We can thank the original planners of Highlands Ranch for designating open space land for recreation; this includes the Backcountry Wilderness Area and a large number of public parks and bike paths.
Backcountry Wilderness Area The Backcountry Wilderness Area is 8,200 acres or about 13 square miles of open space which was conveyed from Shea Homes to the HRCA in 2006 and 2009. Since then, HRCA has built over 11 miles of natural surface, private trails, open to HRCA members and their accompanied guests. The Douglas County East/West Regional Trail also runs through the Backcountry and adds an additional 12 miles of natural surface trails through the Backcountry.
Highlands Ranch Metro District Parks & Open Space The Highlands Ranch Metro District operates 26 parks, more than 70 miles of trails and 2,000 acres of natural open-space areas within the developed areas of Highlands Ranch. Park amenities include two skate parks, an outdoor inline hockey rink, four dog off-leash areas, eight lit public tennis courts, three lit ball fields, a historic park, and three community gardens.
Backcountry Wilderness Area: About the Backcountry | Backcountry Trails Highlands Ranch Metro District: Website | Parks | Trails & Open Space