In my opinion Ken Caryl is one the best kept secrets in the south metro area and foothills. Nestled against the dramatic foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Ken Caryl stands as one of Littleton's most distinctive neighborhoods. The “hog back” or foothills that surround Ken Caryl help tuck it away from view in most cases! Entering the community through a narrow entrance in the foothills you see beautiful hills, mountains, trails and well thought out neighborhoods. Ken Caryl offers the suburban feel but immersed in nature, wildlife and peaceful surroundings.
A Rich Historical Legacy
The story of Ken Caryl begins with its namesake, James Shaffer, who purchased the land in 1914. The community was named after James sons Kent and Caroll. The Manor House which still stands is now a wedding event venue. The original Ken-Caryl Ranch dates back to 1859, when Major Robert Bradford built the Bradford/Perley House, which still stands today as a testament to the area's pioneer heritage. The property changed hands several times before being developed into the planned community we know today in the 1970s. Ultimately the John’s Manville Corporation purchased the ranch and built what we now know as Ken Caryl which is over 9,000 acres. John’s Manville wanted the community to be serve as their world headquarters. They built their office/headquarters just south of the valley which later housed Martin Marietta and is now Lockheed Martin.
Natural Beauty and Recreation
One of Ken Caryl's most striking features is its dramatic landscape. The neighborhood is divided into the Valley and the Plains, offering residents diverse living options:
The Ken Caryl Valley and North Ranch
Tucked against the foothills on the west side of hwy C-470 are The Valley and The North Ranch. The homes vary from attached patio homes, semi- custom and full custom homes. There is one gated area called Manor Ridge. The lot sizes vary and go up to 2 acres. Within the Valley and North Ranch there are over 6,000 acres of open space including 40+ miles of hiking and biking trails. Most of the trails are for the residents only but a few are a part of Jefferson County Open Space including South Valley Park/Coyote Song Trail. There are several parks and playgrounds including Heirloom Park, Brannon Gearhart Park and North Ranch Park. There are two community centers in the Valley and North Ranch. The Community Center and Bradford Pool. The Community Center offers a fitness Center, indoor and outdoor tennis and pickle ball courts, play park, seasonal pool, fitness classes a pre-school and community gardens. The Bradford pool located in the North Ranch offers a seasonal pool, park, outdoor tennis courts and outdoor volleyball court.
The Ken Caryl North Plains and Ken Caryl Ranch
Located outside of the hogback just east is the Ken Caryl Plains. This section of Ken Caryl includes some of the first homes built in the community. The homes vary from condos, attached patio homes, townhomes, single family homes and some semi- custom homes. There are multiple community parks and playgrounds including Prairie Meadow Park, Ken Caryl Ranch Community Park and Settlement Pond Park. The Ranch has a large pool call the Ken Caryl Ranch House and Park. This includes a large pool, outdoor tennis and pickle ball courts, a frisbee golf course, sports fields and clubhouse.
The Ken Caryl Ranch offers a large variety of programs for adults and youth.
- Summer Youth Swim Team
- Youth and Adult Tennis teams and lessons
- Equestrian center with riding programs
- Multiple fitness classes and programs
- Youth camps
Shopping and Dining
The Ken Caryl Marketplace and surrounding areas provide easy access to:
- Grocery stores and pharmacies: Safeway, King Soopers and Walgreens
- Local restaurants and cafes: Just Love Coffee and Café, Atlas Coffee, Homegrown Tap and Dough, Okinawa, Lariat Lodge and Brewing, Tu Casa Mexican Food, Mc Donalds, Sonic, 3 Potrillos, Einsteins and Starbucks..just to name a few.
The Equestrian Center
Tucked in the heart of the Valley in a picturesque setting is the Equestrian Center. Residents looking to board horses or take lessons can enjoy the following amenities. Lessons may be available for non-residents too.
-Indoor and outdoor arenas
-Boarding facilities
-Outdoor runs
-Access to local trails
Education and Schools
The neighborhood is served by the highly-rated Jeffco Public Schools system, including:
- Bradford Primary School
- Bradford Secondary School
- Shaffer Elementary School
- Deer Creek Middle School
- Chatfield Senior High School
Community Life
What truly sets Ken Caryl apart is its strong sense of community. Residents enjoy:
- Regular community events and festivals: 5k races, 4th of July Celebrations, Easter Egg Hunts and so much more
- Active homeowners' associations
- Youth sports programs and camps
- Clubs and involvement in trail maintenance and preservation of open space
Real Estate Overview
The housing market in Ken Caryl offers diverse options:
- Single-family homes- Starting in the mid 500,000’s to 4 million
- Townhomes – Starting in the $450,000’s
- Patio Homes- Starting in the $850,000’s
- Custom luxury homes - $1,500,000+
- Condos – Starting in the $350,000’s
- New Construction – Starting in the $750,000’s
New Construction Homes Available in 2025
The Ken Caryl Valley is now expanding on the East side of C470 after decades. There are new construction builders including Lennar and Toll Brothers. The area is tucked near Meadows Golf Course and will feature single family homes, townhomes/paired homes and multi-family units. They have several planned parks as well as a pool and clubhouse.
Transportation and Access
The neighborhood's location provides excellent accessibility:
- Easy access to C-470 and US-285
- Convenient commute to Denver Tech Center
- Proximity to downtown Denver
- Short drive to I-70 and the mountains for ski access
- Located just minutes to Chatfield Reservoir, Chatfield Botanic Gardens, The Highline Canal and several parks along the foothills
Why Ken Caryl?
For those seeking a perfect balance between natural beauty and suburban convenience, Ken Caryl offers:
1. Outstanding recreational opportunities
2. Strong sense of community
3. Excellent schools
4. Beautiful mountain views
5. Well-maintained infrastructure
6. Rich historical significance
Looking Forward
As Ken Caryl continues to evolve, it maintains its commitment to preserving its natural beauty while providing modern amenities. The community's careful balance of development and conservation ensures that it will remain one of Littleton's most desirable neighborhoods for years to come. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a family seeking excellent schools, or someone who appreciates the perfect blend of nature and suburban living, Ken Caryl offers something for everyone.
As a prior resident of Ken Caryl for over 17 years I am a huge fan of the community. If you have any questions or interest in the community please reach out. If you are seeking new construction the new filing of Ken Caryl is in the beginning stages and I can assist you with visiting the models or further information about the new construction process.
https://ken-carylranch.org/community-news/history-of-ken-caryl-ranch/
