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Your Local Wild Place for Conservation, Education, & Recreation

The Backcountry Wilderness Area, an 8,200-acre wildlife habitat conservation property surrounded by development and population growth, serves as a sanctuary for wildlife and a close-to-home access to nature for our community. Guided by the mission to improve wildlife habitat, inspire future nature stewards, and ignite a lifelong love for the outdoors, this area is minimally impacted by humans to provide essential refuge for elk, wild turkeys, coyotes, bluebirds, Golden eagles, and countless other species. For wildlife and our community to thrive, preserving this wild space is vital.

The Backcountry Outdoor Center
Gateway to the Backcountry Wilderness Area

The Backcountry Outdoor Center

The Backcountry Outdoor Center is your gateway to the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Stop by the Horse Corrals for horseback riding lessons or guided trail rides, or continue to the Archery Ranges, where you can test your skills at both the Static and 3D Ranges. Beyond the gates of Base Camp, all exploration is available only through guided programs designed for all ages from pre-K to gray.

Camp Backcountry Campers
Connect to Nature

Camp Backcountry

Camp Backcountry is where your kid comes to explore our local wild place—the Backcountry Wilderness Area. This 8,200-acre conservation property offers unparalleled opportunities to discover nature, get dirty, play in the woods, and experience uninterrupted time in the outdoors—rooted in environmental education and scientific discovery.

Nature Tots

Wild Roots Camp

Wild Roots

Wild Roots is an alternative to preschool as you know it. An outdoor-based early childhood education program, the program offers an immersive experience in nature with a play-based approach to learning.

Parent Tot Program in Colorado

Parent-Tot Programs

Let us help you give your child a special place in nature, some tools to build and create, and the freedom to explore! Our experienced early childhood nature instructors will guide you and your child into the magic of nature play.

Pony Classes in Colorado

Pony Programs

Spark a love for horses in your little ones with our engaging Pony Programs. Tailored for young riders, these hands-on sessions introduce basic horse care, grooming, and riding in a fun, safe environment. 

Backcountry Wilderness Area

Programs & Amenities

The Backcountry Wilderness Area also invites the community to foster their connection with nature through responsible access to recreation spaces like trails and archery ranges. Programs and camps at the Base Camp and Horse Corrals, welcome participants from pre-K to gray to trade screen time for green time, nurturing a shared love for the outdoors and a commitment to conservation.

Child Taking Environmental Education Class

Environmental Education

The BWA offers dynamic environmental education programs for all ages. Explore wildlife, native plants, ecosystems, conservation practices, wilderness survival skills, and more in this immersive outdoor setting.

Child Riding a Horse at a Horse Riding Class

Horse Programs

From trail rides through scenic landscapes to lessons that build confidence and skill, our expert instructors and gentle horses create unforgettable experiences for riders of all experience levels.

Hiking Trail in Highlands Ranch

Hiking Trails

The Backcountry has 25+ miles of natural surface trails perfect for mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and exploring nature. Find maps and more information here.

Archer in Highlands Ranch

Archery Ranges

The BWA Archery Ranges accommodate archers of all skill levels. The ranges are open to the public and require a day-use or season pass. You do not need to live in Highlands Ranch to use the ranges.

Elk in Highlands Ranch

Hunting

The BWA Hunt Program offers world-class hunting opportunities include elk, deer, turkey, and coyote hunts won through drawings, auction, and raffles.

Give Back to the Backcountry

Find ways to get involved in the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund through donations, corporate sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, and more.

Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund logo

Donate to the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund

Our mission is to improve wildlife habitat, inspire the next generation of nature stewards, and ignite a lifelong love of the outdoors for all.

Learn More

HRCA Backcountry Event Collage

Attend a Backcountry Event

Experience and support the Backcountry Wilderness Area through our annual events! Proceeds benefit the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund.

Volunteering in Colorado

Volunteer in the Backcountry

Throughout the year, we are always looking for people who want to lend their talents and muscles to making the Backcountry Wilderness Area a better place.

More Information

Learn more about the Backcountry Wilderness Area management and current initiatives

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