Sandwiched Between Two State Parks Is A Charming Colorado Suburb That's A Gateway To Outdoor Adventures

Around 53 miles from Denver International Airport, one of the city's standout suburbs sits near the base of the Colorado Rockies. In Roxborough Park, beautiful homes are just a short drive from the slanted natural rock formations that give the area its distinct look. The community lies around a 25-minute drive from the scenic Colorado suburb of Highlands Ranch, and while Highlands Ranch is known as one of the best places to live in the state, Roxborough Park gives it a run for its money with glorious scenery that captivates visitors as soon as they drive in from Highway 121.

Residents adore the safe streets, friendly atmosphere, and tight-knit, wholesome community in Roxborough Park, which Niche ranked as the number one place to buy a house in the Denver area. It's certainly an attractive option for prospective homeowners who want to be nestled between Chatfield State Park, 7 miles away, and the neighborhood's namesake, Roxborough State Park, less than a mile away. Both offer majestic mountain vistas and stunning hiking paths that residents will never tire of.

Whether outdoorsperson or couch potato, you'll benefit from being close to nature; one Niche reviewer said Roxborough Park is like "having my own mountain retreat without having to go to the mountains." From many neighborhoods, you can enjoy remarkable views of the Dakota Hogback — named so for its sharp ridge — and rust-colored Fountain Formation rocks that jut out of the earth at an angle. With hiking on your doorstep, fascinating wildlife encounters, and streets that are much more tranquil than the congestion of Denver, it's no wonder Roxborough Park is considered one of the top 20 suburbs in Colorado.

Boulder may be known as the "Happiest City in America," but an hour south of this vibrant metropolis, residents are pretty smiley. They love Roxborough Park for its state park access and unique geology, so they are attempting to limit development to protect the landscape and keep the town as peaceful and well-maintained as it is now. One resident said, "Roxborough Park is like its own little family."

It's a place to embrace all seasons, but outdoor explorers might prefer to come when the weather is just right. Colorado's warm season runs from June until September, when average highs can exceed 77 degrees Fahrenheit. July can be quite hot, however, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water. From November until March, average highs are typically under 51 degrees, falling to potential lows of 23 in December. Gloves, scarves, hats, and layers are crucial.

Weekend visitors looking to base themselves in Roxborough Park will struggle to find hotels or Airbnbs, but several local suburbs have options. The closest hotel is TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Littleton, around 11 miles away, with rooms from roughly $116 per night. Prefer to sleep under the stars? Chatfield State Park has well-reviewed campsites with tent pitches for around $41. While there, don't miss the nearby Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a jaw-dropping 9,525-seat concert venue built into the natural rock. Those considering a move to the area may be interested to learn that the median home price in Roxborough Park is $615,000 — 40% higher than the rest of the country. Having state parks in your backyard certainly inflates prices, but it's a welcome trade-off.

Each day in Roxborough Park invites a potential new hobby. Work on your swing at Arrowhead Golf Course on Monday, go Nordic skiing on a snowy Tuesday, practice your kickflip at the 15,000-square-foot skate park on Wednesday, photograph unusual red rock formations in Roxborough State Park on Thursday, and spot burrowing owls or European starlings in the park (an official Audubon Important Bird Area) on Friday. Save weekends for the main event: hiking.

The most popular hikes include the South Rim Loop Trail, a moderate 3-mile trek taking around 1 hour 30 minutes, and the Fountain Valley Loop, an easy 2.3-mile trail leaving from the Visitor Center. On both, you'll see incredible scenery, and perhaps even some of Colorado's notable wildlife, like mule deer or bobcats. Carpenter Peak Trail is one of the most challenging hikes, ascending over 1,000 feet of elevation across 6.4 miles. It typically takes over 3 hours, depending on your fitness level.

In an effort to avoid damaging the iconic, 300 million-year-old rocks, the only outdoor activity permitted in Roxborough State Park is hiking. That means no bikes, no rock climbing, no veering from the trails, and no four-legged friends allowed. Park Manager Colin Chisholm told Denver7, "The main goal for Roxborough is to preserve and protect the geological features in the area." For anyone who appreciates a sleepy neighborhood, a friendly community, and nature trail access, Roxborough Park could tick all the boxes.