BackCountry
By Jessica Carcoana · Updated September 2026
BackCountry occupies the southern end of Highlands Ranch, where Broadway ends at a staffed gatehouse just south of Wildcat Reserve Parkway. Shea Homes opened the master plan in 2007 and built alongside Toll Brothers, Berkeley Homes, Richmond American, and Paragon on lots of 0.20 to 0.50 acres; new construction has sold out, so the neighborhood now trades entirely on resale. The Sundial House, opened in August 2010, holds the pool, fitness and movement studios, spa treatment rooms, and Pikes Pub, and took two national clubhouse awards in 2011. The 8,200-acre Backcountry Wilderness Area borders the community with more than 26 miles of natural-surface trail, plus more than 8 miles of private trail reachable only from inside the gates. C-470 is about 10 minutes north on Broadway, with I-25 roughly 15 minutes east.
At a glance
Community Anchors
- HRCA: 4 recreation centers (Northridge, Eastridge, Southridge, Westridge)
- HRCA quarterly assessment: $174/qtr ($696/yr) covers all 4 rec centers
- 70+ miles of interconnected trails
- 26+ parks
- Backcountry Wilderness Area (8,200 acres)
- Town Center: restaurants, shops, farmers market, Civic Green events
- Highlands Ranch Library
- The Links Golf Course (public 18-hole)
- Highlands Ranch Golf Club (Hale Irwin 18-hole)
- Highlands Ranch Mansion (events venue)
- Douglas County School District RE-1: 4 high schools (Highlands Ranch HS, ThunderRidge HS, Mountain Vista HS, Rock Canyon HS)
- Sky Ridge Medical Center (5-15 min for most neighborhoods)
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Where it sits
Inside Highlands Ranch. Approximate area.
Quick answersQuestions about BackCountry
Where is BackCountry?
BackCountry is in Highlands Ranch, about 1.9 miles southwest of the Highlands Ranch center. The map on this page shows its approximate location.
When was BackCountry built?
Homes in BackCountry were built between 2005 and 2020 (early 21st century / new build). Builders on record include Shea Homes, Toll Brothers, Berkeley Homes, Richmond American Homes, and Paragon Homes.
Is there an HOA in BackCountry, and what does it cost?
BackCountry has a homeowners association. Dues run about $200-$300/mo + HRCA $174/qtr; confirm the current figure with the association before you buy.
What amenities does BackCountry have?
BackCountry amenities include gated community, Sundial House: 14,000 sqft clubhouse with infinity pool, fitness center, and spa, 8,200-acre Backcountry Wilderness Area, private South Rim Trail access, tennis courts, miles of hiking and biking trails, and wildlife viewing.
How big are the lots in BackCountry?
Typical lots in BackCountry run 0.20-0.50 acres.
Which schools are near BackCountry?
Schools near BackCountry include Heritage Elementary, Mountain Ridge Middle School, and Mountain Vista High School. Verify enrollment eligibility by address.
How high is BackCountry?
BackCountry sits at about 5,830 feet above sea level.
Parks and Schools
- Backcountry Wilderness Area (8,200 acres)
- Paintbrush Park
- Heritage Elementary
- Mountain Ridge Middle School
- Mountain Vista High School
Verify school assignment by address with the district. Attendance boundaries do not follow neighborhood lines.
Commute and Access
- 10 minS. Broadway to C-470
- 15 minI-25
- Wildcat Reserve Pkwy
Transit in Highlands Ranch: RTD bus routes along Broadway and C-470 · RTD Lincoln station (Lone Tree / RidgeGate): 10 min drive · I-25 express lanes to downtown Denver · RTD Park-n-Ride at C-470 and Lucent
Other Neighborhoods in Highlands Ranch
About This Profile
This profile of BackCountry was researched in March 2026. It was last reviewed in September 2026. The price range comes from listed and recently sold homes in the neighborhood. Amenity coverage is strong, with several public sources confirming the list. School assignments conflict across sources (Heritage, Arrowwood, Stone Mountain); verify by address.
Data sourced from direct and indirect online resources. Details are subject to change over time as we continue to research this area.