,  to name a few. If you have little ones in tow, head next door to Dinosaur Ridge, another National Historic Landmark, where hundreds of fossil tracks are on display.

If you'd prefer to stay within town limits, there are plenty of scenic parks in Dakota Ridge proper, too. The Ridge at West Meadows Park sits in the southwestern corner of town, right along the banks of Hine Lake. Another picturesque loch can be found at Harriman Lake Park, adjacent to Lakehurst Park on the opposite end of Dakota Ridge. The more than 2,600-acre Bear Creek Lake Park is also nearby. The park boasts an archery range, hiking trails, a lake, and a swim beach, among other thrilling outdoor attractions. You'll have to pay $10 to enter — with an extra $5 incurred during peak entrance times — at the time of writing.

Dakota Ridge lies only about 20 miles southwest of Denver, so you won't be too far away from the big city amenities. If you're flying into town, the Denver International Airport (DEN) is the closest major airport in the area. Because it can get quite busy, the airport recommends arriving roughly two hours before your boarding time.

If you want to stay in Dakota Ridge proper, there is a decent selection of accommodations. The La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham boasts largely rave reviews on Yelp. "If you're looking for value, comfort and convenience, this is the hotel for you," one reviewer penned. If you want to brave the wilds, the aforementioned Bear Creek Lake Park offers one of the closest campgrounds to the Denver Metropolitan Area. The 47 campsites — which include electric hookups as well as a few cozy cabins and yurts — operate from April 1 through October 31 each year, so be sure to snag your spots ahead of time. The cost for a standard spot is $40 per night, as of this writing. 

If you're traveling with pets, however, you may want to consider alternative lodging options. "SO MANY FOXTAILS which can be deadly to dogs, and my site was covered in them," one past camper cautioned on Campedium. "They're also everywhere throughout the campground. So if you have dogs I would not use this more than a stopover to recharge."