The Pinery, CO
- About The Pinery
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Transport
- Sport and Local Legends
- Medical Facilities and Healthcare
- Universities and Educational Institutions
The Pinery is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Douglas County, Colorado, near Denver.
About The Pinery
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The Pinery is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place (CDP) located in and governed by Douglas County, Colorado, United States . It does not have its own municipal government. The community is part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area . For postal services, it uses the Parker post office and ZIP Code 80134 . Douglas County is part of the Front Range Urban Corridor and is known for its rapid growth, excellent schools, and as a primarily residential area for families working in the Denver metro area.
Date Founded and Age
The Pinery is a relatively modern community. It was first defined by the United States Census Bureau for the 1990 United States Census . This means the community as a recognized entity is around 36 years old as of 2026.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
The Pinery is located in the high plains east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Its geographic coordinates are 39°26′46″N 104°45′33″W . It is bordered to the north by the town of Parker and to the southwest by the town of Castle Rock, the Douglas County seat . The elevation of the CDP is approximately 6,066 feet (1,849 meters) above sea level , placing it in the High Plains region.
Town Type and Economic Specialization
The Pinery is primarily a residential community and a commuter town. Its economy is not based on local industry but on its proximity to the larger employment centers of the Denver metropolitan area, as well as the nearby towns of Parker and Castle Rock. It functions as a "bedroom community" for professionals working in the region.
Population and Demographics
According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of The Pinery CDP was 11,311 . This makes it a small town or large community in terms of population class. The population has grown significantly since the CDP was first defined, with a 48.5% increase between 1990 and 2000, and a 45% increase between 2000 and 2010 . It is a primarily affluent residential area.
"City's" Business Card (In Short)
The Pinery is a quiet, upscale residential enclave in Douglas County, offering a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the outdoors. Nestled on the high plains with views of the Rocky Mountain Front Range, it is known for its large homes on spacious lots, excellent schools, and as a peaceful base for families working in the dynamic Denver-Aurora metropolitan area.
Geography
Mountains and Ranges
While there are no mountains within The Pinery itself, the community enjoys sweeping views of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains to the west. This includes prominent peaks like Pikes Peak, located about 50 miles to the south-southwest, which was the inspiration for the song "America the Beautiful."
Water Features
The Pinery CDP includes a small amount of water area, totaling 24 acres (0.096 km²) . These are likely small residential ponds and drainage areas within the community. The region is not known for large natural lakes.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
The Pinery has a cold semi-arid climate (BSk) under the Köppen–Geiger climate classification . It is characterized by warm summers and very cold, snowy winters, with the sky remaining partly cloudy throughout the year . The area is known for its abundant sunshine, with an average of 3,489 hours of sunshine per year .
Average Temperatures by Month
Temperatures vary significantly between seasons .
- Warmest month: July, with average highs of 84°F (29°C) and lows of 58-60°F (15°C) .
- Coldest month: December, with average highs of 42-44°F (6°C) and lows around 20-21°F (-6°C) .
- Average Annual Range: Typically from 20°F (-7°C) in winter to 84°F (29°C) in summer .
- Extreme Temperatures: Temperatures rarely drop below 3°F (-16°C) or rise above 92°F (33°C) , though records show they can range from -27°F (-33°C) to 99°F (37°C) .
Precipitation and Humidity
The Pinery receives an average of 460 mm (18.1 inches) of precipitation annually .
- Wettest month: May, with an average of 97 mm (3.8 inches) of precipitation . The wetter season lasts from April to September .
- Driest month: December, with an average of 9 mm (0.3 inches) .
- Snowfall: The community experiences significant seasonal snowfall, which is common from late fall to early spring. The month with the most snow is typically April, with an average accumulation of 4.3 inches (110 mm) .
Sunshine and UV Index
The Perville is an exceptionally sunny place .
- Sunniest months: June, July, and August, averaging nearly 12 hours of sunshine per day .
- UV Index: The UV index is highest during the summer months. In June and July, the maximum UV index can reach 12 (Extreme) , requiring strong sun protection .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Summer (June - August): Warm with pleasant nights, this is the most popular time for outdoor activities . Afternoon thunderstorms are common .
- Winter (November - March): Very cold and snowy. Ideal for those who enjoy winter sports in the nearby Rocky Mountains.
- Best time to visit: The best time for warm-weather activities is from mid-June to early September .
Transport
Major Airports
The Pinery is located approximately 35-40 miles southeast of downtown Denver, making it easily accessible to Denver International Airport (DEN) . The Groome Transportation shuttle service provides a connection from the nearby Monument Park-N-Ride to the airport .
Public Transportation (Bus)
Public transportation in The Pinery is limited but connects it to the wider region. The primary service is the RTD Bus Route PD (Parker / Denver) , which has a stop at Pinery Park-n-Ride (Pinery PnR) . This bus provides service to the Civic Center station in downtown Denver . Other connections require multiple bus transfers to reach nearby towns like Castle Rock .
Major Highways
Colorado State Highway 83 runs through the center of the CDP . This highway leads north 4 miles (6 km) to the center of Parker and south 4 miles to Franktown . Residents also have access to Interstate 25, a major north-south freeway, via Castle Rock or Parker, which connects them to Denver, Colorado Springs, and other Front Range communities.
Sport and Local Legends
The Heart of the Community: The Pinery Country Club
The primary sporting and social hub of The Pinery is the Pinery Country Club, a private 27-hole golf facility that has been a cornerstone of the community since it opened in 1974 . Designed by architect David Bingham, the club offers a unique and varied golf experience with three distinct nine-hole courses: The Mountain, The Lake, and The Valley .
Each nine has its own character. The Mountain nine features dramatic elevation changes and scenic views, with play winding through mature Ponderosa Pines . The Lake nine is renowned for its spectacular vistas, climbing past Bingham Lake to offer panoramic views of Colorado's front range from Pike's Peak to Long's Peak . The Valley nine is a links-style layout set in a high-plains environment and is considered the most challenging of the three, featuring what is described as the "diabolical" 3rd hole .
Beyond golf, the country club significantly enhances the area's lifestyle amenities. It features a full-service restaurant, a recently renovated aquatics center with three swimming pools, and an award-winning tennis facility with six outdoor and three indoor courts . A state-of-the-art fitness center is also available for members . The Pinery also offers a unique opportunity through a "Summit Membership" with The Club at Pradera, located just seven minutes away, giving members access to an even wider range of golf, dining, and fitness amenities .
Medical Facilities and Healthcare
While The Pinery itself is a residential community, it is ideally situated within a short drive of several highly-rated hospitals and medical centers in the nearby cities of Lone Tree, Parker, Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock . These facilities provide comprehensive and specialized care for residents.
[Sky Ridge Medical Center]
Located in Lone Tree, just a short distance from The Pinery, Sky Ridge Medical Center is a renowned, state-of-the-art facility . It offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and maternity care. The medical center is known for its highly skilled physicians and attentive staff, earning it a strong reputation in the community .
- Address: 10101 RidgeGate Pkwy, Lone Tree, CO 80124
- Phone: (720) 225-1000
[Parker Adventist Hospital]
Another excellent facility very close to The Pinery is Parker Adventist Hospital . This hospital provides comprehensive healthcare with a patient-centered approach, specializing in areas such as emergency care, orthopedics, and cardiology. Patients frequently commend the compassionate and knowledgeable doctors and nurses, as well as the clean, modern facilities .
- Address: 9395 Crown Crest Blvd, Parker, CO 80138
- Phone: (303) 269-4000
[UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital]
UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital is a state-of-the-art medical facility serving the community near The Pinery . It is committed to providing exceptional healthcare with advanced medical technology across a comprehensive range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and oncology. The facility is noted for its modern environment and patient-centered care .
- Address: 1500 Park Central Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
- Phone: (720) 516-1000
[Castle Rock Adventist Hospital]
Castle Rock Adventist Hospital is a leading healthcare facility serving residents of Castle Rock and the surrounding areas, including The Pinery . It focuses on personalized care and offers a wide range of services, such as emergency care, women's health, and orthopedics. The hospital is appreciated for its friendly, professional staff and well-maintained facilities .
- Address: 2350 Meadows Blvd, Castle Rock, CO 80109
- Phone: (720) 455-5000
Additional Nearby Care
For residents, additional trusted medical care is also available at Littleton Adventist Hospital . For specific healthcare needs, specialized clinics like the CARE Colorado Clinic in Pueblo and Boulder Valley Health Center offer reproductive health services and are accessible to residents of The Pinery .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Higher Education in the Region
While there are no universities within the immediate bounds of The Pinery, its prime location in Douglas County offers residents convenient access to a variety of higher education options in the Denver metropolitan area and along the Front Range . Students and lifelong learners can reach several major institutions within a reasonable driving distance.
These include the highly respected University of Denver (DU) , a private research university located south of downtown Denver, and the public research university University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) , which is part of the University of Colorado system. Further south, in Colorado Springs, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) provides another public option. The area is also home to several community colleges, such as Arapahoe Community College with campuses in Littleton and Parker, offering a wide range of associate degrees and certificate programs.
Primary and Secondary Education
The Pinery is part of the highly-rated Douglas County School District, which is frequently noted as a key attribute of the community for families . Students in the area attend schools known for their academic excellence and safe, friendly environments. Specific schools serving The Pinery include Northeast Elementary, Sagewood Middle School, and Ponderosa High School.