BackCountry, Highlands Ranch CO Homes for Sale & Gated Community Guide

Quick answer: what is BackCountry?

BackCountry is a gated community at the southern end of Highlands Ranch in Douglas County, Colorado, with a Highlands Ranch mailing address (ZIP 80126). The association website lists the main entrance at 10420 Backcountry Drive, where Wildcat Reserve Parkway meets Broadway.

Owners belong to two associations: the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) and the Backcountry Association, which describes itself as a sub-association of HRCA and the Highlands Ranch Metro District. For the wider community, see our Living in Highlands Ranch guide.

Location and community setting

BackCountry's 467 acres of private open space abut the 8,200-acre Backcountry Wilderness Area. The association website also lists a second gate, the East Entrance, at Wildcat Reserve Parkway and Skydance Drive.

The gate, guests and showings

Per the Backcountry Association website as of November 3, 2026, only residents and their invited guests may enter, and prospective buyers must schedule a visit with the seller's real estate agent. The association says agents can arrange a guided tour by calling the Sundial House (303-346-2800) and should present a business card and the appointment time at the gatehouse.

The gatehouse has posted staffing hours, and residents use transponders and guest passes to bring in vehicles and visitors. We do not list hours, fees or guest-pass methods here because the association can change them. Confirm current procedures with the Backcountry Association before every visit, and allow extra time for your first showing.

Two associations: HRCA and the Backcountry Association

HRCA: every owner of private property in Highlands Ranch is an HRCA member, and sub-association owners pay both sets of assessments. As of November 3, 2026, HRCA's website lists 2026 assessments of $696 a year ($174 per quarter) and 2027 assessments of $715.60 a year ($178.90 per quarter), approved by its board on October 20, 2026. Confirm the current amount with HRCA. HRCA says they fund architectural control, covenant enforcement, its four recreation centers and the Backcountry Wilderness Area.

Backcountry Association: it bills its own monthly assessment. The association says it covers trash and recycling, snow removal on major streets and local service areas, management of common areas such as the Sundial House, pool, parks, ponds and trails, and events, with fitness center access included. We did not find the monthly amount on the public pages, so we do not quote one.

The association has also designated four local service areas, LSA 1 to LSA 4. Property in an LSA can receive special benefits or additional services under recorded designation instruments, so ask which LSA, if any, applies.

Verify before you buy: buyers must verify the recorded covenants, the association dues and any extra charges for the specific property, including the Backcountry Association assessment, any local service area and any other district charge, using the title commitment, association documents and Douglas County records.

Covenants, architectural review and closing paperwork

HRCA's Community Declaration was recorded on September 17, 1981. All exterior improvements need HRCA approval, even repainting in the same colors, and HRCA has 30 days to decide. A sub-association committee may then review the request too. The Backcountry process matches: owners get HRCA approval first, then file an Architectural Review Committee application. The committee has its own meeting and submission schedule, so ask the association for current deadlines.

At closing, HRCA says it typically collects dues for one or two quarters, and title companies request status statements and account paperwork. Ask the seller for ARC approvals on any past exterior work.

Amenities and the Sundial House

The Sundial House is the community hub, with the Campus Lounge restaurant, Pikes Pub and Lounge, an outdoor terrace, a fitness center and movement studio. The pool is seasonal. An amphitheater next door hosts classes, movie nights and concerts, and Lost Coffee sits just outside the main gate. Amenities are for members and their guests, and hours, guest rules and fees change, so confirm them with the association.

Parks, trails and the Backcountry Wilderness Area

The association describes six parks, three ponds and interior and South Rim trails inside the community. We do not repeat its trail-mileage figures because its FAQ page lists numbers that do not agree with each other. HRCA owns the 8,200-acre Backcountry Wilderness Area and describes more than 25 miles of natural-surface trail. About 11.2 miles of HRCA trails are private, for residents and accompanied guests who carry a recreation center ID. Douglas County's East/West Regional Trail is public and adds about 12 miles.

Dogs are allowed only on the leashed Rocky Gulch trail and the East/West trail, and the Wildcat Mountain system closes each year from January 1 to March 31 for wintering wildlife. HRCA says coyotes live throughout Highlands Ranch and rattlesnakes are fairly common near the trails. HRCA also describes a planned 202-acre Wildcat Regional Park; check HRCA's project page for current timing, which has changed before.

Housing characteristics

JR Engineering says the final two residential filings included more than 400 custom and semi-custom lots, designed like an amphitheater to give most homes views from Pikes Peak to Longs Peak and the downtown Denver skyline.

We leave out home ages, sizes and prices because we found no primary source we could stand behind. Ask us for current listings, and check Douglas County Assessor records for any address.

Wildfire planning and insurance

HRCA says wildfire mitigation has been a priority in the wilderness area for over a decade, in partnership with South Metro Fire Rescue. It also says most wildfire measures are not retroactive for existing homes, and lists best practices such as Class A roofing, 1/8-inch metal mesh on vents and clearing debris from roofs and gutters. Request an insurance quote early in your contract period. We do not quote premiums or promise any discount.

Schools

Public schools are run by Douglas County School District (DCSD). The district assigns neighborhood schools by address, says boundaries are subject to change, and directs families to its School Locator Map. Enter the exact address before relying on any school. We do not state assignments or rate schools.

Shopping and property taxes

Highlands Ranch Town Center, developed by Shea Properties, is a 289,472-square-foot retail plaza with tenants such as The Home Depot and Corner Bakery. Property taxes are billed by the Douglas County Treasurer and shared among the taxing authorities serving each parcel, and the county's tax map shows them for a specific property. We do not quote tax rates.

What buyers should check before offering

Book the showing through the listing agent and confirm current gate procedures with the association. Ask for the Backcountry Association assessment, budget and any special assessments, and which LSA applies. Request the covenants, HRCA status paperwork and any ARC approvals. Confirm the tax authorities on the parcel. Get an insurance quote with wildfire in mind. Check the DCSD locator for the address.

New to buying in Colorado? Start with our home buyer guide.

Relocation tips

If you tour from out of state, ask for video walk-throughs and confirm showing procedures ahead of time. New residents buy an HRCA membership card at a recreation center, and it also serves as trail ID.

Buying with a VA loan? Ohana Style Realty is a real estate brokerage, not a lender. Our VA home buying guide for Littleton and the Denver metro is a good place to start if you are VA-eligible.

Frequently asked questions

Is BackCountry in Highlands Ranch a gated community?

Yes. Per the Backcountry Association website as of November 3, 2026, only residents and their invited guests may enter, and prospective buyers must schedule a visit with the seller's agent. Gate procedures can change, so confirm current procedures with the association before you tour.

How much are the BackCountry HOA dues?

Two bills apply. As of November 3, 2026, HRCA's website lists $696 a year ($174 per quarter) for 2026 and $715.60 a year ($178.90 per quarter) for 2027. The Backcountry Association bills a separate monthly assessment; we did not find its amount on public pages. Buyers must verify the recorded covenants, dues and any extra charges for the specific property through the title commitment, association documents and Douglas County records.

What does the Backcountry Association assessment cover?

The association lists trash and recycling, snow removal on major streets and local service areas, common-area management and events, with fitness center access included. Ask which local service area, if any, applies to the home.

Do BackCountry owners also belong to HRCA?

Yes. Every owner of private property in Highlands Ranch is an HRCA member, and sub-association owners pay both assessments.

Can I change the exterior of a BackCountry home?

Only with approval. HRCA requires approval for exterior improvements, including repainting in the same colors, and the Backcountry Architectural Review Committee reviews changes after HRCA approves.

Which school district serves BackCountry?

The area is in Douglas County, and DCSD assigns schools by address. Boundaries can change, so check the exact address in the DCSD School Locator Map.

Can the public use the Backcountry Wilderness Area trails?

Only in part. HRCA says its own trails are private, for residents and accompanied guests, while Douglas County's East/West Regional Trail is open to the public. Rules, closures and access differ by trail, so confirm them with HRCA before you visit.

Is wildfire a concern in BackCountry?

HRCA says wildfire mitigation is a long-running priority in the wilderness area. Ask insurers about coverage for the specific address early.

Related guides

Sources and editorial notes

This guide draws on public sources, facts checked November 3, 2026. Confirm details for any address before you buy.

• Backcountry Association: home
• Backcountry Association: Amenities
• Backcountry Association: FAQs
• Backcountry Association: Member Services
• Backcountry Association: Local Service Area Committees
• Backcountry Association: Architectural Review
• HRCA: Backcountry Wilderness Area
• HRCA: Backcountry Wilderness Area Trails
• HRCA: Assessments for property owners
• HRCA: Residential Property Owner Information
• HRCA: Covenants and Improvements
• HRCA: Governing Documents
• HRCA: About HRCA
• HRCA: Drought & Wildfire Information
• JR Engineering: BackCountry project page
• HRCA: Wildcat Regional Park Project
• Douglas County: East/West Regional Trail
• Shea Properties: Highlands Ranch Town Center
• Douglas County School District: School Locator Map
• Douglas County Assessor
• Douglas County Treasurer

Prepared by Ohana Style Realty. Ohana Style Realty, Littleton, Colorado. 720-706-1411. Neighborhood information is general, gathered from the public sources listed above, and is not legal, tax or insurance advice. Verify details for any address before you buy.