Douglas County

“DOUGLAS” in bold 3D purple-pink letters above a pastel-toned city skyline with mountains in the background.

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Douglas County with Robert Sanchez.

Axios Douglas County

Standard

Axios Douglas County Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Douglas County Alerts

Alert

Douglas County Members

Membership

Axios Douglas County Partners

National

Thune's next nightmare

Win or lose, Thune faces a 2027 nightmare

The moderate Senate majority leader will have a more Trump-aligned conference to manage if his party keeps the chamber.

Politics & Policy

Senate Majority <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Leader John Thune" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/27/donald-trump-john-thune-senate-republicans-save-act" data-vars-content-id="6a0429e0-ab31-4b65-86fc-f093c97705c5" data-vars-headline="Thune&#x27;s next nightmare" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/27/donald-trump-john-thune-senate-republicans-save-act" target="_self">Leader John Thune</a> has one of the toughest jobs in Washington. It could get even harder next year.Why it matters: Thune is one of the few Republicans in Washington who&#x27;s managed to say &quot;no&quot; to President Trump and still keep his job. But the Senate leader could enter the next Congress with diminished power, leading a conference whose loyalty increasingly lies with Trump.

Anthropic's lonely island

Anthropic's lonely island in the AI boom

The Claude maker has found itself marooned on an island of its own principles.

Technology

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Anthropic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/anthropic-revenue-growth-ai" data-vars-content-id="fbc47d6d-093d-4368-a8a1-b03938b94c9d" data-vars-headline="Anthropic&#x27;s lonely island" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/anthropic-revenue-growth-ai" target="_self">Anthropic</a> spent this winter and spring as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="darling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/26/the-race-to-catch-claude" data-vars-content-id="fbc47d6d-093d-4368-a8a1-b03938b94c9d" data-vars-headline="Anthropic&#x27;s lonely island" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/26/the-race-to-catch-claude" target="_self">darling</a> of America&#x27;s AI boom, conquering the frontier while casting itself as the industry&#x27;s moral conscience.<ul><li>By summer, the Claude maker had found itself alone on an island of its own principles.</li></ul>Why it matters: Anthropic is simultaneously the world&#x27;s most valuable startup and its most isolated AI leader. The company&#x27;s idiosyncrasies have strained its relationship with developers, policymakers and partners as it barrels toward a potential <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trillion-dollar IPO" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/02/anthropic-ipo-storylines-openai" data-vars-content-id="fbc47d6d-093d-4368-a8a1-b03938b94c9d" data-vars-headline="Anthropic&#x27;s lonely island" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/02/anthropic-ipo-storylines-openai" target="_self">trillion-dollar IPO</a>.

Supreme Court joins Trump, Congress in job approval slump

Americans are increasingly convinced the country's biggest institutions aren't working for them.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supreme Court&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/02/supreme-court-congress-trump-executive-power" data-vars-content-id="ab2dd5b2-ebd6-4e0d-8995-5567e4defcd3" data-vars-headline="Supreme Court joins Trump, Congress in job approval slump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/02/supreme-court-congress-trump-executive-power" target="_self">Supreme Court&#x27;s</a> approval rating — long the highest among the three branches of government — has sunk to a record low, joining President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="ab2dd5b2-ebd6-4e0d-8995-5567e4defcd3" data-vars-headline="Supreme Court joins Trump, Congress in job approval slump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> and Congress in drawing low public support.Why it matters: Americans aren&#x27;t just unhappy with individual leaders. They&#x27;re increasingly convinced the country&#x27;s biggest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="institutions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/14/american-low-confidence-institutions-poll" data-vars-content-id="ab2dd5b2-ebd6-4e0d-8995-5567e4defcd3" data-vars-headline="Supreme Court joins Trump, Congress in job approval slump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/14/american-low-confidence-institutions-poll" target="_self">institutions</a> aren&#x27;t working for them.

Zelensky to Axios: Ukraine needs missile interceptors to head off winter disaster

The Ukranian president said his country needs help to head off a humanitarian crisis in winter.

World

Ukrainian President Volodymyr <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zelensky" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/30/zelensky-russia-iran-war-ukraine" data-vars-content-id="0aa6d40e-0490-4bb5-a258-0f58c4c4f87c" data-vars-headline="Zelensky to Axios: Ukraine needs missile interceptors to head off winter disaster" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/30/zelensky-russia-iran-war-ukraine" target="_self">Zelensky</a> told Axios in an interview Tuesday that he asked President Trump for an emergency &quot;winter package&quot; of Patriot air defense interceptors to help thwart Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Why it matters: Ukraine&#x27;s stockpiles of the interceptors have been almost depleted, and without them the country can&#x27;t defend itself against ballistic missiles. It was the reason Ukraine couldn&#x27;t stop recent Russian attacks on Kyiv.

Exclusive: Americans say large tech companies have too much power

A new YouGov survey from the Little Tech Association suggests a growing fear in the age of artificial intelligence.

Seven in 10 Americans believe that Big Tech companies and their CEOs have too much power, according to results of a survey from the Little Tech Association, shared first with Axios.Why it matters: The findings, while clearly aligned with the group that commissioned the poll, highlight growing concern about the influence that a few companies have over society in the age of artificial intelligence.

Douglas County sheriff drops Flock for Axon

The sheriff says privacy concerns and lost trust drove the switch.

News

The Douglas County Sheriff&#x27;s Office is dumping Flock Safety after Sheriff Darren Weekly said he lost trust in the surveillance technology company.State of play: County commissioners last week approved a nearly $23 million, 10-year contract with Axon, which makes Tasers, body cameras, drones and license plate readers.

DougCo towns pump brakes on drone delivery

Officials want answers on noise, privacy and safety before approving hubs.

Business

Parker and Castle Rock are likely among the nation&#x27;s first municipalities to pause approvals on drone-delivery hubs that launch retail orders from ground facilities into nearby neighborhoods.Why it matters: Back-to-back ordinances passed last week reveal a cautious approach from two fast-growing Douglas County communities better known for competing to attract retail convenience and sales tax dollars.

Denver

Outdoor retailers offering big sales after dismal winter

The snowpack is mostly melted, but the aftermath of a dismal ski season continues.

The snowpack is mostly melted, but the aftermath of a dismal ski season continues.State of play: Outdoor retailers saw a decline in gear sales with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historically little snow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.colorado.edu/today/2026/03/11/record-low-snowpack-tests-colorados-recreation-economy" data-vars-content-id="eaa9e97d-770e-4772-9d8a-388567471f41" data-vars-headline="Outdoor retailers offering big sales after dismal winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.colorado.edu/today/2026/03/11/record-low-snowpack-tests-colorados-recreation-economy" target="_blank">historically little snow</a>, and many are overstocked with unsold merchandise from the 2025–26 winter.

Colorado tumbles to No. 25 in CNBC's business rankings

Colorado's biggest decline came in infrastructure as the state fell to No. 25.

Colorado fell 14 spots to No. 25 in CNBC&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Top States for Business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html" data-vars-content-id="bf907d4f-c5d3-4fcf-bb02-7604fc2e5b7e" data-vars-headline="Colorado tumbles to No. 25 in CNBC&#x27;s business rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html" target="_blank">Top States for Business</a> rankings, released Thursday.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s sharp drop in CNBC&#x27;s closely watched business rankings is likely to intensify debate over whether Democratic-led policies have hurt its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="appeal to employers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/10/colorado-economic-development-company-headquarters" data-vars-content-id="bf907d4f-c5d3-4fcf-bb02-7604fc2e5b7e" data-vars-headline="Colorado tumbles to No. 25 in CNBC&#x27;s business rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/10/colorado-economic-development-company-headquarters" target="_self">appeal to employers</a>.

Douglas County's disappearing dirt roads

Roads are being paved as growth reshapes Douglas County

Culture

Dusty gravel roads are slowly giving way to asphalt in Douglas County.Why it matters: Every new paved road makes the community safer and is less expensive to maintain and more useful in emergencies.

Shrinking prairie pushes public grazing

Private land available for grazing has fallen roughly 16% across Douglas County since 2016.

Colorado&#x27;s cattle grazing season ramps up this month, but Douglas County&#x27;s ranching tradition is shrinking.The big picture: Growth is consuming the formerly wide-open spaces across the county, squeezing out the range that long powered the region&#x27;s ranching economy.

Boulder

CU study challenges Colorado's moose origin story

New research suggests moose lived in Colorado long before their reintroduction.

New research from the University of Colorado Boulder suggests moose roamed Colorado&#x27;s southern Rocky Mountains centuries before wildlife officials reintroduced them in the late 1970s.Why it matters: The findings challenge the long-held view that moose are newcomers to Colorado — a distinction that could shape future wildlife management decisions.

Douglas County's crop lab

Volunteers test crops that handle drought and temperature swings.

Environment

A mostly volunteer-run Douglas County orchard is helping residents figure out what can actually survive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/30/colorado-wildfire-risk-2026-drought" data-vars-content-id="159303f2-d622-49b4-8fe4-d69187d2d32d" data-vars-headline="Douglas County&#x27;s crop lab" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/30/colorado-wildfire-risk-2026-drought" target="_self">drought</a>, wind and wild weather.Why it matters: The county&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hidden Mesa Research &amp; Demonstration Orchard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.douglasco.gov/open-space-natural-resources/projects/hidden-mesa-research-demo-orchard/" data-vars-content-id="159303f2-d622-49b4-8fe4-d69187d2d32d" data-vars-headline="Douglas County&#x27;s crop lab" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.douglasco.gov/open-space-natural-resources/projects/hidden-mesa-research-demo-orchard/" target="_blank">Hidden Mesa Research &amp; Demonstration Orchard</a> near Franktown has tested hundreds of fruits, vegetables and other crops in real-world conditions — creating rare local data on what grows, what doesn&#x27;t and how to save precious resources.

Castle Rock's new I-25 ramps open soon

The project is expected to ease congestion and unlock new growth.

Northbound ramps at the Crystal Valley interchange are set to open soon, giving southern Castle Rock its long-awaited direct connection to Interstate 25.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The interchange" data-vars-click-url="https://www.crgov.com/3131/Crystal-Valley-Interchange" data-vars-content-id="dae80f02-4d56-4a31-8256-2a20586f557c" data-vars-headline="Castle Rock&#x27;s new I-25 ramps open soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.crgov.com/3131/Crystal-Valley-Interchange" target="_blank">The interchange</a> will relieve traffic pressure in a rapidly expanding area, and it&#x27;s a major step for Castle Rock&#x27;s commercial and residential growth.

Douglas County readies residents for fire season

Officials urge residents to create evacuation and mitigation plans, coordinate with neighbors, and sign up for emergency text alerts now.

Climate

Colorado is heading into what officials warn could be an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="active fire season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/30/colorado-wildfire-risk-2026-drought" data-vars-content-id="5e52c5aa-c4ec-410d-92d0-0505b9d496fe" data-vars-headline="Douglas County readies residents for fire season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/30/colorado-wildfire-risk-2026-drought" target="_self">active fire season</a>, with up to 9,000 wildfires expected this year.Why it matters: In Douglas County, that means creating evacuation and mitigation plans, coordinating with neighbors, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="signing up for emergency alerts" data-vars-click-url="https://dougcoalert.com/" data-vars-content-id="5e52c5aa-c4ec-410d-92d0-0505b9d496fe" data-vars-headline="Douglas County readies residents for fire season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dougcoalert.com/" target="_blank">signing up for emergency alerts</a> now.

What makes someone a Coloradan?

Check off the experiences that prove you've earned your Colorado stripes.

Things to Do

In honor of our state&#x27;s 150th birthday, we pose the question: What makes someone truly a Coloradan?Why it matters: In a state <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with more transplants than &quot;NATIVES" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denvergazette.com/outtherecolorado/2026/05/28/do-transplant-residents-really-outnumber-those-born-in-colorado-heres-a-look-at-the-data/" data-vars-content-id="cc2767dc-e837-48df-9eab-3213e2756149" data-vars-headline="What makes someone a Coloradan?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denvergazette.com/outtherecolorado/2026/05/28/do-transplant-residents-really-outnumber-those-born-in-colorado-heres-a-look-at-the-data/" target="_blank">with more transplants than &quot;NATIVES</a>,&quot; is being a resident as simple as a line on a birth certificate, or is it a state of mind?

Colorado tourism tops $29 billion in economic impact

Colorado's tourism industry welcomed 96.8 million visitors in 2025 and set a new record in traveler spending.

Colorado&#x27;s tourism industry welcomed 96.8 million visitors in 2025 and set a new record in traveler spending, contributing $29.2 billion to the state&#x27;s economy.Yes, but: The meager 2% annual growth rate last year is below the 4.2% increase in travel spending nationwide, and the state&#x27;s market share continued to decrease from a high of 2.3% in 2019 to 1.8% in 2025.

Colorado slips in Best States ranking

This is the second high-profile ranking in recent weeks showing Colorado in decline.

Colorado fell to 17th in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. News&#x27; latest Best States rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states?src=usn_pr__;!!Al82Z4c!1URYoDZhTcvuFUSY2LulZa1172LFl6WOxDJwkh5-6ueW67q1ptcGmT5ZdK09pqgRqB9gb4uCGldbvgVpnw$" data-vars-content-id="2180eaf6-c7c5-46b5-96c4-1c661902344d" data-vars-headline="Colorado slips in Best States ranking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states?src=usn_pr__;!!Al82Z4c!1URYoDZhTcvuFUSY2LulZa1172LFl6WOxDJwkh5-6ueW67q1ptcGmT5ZdK09pqgRqB9gb4uCGldbvgVpnw$" target="_blank">U.S. News&#x27; latest Best States rankings</a>, down six spots from 11th a year ago.Why it matters: This is the second high-profile ranking in recent weeks showing Colorado in decline. Earlier this month, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CNBC ranked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/10/cnbc-top-states-business-rankings-colorado-falls-2026" data-vars-content-id="2180eaf6-c7c5-46b5-96c4-1c661902344d" data-vars-headline="Colorado slips in Best States ranking" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/10/cnbc-top-states-business-rankings-colorado-falls-2026" target="_self">CNBC ranked</a> the state 25th for doing business, a drop from No. 11 in 2025.

Colorado's wolf population is growing — and so are ranchers' concerns

A new wolf pack signals the state's controversial reintroduction program is taking hold.

State wildlife officials confirmed a new gray wolf pack in Eagle County and a boom in pups this year, marking a major milestone for Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversial wolf reintroduction program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/13/colorado-wolf-pups-reintroduction" data-vars-content-id="3c5823d7-545b-42ac-a126-ee260b1f1561" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s wolf population is growing — and so are ranchers&#x27; concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/13/colorado-wolf-pups-reintroduction" target="_self">controversial wolf reintroduction program</a>.Why it matters: The voter-approved effort, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="launched in December 2023" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/12/18/colorado-reintroduce-gray-wolves-deadline" data-vars-content-id="3c5823d7-545b-42ac-a126-ee260b1f1561" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s wolf population is growing — and so are ranchers&#x27; concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/12/18/colorado-reintroduce-gray-wolves-deadline" target="_self">launched in December 2023</a>, is entering a new phase as breeding packs become established — exactly what wildlife officials hoped for and ranchers have long feared.

Coloradans love Colorado and its way of life

A new poll shows Coloradans are a proud bunch.

A new poll shows Coloradans are a proud bunch.Why it matters: Ahead of Colorado&#x27;s 150th birthday, the numbers are a good reminder that we&#x27;re united at a time of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="great strife" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/20/poll-colorado-voters-politics-crisis" data-vars-content-id="fc2b587f-4044-40d3-b398-9463ce86e5c2" data-vars-headline="Coloradans love Colorado and its way of life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/20/poll-colorado-voters-politics-crisis" target="_self">great strife</a>.

Colorado's 70mm IMAX "The Odyssey" screenings hit snags

Opening weekend brought projector failures, refunds and a wave of frustrated moviegoers.

70mm IMAX screenings of &quot;The Odyssey&quot; haven&#x27;t gone smoothly at Colorado&#x27;s only two theaters equipped to show the film as director <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christopher Nolan intended" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/odyssey-imax-christopher-nolan" data-vars-content-id="6de3a6f5-ebcd-4d48-a634-5e049b734959" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s 70mm IMAX &quot;The Odyssey&quot; screenings hit snags" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/17/odyssey-imax-christopher-nolan" target="_self">Christopher Nolan intended</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fans paid premium prices" data-vars-click-url="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/the-odyssey-fans-frenzy-imax-70mm-tickets-1236809522/" data-vars-content-id="6de3a6f5-ebcd-4d48-a634-5e049b734959" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s 70mm IMAX &quot;The Odyssey&quot; screenings hit snags" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://variety.com/2026/film/news/the-odyssey-fans-frenzy-imax-70mm-tickets-1236809522/" target="_blank">Fans paid premium prices</a>, booked seats in advance and stood in long lines to experience the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer blockbuster" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/amc-stock-the-odyssey" data-vars-content-id="6de3a6f5-ebcd-4d48-a634-5e049b734959" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s 70mm IMAX &quot;The Odyssey&quot; screenings hit snags" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/amc-stock-the-odyssey" target="_self">summer blockbuster</a> in one of the world&#x27;s rarest formats.

Colorado Connector carries a $5B price tag

The train — known as CoCo — is billed as a transit game-changer connecting Colorado's major communities.

The proposed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorado Connector passenger train system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/13/coco-gets-a-foxy-face" data-vars-content-id="f3d07c94-9620-44f0-966f-f1c642d5298f" data-vars-headline="Colorado Connector carries a $5B price tag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/13/coco-gets-a-foxy-face" target="_self">Colorado Connector passenger train system</a> between Fort Collins and Pueblo is estimated to cost $4.7 billion to build and up to $200 million annually to operate, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a plan" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradoconnector.com/plan/" data-vars-content-id="f3d07c94-9620-44f0-966f-f1c642d5298f" data-vars-headline="Colorado Connector carries a $5B price tag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradoconnector.com/plan/" target="_blank">a plan</a> released Monday.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Known as CoCo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/06/colorado-connector-front-range-rail-name" data-vars-content-id="f3d07c94-9620-44f0-966f-f1c642d5298f" data-vars-headline="Colorado Connector carries a $5B price tag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/06/colorado-connector-front-range-rail-name" target="_self">Known as CoCo</a>, the train is billed as a transit game-changer that would connect 12 Front Range communities along roughly 190 miles and possibly even neighboring states to the north and south.

Colorado Springs

Colorado ski giant shifts to premium experience

New bougie perks — from rentals to dining — aim to make ski trips smoother.

After a disappointing 2025-26 ski season <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dented visits and sales" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/15/vail-resorts-pass-sales-2/" data-vars-content-id="6d774b2e-f420-48b9-ab7a-3c122abf376c" data-vars-headline="Colorado ski giant shifts to premium experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/15/vail-resorts-pass-sales-2/" target="_blank">dented visits and sales</a>, Vail Resorts is betting better service will bring back visitors.Driving the news: The Broomfield-based company says its next chapter won&#x27;t come from buying more resorts or selling more season passes.

Adult summer camp craze takes off in Colorado

Adult camps promise something increasingly hard to find: real-world connection.

Summer camp isn&#x27;t just for kids anymore.The big picture: Adventure and connection seekers in Colorado are increasingly signing up for grownup versions, complete with zip lines, campfires and speed-friending.

The Highlands Ranch pickleball boom

A new 19-court complex is fueling demand in Highlands Ranch.

Highlands Ranch is bucking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s pickleball slowdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/26/pickleball-courts-building-decline" data-vars-content-id="9eda9bc5-3d86-4aab-83db-e71d54f35557" data-vars-headline="The Highlands Ranch pickleball boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/26/pickleball-courts-building-decline" target="_self">America&#x27;s pickleball slowdown</a>.Reality check: Across many of the nation&#x27;s biggest cities, the sport&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pandemic-era boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" data-vars-content-id="9eda9bc5-3d86-4aab-83db-e71d54f35557" data-vars-headline="The Highlands Ranch pickleball boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/04/walmart-free-pickleball-game-subway-sub" target="_self">pandemic-era boom</a> has cooled.

Castle Rock unveils Lost Canyon Ranch Open Space

New trails will give hikers access to a long-restricted property.

Two years after Castle Rock and its partners preserved Lost Canyon Ranch from potential development, the 681-acre site is going public next month.Why it matters: Visitors will soon have free access to terrain that&#x27;s largely been hidden behind private gates.

The ultimate soundtrack for these Front Range quad-burners

With hiking season upon us, we picked the tracks we'd queue up for these stairways to heaven.

Local Brief

A good tune can carry you up a brutal trail, and Colorado&#x27;s Front Range is basically a StairMaster with views. State of play: With hiking season upon us, we picked the tracks we&#x27;d queue up for these stairways to heaven.

5 can't-miss Denver Broncos games this season

Denver starts the season with a Monday Night Football showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Denver Broncos <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-announce-2026-schedule-featuring-holiday-matchups-and-bookend-stretches-vs-playoff-teams" data-vars-content-id="31ff7e76-6093-46d4-80ca-3e1230d53bfe" data-vars-headline="5 can&#x27;t-miss Denver Broncos games this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-announce-2026-schedule-featuring-holiday-matchups-and-bookend-stretches-vs-playoff-teams" target="_blank">announced</a> they&#x27;ll open their season with a marquee Monday Night Football showdown against division rivals the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in September. State of play: Quarterback Bo Nix looks to lead the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reigning AFC West champs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/06/denver-broncos-2025-midseason-preview" data-vars-content-id="31ff7e76-6093-46d4-80ca-3e1230d53bfe" data-vars-headline="5 can&#x27;t-miss Denver Broncos games this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/06/denver-broncos-2025-midseason-preview" target="_self">reigning AFC West champs</a> on another deep playoff run after an injury sidelined him for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last season&#x27;s AFC title game" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/25/broncos-patriots-playoff-loss-2026" data-vars-content-id="31ff7e76-6093-46d4-80ca-3e1230d53bfe" data-vars-headline="5 can&#x27;t-miss Denver Broncos games this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/25/broncos-patriots-playoff-loss-2026" target="_self">last season&#x27;s AFC title game</a> in Denver.

9 great perennials to plant in Colorado

Between drought conditions and late frosts, it's not easy being a green thumb in Colorado.

If you — like many — struggle to keep your garden alive in Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="snow-in-May-but-not-in-January" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/04/colorado-winter-storm-may" data-vars-content-id="3e5da12c-e039-44ba-a299-ce7715287a41" data-vars-headline="9 great perennials to plant in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/04/colorado-winter-storm-may" target="_self">snow-in-May-but-not-in-January</a> climate, we have a little advice from the experts on what to plant.Why it matters: Between drought conditions and late frosts, it&#x27;s not easy being a green thumb in Colorado.

Lone Tree rises after decades of planning

New parks, housing and retail are pushing RidgeGate into its next era.

After 25 years of planning, Lone Tree is seeing major development across <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RidgeGate" data-vars-click-url="https://ridgegate.com/" data-vars-content-id="0a102223-4def-402c-934b-02b32d2b833b" data-vars-headline="Lone Tree rises after decades of planning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ridgegate.com/" target="_blank">RidgeGate</a> — the massive mixed-use district that city leaders hope will become the south metro&#x27;s next urban center. Why it matters: Hundreds of acres surrounding RidgeGate&#x27;s light rail stations are now primed for offices, housing, hotels and entertainment projects — giving Lone Tree one of the region&#x27;s largest remaining transit-oriented development corridors.

Castle Rock hot spot serves luxe lunch vibes

Castle Rock's Brinkerhoff has a standout lunch and killer views.

Castle Rock&#x27;s hottest restaurant makes you feel like a million bucks.Why it matters: The Brinkerhoff serves prime steaks, fresh sushi and barrel-aged tequila cocktails in a hilltop space overlooking the Rocky Mountains.

Scoop: Cerebral's Instagram breadcrumb leads to Parker

A new account suggests Cerebral may be eyeing downtown Parker.

Food and Drink

A quietly created <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Instagram profile" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/cerebral.parker/" data-vars-content-id="887826b9-e1b6-493a-9137-2e977a0e806f" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Cerebral&#x27;s Instagram breadcrumb leads to Parker" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/cerebral.parker/" target="_blank">Instagram profile</a> suggests Cerebral Brewing could be headed to downtown Parker as part of the brewery&#x27;s Colorado expansion.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="acclaimed craft brewer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/22/colorados-best-breweries-beers-2025" data-vars-content-id="887826b9-e1b6-493a-9137-2e977a0e806f" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Cerebral&#x27;s Instagram breadcrumb leads to Parker" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/22/colorados-best-breweries-beers-2025" target="_self">acclaimed craft brewer</a>, known for its hazy IPAs and experimental beer program, already has three locations in Denver and Aurora, and a Parker outpost would mark its farthest sojourn yet.

Coffee, served with a second chance

A popular Parker coffee shop's owner shares his journey from incarceration to community impact.

Parker&#x27;s most colorful coffee shop owner lives out of a used Ram ProMaster van with a license plate that reads &quot;CON.&quot;Why it matters: Dan Klehm&#x27;s Convict Coffee Co. is a second act rooted in redemption for people affected by incarceration.

Your guide to Douglas County farmers markets

Here's where and when to find the best produce in Douglas County this season.

Weekend mornings in Douglas County follow a familiar ritual: cold brew in hand, reusable bags at the ready and plenty of company.Zoom in: If you&#x27;re looking to navigate the crowd like a pro, here is your CliffsNotes guide to the county&#x27;s top farmers markets.

Downtown Parker is getting a major glow-up

Shops, housing and more are reshaping Parker's Mainstreet.

<figure><img alt="The Juniper, in downtown Parker." height="3024" id="144528f2-1729-4c43-8496-011b0594fd4e" src="https://images.axios.com/qPzGJjAVVzyQ_PnfroMzB-3Bixw=/2026/05/27/1779898169015.jpeg" width="4032" srcset="https://images.axios.com/5qoX0dHz9OW6dRzujyZvST8dPk8=/0x0:4032x3024/1920x1440/2026/05/27/1779898169015.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/1aceG8Ve6NeCQlr4y395OeIR74g=/0x0:4032x3024/1600x1200/2026/05/27/1779898169015.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/mBLiQyWXA8uTk7Cd7nmskniAArk=/0x0:4032x3024/1366x1024/2026/05/27/1779898169015.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/U8_wZBlBimuhnu57kFiq_fGelsQ=/0x0:4032x3024/1024x768/2026/05/27/1779898169015.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/8sPZrNew2OyPuzn6bwl4XHb4AlQ=/0x0:4032x3024/768x576/2026/05/27/1779898169015.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/kB7qJzN4Uo_8ldXIQfwbpBAHANE=/0x0:4032x3024/640x480/2026/05/27/1779898169015.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/lXrLZ-sG5EAeU-NUCwZzV-YifTU=/0x0:4032x3024/320x240/2026/05/27/1779898169015.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Parker&#x27;s new Juniper development includes Poulette and other businesses. Photo: Robert Sanchez/Axios</figcaption></figure>Once an outlier among metro-area must-sees, Parker&#x27;s Mainstreet is redefining what a stodgy suburban downtown can be.Why it matters: The corner of South Pine Drive and Mainstreet is the epicenter of a renewed municipal vision.

Subscribe to Axios Douglas County

What makes someone a Coloradan?

Colorado tourism tops $29 billion in economic impact

Colorado slips in Best States ranking

DougCo towns pump brakes on drone delivery

Douglas County reporter picks

News 🗞

Things to Do 🗓

Food and Drink 🍽

Business 🏦

Development 🏗️

Environment

Real Estate 🏠

Axios' 5 big things