10 Things To Do In & Around The Ranch

Good morning, Highlands Ranch.

One of the first places I visited after starting The Ranch Scoop was the bison overlook at Daniels Park. At the time, I had no idea bison once roamed what is now Highlands Ranch.

This summer, they're back.

Backcountry has welcomed a herd of bison home for the first time in more than a century—a historic return during America's 250th anniversary celebration.

Here's the scoop:

• Four ways to do the Fourth of July celebrations in the Ranch
• Things to do before and after the holiday
• Park No. 16 in the Park Challenge

Let's get into it.

—Grace Hody

Star-Spangled Birthday Bash
🗓️ Thursday, July 2 (6–9 p.m.)
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Highlands Ranch kicks off Fourth of July weekend with its new Star-Spangled Birthday Bash featuring live country and bluegrass music, food trucks, and a drone show finale celebrating America's 250th anniversary.

HRCA Independence Day 5K
🗓️ Saturday, July 4 (7:30 a.m.)
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One of the Ranch's signature Fourth of July traditions featuring patriotic attire, pancakes, post-race beers, and a family-friendly course for runners, walkers, strollers, and dogs.

Fourth of July Parade
🗓️ Saturday, July 4 (9–10:30 a.m.)
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Patriotic floats, local organizations, and community groups return to Highlands Ranch Parkway. Arrive early for the bike and pet parade beginning at 8:45 a.m.

Fireworks Show
🗓️ Saturday, July 4 (9 p.m.)
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After months of uncertainty, Highlands Ranch's Independence Day fireworks are back. The professionally managed community show returns to Highland Heritage Regional Park with enhanced safety measures in place.

Looing for more options around the Ranch? Check out our summer celebration guide!

First Friday Historic Walking Tour — Downtown Littleton
🗓️ Friday, July 3 (6–7 p.m.)
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Explore Historic Downtown Littleton on a free guided walking tour featuring local history, architecture, and the stories behind some of the area's oldest buildings.

Colorado Renaissance Festival — Military Appreciation & Children's Weekend
🗓️ Saturday & Sunday, July 4–5
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Looking for something different this holiday weekend? Head south to Larkspur for jousting, live entertainment, artisan vendors, and family-friendly fun. Active military and veterans receive BOGO admission, and kids get in free.

Mat Pilates — Highlands Ranch Library
🗓️ Monday, July 6 (2–3 p.m.)
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Looking to stay active this week? Join this mat Pilates class featuring mindful movement, flowing sequences, and full-body core strengthening.

Mountain Bike Series — Rocky Gulch Circuit
🗓️ Wednesday, July 8 (5–8 p.m.)
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HRCA's weeknight mountain bike series returns with a 10-mile ride through the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Open to riders of all abilities.

🐻 Bear Aware
A few fun bear photos have been making the rounds on social media this week. The Highlands Ranch Metro District reminds residents to secure trash, especially after Fourth of July cookouts, and avoid leaving food outside overnight.

🦬 Bison Are Back
For the first time in more than a century, bison are once again roaming Highlands Ranch. The herd's return to Backcountry is a historic milestone—and a fitting reminder of the area's roots this Fourth of July.

Refer 3 nearby friends or family using your personal referral link (found below), and we’ll celebrate your birthday in that week’s Scoop newsletter.

Once you hit 3 referrals, we’ll send over a quick form to collect your birthday. (Don’t worry — no birth year required.)

📬 Before You Go

Whether you're celebrating here in the Ranch or heading out for the holiday weekend, I hope you have a safe and memorable Fourth of July.

Thanks for spending part of your week with The Ranch Scoop.

See you next Thursday.

—Grace

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