Ken Caryl is in Jefferson County, in the southwest Denver metro area. Ken Caryl Valley sits west of the Hogback and is part of the Ken Caryl planned community developed in the 1970's by the John Mansville Corporation. The community was named for the Ken Caryl Ranch, which was named for the two sons of ranch owner John C. Shaffer.

A variety of neigborhoods are nestled in the foothils of the Rocky Mountains with access to community trails, horse stables, swimming pools and an active community center.

The latitude of Ken Caryl is 39.575N. The longitude is -105.111W.

It is in the Mountain Standard time zone. Elevation is 5,761 feet.

The population, at the time of the 2000 census, was 30,887.