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What is the Wildcat Regional Park Project?

Wildcat Regional Park is a planned 202-acre regional park located in the northeast portion of the Backcountry Wilderness Area in Highlands Ranch. The site has long been intended for public use, originally envisioned as a highly developed park with large-scale amenities.

Following extensive community feedback, HRCA and Douglas County shifted the vision toward a low-impact, trail-focused park that prioritizes conservation, education, and responsible recreation.

Today, the project reflects a balanced approach; providing meaningful outdoor access while protecting wildlife habitat and preserving the natural character of the area.

Wildcat Regional Park has been part of long-term community planning for decades. The property was transferred to Douglas County in 1996 with the intent that it would eventually serve as a regional park.

In recent years, earlier concepts that included intensive development, such as sports complexes and large infrastructure, generated significant community concern, particularly related to impacts on wildlife and open space.

In response, HRCA and Douglas County worked collaboratively with residents through a multi-phase Community Involvement Process (CIP) to redefine the project. The result is a plan centered on passive recreation and trail-based access, consistent with the values of the Backcountry Wilderness Area.

Park Components

The current design for Wildcat Regional Park includes four primary elements:

 

Bike Skills Area

A dedicated Bike Skills Area is planned to provide a controlled environment for riders of all ages and abilities to develop skills and build confidence.

The area will be designed to accommodate a wide range of users, from beginners to intermediate riders. Due to insurance and risk management considerations, the skills area will not likely include expert-level features.

Specific features and layout are currently being finalized and will be incorporated once design is completed. 

Bike-Only Trails

The park is expected to include approximately 5 miles of bike-only trails.

These trails will be designed specifically for cycling, helping reduce conflicts with pedestrians throughout our entire trail system, while improving safety and overall trail experience.

The system is expected to include a mix of trail types, including downhill-focused segments intended to help riders develop skills on descents. These trails may incorporate natural-style features to enhance progression and rider experience.

The specific features and final design of these trails are still being developed and will be refined as part of the ongoing design process.

Surfaced Trails

Approximately 3 miles of surfaced trails are planned to support walking, running, and family-friendly recreation.

These trails will provide accessible, lower-impact opportunities for a wide range of users, including families, seniors, and those seeking a more relaxed outdoor experience.

Natural Surface Multi-Use Trails

The park will also include approximately 3 miles of natural surface multi-use trails.

These trails will provide a more traditional, soft-surface trail experience and will be open to both pedestrians and cyclists. They are intended to complement the surfaced trails by offering additional variety while maintaining a lower level of development.

Conservation remains a central priority in the design of Wildcat Regional Park.

Trail alignments are being carefully planned to:

·       Avoid sensitive wildlife habitat, including key elk use areas

·       Utilize natural landscape features, such as ridgelines, to buffer activity

·       Concentrate recreation in appropriate locations to reduce broader impacts

This approach allows the park to provide access while maintaining the ecological integrity of the Backcountry Wilderness Area.

The Wildcat Regional Park Project is currently in the design phase, with design work expected to be completed this summer.

·       Design Completion: Fall/Winter 2026

·       Construction Start: Early 2027

·       Construction Duration: Ongoing, phased work through 2027

·       Estimated Opening: Late 2027/Early 2028

Wildcat Regional Park represents a long-term investment in the Highlands Ranch community; expanding access to nature, improving trail safety, and supporting a wide range of recreational experiences.

The project reflects a shared commitment between HRCA, Douglas County, and the community to create a space that balances recreation, conservation, and education for generations to come.

Project updates, design milestones, and construction information will continue to be shared on this page as the project progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wildcat Regional Park is a 202-acre area of undeveloped open space located in the southern portion of Highlands Ranch. Originally transferred to Douglas County by the Highlands Ranch developer in 1996, the land was intended to become a highly developed regional park.

The project is currently in the design phase, with design completion expected later this summer. Construction is anticipated to begin this summer and continue, in phases, through 2027, with an expected park opening in late 2027.

Following community concerns about the potential for intense development, particularly a large sports complex, Douglas County agreed to transfer the land to the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA). As part of the agreement, HRCA must construct a trail system within three years. If this condition is not met, ownership of the land will revert to Douglas County.

The Wildcat Regional Park site has long been designated for public use, and there is strong, consistent community demand for additional trail access.

Through a partnership with Douglas County, there is a unique opportunity to deliver a significant recreational amenity while maintaining a strong focus on conservation and responsible land management.

The project is being developed in partnership with Douglas County, which will provide $3.5 million to fund the construction of the park. 

HRCA will be responsible for long-term operations and maintenance following completion.

Yes. Once completed, Wildcat Regional Park will be open to the public, offering expanded recreational opportunities in a preserved natural setting.

Project updates, including design progress and construction timelines, will continue to be shared on this page as new information becomes available.

The project has been designed with careful consideration of surrounding communities.

Trail placement, access points, and overall design aim to balance recreation with privacy, safety, and environmental considerations. Ongoing design work will continue to refine these elements.

Conservation is a central priority in the project design.

Trail alignments are being carefully planned to avoid sensitive habitats, particularly key elk use areas. Trails are generally located closer to existing development and infrastructure to reduce impacts on more remote areas.

This strategy helps maintain wildlife movement and habitat function while still allowing for responsible public access.

The project is designed to minimize impacts and provide long-term habitat benefits.

While wildlife may avoid certain areas during peak daytime use, planning strategies, including trail placement and habitat considerations, are intended to support continued use of the area by elk, particularly during evening and nighttime hours.

The current plan includes four main components:

·       A Bike Skills Area

·       Bike-only trails (approximately 5 miles)

·       Surfaced trails (approximately 3 miles)

·       Natural surface multi-use trails (approximately 3 miles)

Together, these elements are designed to provide a variety of experiences for different ages, abilities, and interests.

The Bike Skills Area is a dedicated space where riders can safely practice and build skills before using the broader trail system.

It will be designed for a wide range of users, from beginners to intermediate riders, and will include features appropriate for skill development. Due to insurance and risk considerations, the area will likely not include expert-level features.

Specific features and layout are still being finalized as part of the design process.

Bike-only trails are designed specifically for cyclists and are intended to reduce conflicts between users while improving safety and overall trail experience.

The system is expected to include a mix of trail types, including downhill-focused segments that help riders develop skills in a controlled environment. These trails may include natural-style features, though final designs are still being developed.

Yes. Pedestrian access is a key component of the project.

Surfaced trails and natural surface multi-use trails are designed to provide a comfortable, accessible experience for walkers, runners, families, and seniors. These trails prioritize safety, visibility, and ease of use, and will represent a significant portion of the overall trail system.

Different trail types serve different purposes.

Dedicated bike trails help reduce speed-related conflicts and improve safety, while pedestrian-focused and multi-use trails provide a more comfortable experience for walking and lower-speed recreation.

This approach creates a better overall experience for all users while minimizing user conflicts and is popular throughout the industry.

Specific features are still being finalized as part of the design process.

Both the bike-only trails and the Bike Skills Area are expected to include elements that support skill development and progression. Final details will be shared once design is complete.

1. What will the distance be from the trails to the nearest residential housing?

Final trail design has not yet been completed, so we do not have an exact distance between the trails and the nearest residential properties. That information will be available once final trail alignments are established.

2. Will the gates be locked at sunset?

There will not be gates at the parking lot or trail system. Gates are not used at other trailheads serving the Backcountry Wilderness Area or Douglas County trail systems, except where seasonal closures are necessary. No seasonal closures are currently planned for Wildcat Regional Park.

3. Will specific park opening and closing times be posted?

Yes. As with existing HRCA trails, Wildcat Regional Park will be open from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. Signs at the trailheads will clearly identify the hours of use.

4. What is the procedure if a car is left in the lot after closing?

If a vehicle remains in the parking lot after hours, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office can be contacted, consistent with the procedure used at other HRCA trailhead parking lots.

5. Which staff will be tasked with opening and closing the gates each day?

See question #2. There will not be gates at the parking lot or trail system, so staff will not be required to open or close the area each day.

6. How will restrictions on electric bikes above the allowed power limit be enforced?

HRCA will work with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office regarding enforcement of the e-bike ordinance adopted by Douglas County in 2026. Signage and education will also be important components of communicating the applicable regulations to trail users.

7. Does the Sheriff’s Office anticipate occasional patrols of the bike/walking paths?

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office does not routinely patrol other trail systems in Douglas County, and we do not anticipate routine patrols of the Wildcat Regional Park trail system. As with other HRCA trails, the Sheriff’s Office can be contacted when law enforcement assistance is needed.

8. Will there be a permanent restroom facility or portable restrooms near the parking lot?

The current plan is to provide portable restrooms near the parking area. They will be placed within an enclosure designed to screen them from view as much as practical.

9. Is there a map showing trail placement, lighting and trash receptacles?

The current Wildcat Regional Park webpage includes a map showing the conceptual design. Because design is still underway, trail alignments may continue to be refined. Once final design is complete, an updated map will be posted.

There is no planned lighting for the park or trail system. Trash receptacles will be installed as part of final construction, but their individual locations will not be identified on the trail map.

10. What will the pet policy be on the trails?

Dogs will not be permitted on bike-only trails. Dogs will be permitted on multi-use trails, consistent with rules on trails such as the Douglas County East-West Regional Trail. Applicable pet rules will be communicated through trail signage.

11. When may we expect to see detailed plans for the park?

Design work is currently underway. We anticipate completing and posting the final design by the end of 2026.

Wildcat Regional Park Maps

MAP 1

Wildcat Regional Park Overview

Wildcat Regional Park, outlined in yellow on the map, is located in the northeast portion of the Backcountry Wilderness Area in Highlands Ranch. The 202-acre parcel was transferred to Douglas County in 1996 by the Highlands Ranch developer and was originally envisioned as a large, urban-style park featuring numerous sports fields and indoor recreation facilities. One plan included over 1,000 parking spaces to serve the intense usage.

In 2024, Douglas County released the latest conceptual plan to develop the park. The proposal sparked significant community concern over potential impacts to local wildlife and natural resources—particularly the resident elk herd.

In response, Douglas County and the Highlands Ranch Community Association collaborated to revise the vision for the park. The new direction honors public access while prioritizing environmental protection, ensuring the land serves both people and wildlife in a meaningful and sustainable way.

View Full Sized Map
Wildcat Regional Park Map 2
MAP 2

Wildlife Habitat and Ridgeline Protection

A key natural feature in the area is the prominent ridgeline along the southern edge of the park, which forms a natural boundary between the park and vital wildlife habitat.

The area shown in red represents a high-use zone for a herd of approximately 150 elk that rely on this land year-round. Had the park been developed as originally planned—with intensive facilities and high human activity—it would have displaced the elk and eliminated the valuable habitat within the park boundaries.

The new plan to establish a thoughtfully designed trail system instead preserves the area's open character and ecological integrity. Trails will be located north of the ridgeline, avoiding intrusion into critical habitat and allowing elk, golden eagles, and other native wildlife to continue using the critical habitat undisturbed by the human activity within the park area.

View Full Sized Map
Wildcat Regional Park Map 3
MAP 3

Conservation-Informed Trail Design

This map highlights areas of critical (red) and high (orange) conservation value within and around the park.

As with our other trail systems in the Backcountry Wilderness Area, such as the Wildcat Mountain and Highlands Point trails, trail alignments will be carefully designed to minimize impacts to wildlife.

The Highlands Point Trail System offers a proven example: there, a similar ridgeline separates trails from sensitive elk habitat. Because the trails remain north of that barrier, elk and other species have continued to thrive in the area.

The Wildcat Regional Park trails will follow the same conservation-minded approach, incorporating buffers, avoiding sensitive zones, and creating recreational opportunities that coexist with wildlife.

The eastern section of the proposed trails falls within a half-mile buffer of an active golden eagle nest located on Wildcat Mountain. While this proximity is notable, the area already contains significant existing development, much of which is closer to the nest than the proposed trails, including residential neighborhoods, paved streets and sidewalks, a middle school and its associated parking lot, multiple sports fields, a trailhead, natural surface and concrete trails, and a major arterial roadway. Given this existing level of disturbance, the proposed trail alignment is not expected to cause additional negative impact to the nesting eagles. Nonetheless, we are working closely with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure full compliance with federal and state regulations protecting golden eagles, and to minimize potential disturbance through careful planning and design.

View Full Sized Map
Wildcat Regional Park Map 4
MAP 4

Aligning with the Backcountry's Mission

The Backcountry Wilderness Area is managed through three foundational pillars: Conservation, Recreation, and Education.

To balance these priorities, areas designated for recreation and education are intentionally located near existing infrastructure and human development. The Wildcat Regional Park site meets the key criteria for low-impact recreation: it is close to homes, accessible by existing roads, and does not fragment core wildlife habitat.

If any area within the Backcountry is to accommodate expanded recreation access, Wildcat Regional Park represents one of the most appropriate and strategic locations.

View Full Sized Map
Wildcat Regional Park Map 5
MAP 5

Proposed Trail System Layout

On this map:
  • Wildcat Regional Park is again outlined in yellow.
  • Green lines represent existing HRCA trails.
  • Dark blue lines show existing Douglas County trails.
  • Light blue trails are proposed surfaced, multi-use trails (4–8 feet wide to be determined), suitable for both pedestrians and cyclists (Approximately 5 miles, dogs allowed)
As part of this plan, the existing Rocky Gulch Trail (a green trail north of the Douglas County trail) would be converted to a pedestrian-only route (Approximately 1.5 miles)
 
This trail network offers diverse, well-managed recreational opportunities while maintaining the area's natural character and wildlife value.
View Full Sized Map

Bike Skills Area

The photos below show examples of the types of features that may be included within the area labeled “Bike Skills Area” on the map. We welcome and encourage public feedback about this portion of the park. The final design of the Bike Skills Area—along with the rest of the trail system—will be developed after the Community Involvement Process is complete and a contractor is selected. The design phase for the trails and Bike Skills Area is expected to take place from winter into spring of 2026.

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