Crystal Valley Blog

So many ways to experience the the beauty of the full moon this week in the Castle Rock area! There are multiple full-moon hikes led by naturalists all around the area, and there’s even a full-moon biking event if you’d rather pedal the moon! Live music shows and outdoor movies round out the entertainment choices this weekend.

TODAY/TONIGHT, July 22

NIGHT WILDERNESS HIKE
Enjoy the extra light from the full moon to get a good look at all the wildlife that comes out after dark. The guided hike starts with a fireside BYO picnic dinner where a wildlife expert explains what is hiding in the forest.

Then you’ll have a chance to test your nocturnal knowledge when the hike takes off!

Backcountry Wilderness Area Base Camp, 6005 Ron King Trail, Highlands Ranch
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Register: $28 – $32
Phone: 303-471-7052

JOHN SAUNDERS IN THE MEADOWS
The Music in the Meadows Concert Series continues with a local favorite cover band to help you rock the night away! The John Saunders band has been entertaining the Castle Rock area for almost a decade, with a mix of original tunes and cover songs of artists such as Ryan Adams, Pat Green, The Dawes, The Mavericks, Ben Gibbard, Jack Johnson, and Big Head Todd. 

Butterfield Park, 3952 Butterfield Crossing Dr., Castle Rock
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Information: FREE

FULL MOON HIKE
Take the family on a nighttime adventure everyone will love! It’a a full moon, so you can leave your flashlights at home. This guided hike is appropriate for ages 7+ and will be led by a naturalist who will show you how humans and animals see in the dark versus the daylight.

Be ready to be amazed!

Backcountry Wilderness Area Base Camp, 6005 Ron King Trail, Highlands Ranch
8:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Register: $7 – $10
Phone: 303-471-7052

Thursday – Saturday, July 22-24

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA
Spend a warm summer evening at an open-air performance by Central City Opera! Best of all, you don’t have to travel any further than the nearby Hudson Gardens! Rigoletto is a lighthearted Italian opera that you can understand even if you don’t speak Italian! It’a a classic farce about a duke’s love for his court jester’s beautiful daughter. And the music by Verdi is some of the best-known music in opera!

Hudson Gardens & Events Center, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton
Thurs., 7:00 p.m.; Sat., 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $45 – $75
Phone: 303-292-6700

COMEDIAN MICHAEL YO
Catch Emmy-nominated comedian Michael Yo when he headlines his hilarious stand-up routine! As a protege of none other than Chelsea Handler and Jo Koy, Yo is the self-proclaimed “Half-Black Brother with a Korean Mother” who makes regular appearances on the Joe Rogan Experience.

He’s also host of his own show and recently completed the critically-acclaimed comedy special Blasian.

Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Place, Greenwood Village
Thurs., 7:30 p.m.; Fri./Sat., 7:15 and 9:45 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$28
Phone: 720-274-6800

Friday, July 23

BOOTCAMP WORKOUT
Crank up your workout a notch or two when you attend this week’s FREE Fitness Friday outdoor class! You’ll be entering Bootcamp, so get ready to sweat! No experience is required—this class is available to all ages and levels. Advanced registration is required.

The Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Register: FREE
Phone: 303-814-7453

MUDRA DANCE STUDIO
As part of the Culture on the Green series, enjoy a FREE performance of the classical Indian form of dance called Kathak when Mudra Dance Studio demonstrates a variety of traditional dance forms. 

They’ll also be performing dances from different regions of India, including contemporary and folk dances, Bhangra, and choreography from Bollywood. Don’t forget to register in advance!

Civic Green Park, 9370 Ridgeline Blvd., Highlands Ranch
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Register: FREE

SUNSET-MOONRISE HIKE
On a summer evening with a full moon, the line between sunset and moonrise is almost undetectable. Experience this lovely shifting of light from day to night on a guided hike through the beautiful countryside of Cherokee Mountain.

The hike is considered moderate in difficulty, so it’s recommended for those who are physically fit and over 10 years in age. Wear good hiking shoes and long pants, and bring along a flashlight! 

Cherokee Castle, 6113 Daniels Park Rd., Sedalia
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Register: $35
Phone: 303-688-5555

PEDAL THE MOON
Another way to experience the light of the full moon—on a community bike ride on East Plum Creek Trail in Castle Rock! Everyone in the family is welcome, as long as their bike is equipped with a front headlamp and a blinking rear light.

The ride will end at Festival Park, where telescopes will be provided for everyone to get a closer look at the night sky. 

Castle View High School, 5254 N. Meadows Dr., Castle Rock
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Register: $12 – $20
Phone: 303-814-7455

MOONLIT WALK
Here’s a FREE Full Moon hike with the addition of fireworks! Join a professional naturalist and hike up to the top of plateau while it’s still light and watch the moonrise. Multiple fireworks displays will add to the drama. You’ll be descending by the light of the moon, so bring a flashlight if you think you need it.

Bluffs Regional Park, Crooked Stick Trail, Lone Tree
7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Registration: FREE

MOVIE UNDER THE STARS
Re-scheduled from original date in June! Pack up some snacks, bring a picnic blanket or chairs for the lawn, and get ready to settle in on the lawn in front of the Lone Tree Library for a screening of the family animated movie, Wall-E. Music starts at 7:30, movie starts at 8:30.

DCL in Lone Tree, 10055 Library Way, Lone Tree
7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Register: FREE
Phone: 303-791-7323

DOTSERO ON THE TERRACE
Lone Tree’s popular summer music series, Tunes on the Terrace, is back at full capacity! The outdoor Terrace Theater is the setting of a series of professional concerts by popular audience-pleasing bands.

Tonight’s show features the contemporary jazz/pop/rock band Dotsero, a group of musicians who take the stage by storm! With a full set-up including vocals, dual keyboards, bass, drums, sax, and EWI, this is the real thing!

Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $40-$45
Phone: 720-509-1000

Friday-Saturday, July 23-24

BACKCOUNTRY MOVIES
The backcountry is a great place to watch an outdoor movie—even the light from the full moon won’t detract from these screenings! Friday night’s movie is the award-winning animated film about feelings, Inside Out, and Saturday’s movie is the always intriguing Jurassic Park. Bring your own snacks or enjoy tasty bites from one of the food trucks on site.

Don’t forget to register in advance! 

Backcountry Base Camp, 6005 Ron King Trail, Littleton
Gates open 7:15 p.m.
Tickets: $25/car
Phone: 303-471-7076

Friday-Sunday, July 23-25

CAROUSEL ON STAGE
Life in small-town America in the early twentieth century is delightfully depicted in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musical, Carousel, presented by Central City Opera! This magical stage presentation includes dreamy costumes and sets, as well as sweet nostalgic music.

Hudson Gardens & Events Center, 6115 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton
Fri., 7:00 p.m.; Sun., 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $45-$75 

Saturday, July 24

BACKCOUNTRY YOGA
It’s the perfect time of year to take your yoga practice outdoors! And the backcountry is the perfect place to do it! Join an HRCA fitness instructor as they lead a one-hour session.

All experience levels are welcome—from novices to seasoned yoga lovers.

Backcountry Wilderness Area Base Camp, 6005 Ron King Trail, Highlands Ranch
8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Register: $12 – $15
Phone: 303-471-7052

Sunday, July 25

OUTDOOR YOGA PRACTICE
Another chance to try yoga outdoors—this one is FREE, but advance registration is required. You’ll be in the amphitheater in Castle Rock, so there’s plenty of room to spread out. Beginners and experienced yogis are welcome! 

The Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy., Castle Rock
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Register: FREE

FESTIVAL PARK FARMERS MARKET
Colorado produce is bountiful and beautiful this summer! Thanks to afternoon  monsoon showers and high temperatures on the Western Slope, you’ve got an amazing selection of fruit to choose from at local Farmers’ Markets! Take home some juicy peaches, sweet cherries, and colorful apricots.

There’s also a dazzling display of local fresh greens and more!

Festival Park, 300 Second St., Castle Rock
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Information: FREE
Phone: 720-724-2010

Crystal Valley: Away From It All, But Close to Everything!

There’s always something to do near the family-friendly community of Crystal Valley! Enjoy the  relaxed lifestyle of Castle Rock and surrounding area where cultural and entertainment activities abound! Tour the nine amazing models from Richmond American Homes, D.R. Horton, Century Communities, and Kauffman Homes and and find out why our community is among the top five fastest-growing in the state with new homes priced from the $300s.