Highlands Ranch is rich in history, wildlife, and recreation. Highlands Ranch was as part of the Louisiana Purchase and has been a working ranch for over 100 years. The area south of the ranch is 8,200 acres of pristine wilderness area where there is an abundance of wildlife. Homeowners in Highlands Ranch enjoy trails in the Backcountry and many parks and bike trails along with four recreational faclities.
Not only is Highlands Ranch exceptional in the lifestyle of the community, it is also unique in its governance. Highlands Ranch is located in unincorporated Douglas County and its municipal services, parks, and some trails are handled by Highlands Ranch Metro District. Highlands Ranch is a planned community with the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) at the helm of ensuring an enhanced quality of life and high property values. The HRCA provides community leadership, first-class recreational facilities, events, architectural control, and covenant enforcement.