A Local’s Guide to Schools, Parks, and Amenities in Backcountry

Backcountry is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Located along the southern edge of the community and adjacent to the 8,200-acre Backcountry Wilderness Area, this private, gated enclave combines scenic beauty with upscale living. With access to top-rated schools (including both public and private options), miles of trails, and resort-style amenities, Backcountry offers a lifestyle that is both elevated and grounded in nature. This guide outlines everything you need to know about living in Backcountry, from education to outdoor activities and beyond.

Schools: Exceptional Education Options Nearby

Families in Backcountry are served by the Douglas County School District RE‑1, one of the highest-performing public school systems in the state. Depending on your exact address within the neighborhood, zoning may include one of several excellent public schools.

Neighborhood Public Schools:

• Stone Mountain Elementary School
  Located just minutes away and known for strong academics and community engagement.
  
  

• Ranch View Middle School
  Offers diverse electives and enrichment programs.
  
  

• Thunderridge High School
  A comprehensive public high school with academic tracks in STEM, arts, advanced placement courses, athletics, and extracurriculars. It serves the Stone Mountain Elementary attendance zone.
  
  

Some parts of Backcountry may instead be zoned for Mountain Vista High School or Rock Canyon High School, both nationally recognized for academic excellence. Rock Canyon High School has over 2,300 students enrolled for the 2023–24 year, while Highlands Ranch High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,390 students in the same period.

Charter School Option:

• STEM School Highlands Ranch
  A tuition-free public K–12 charter school focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. Highly regarded in the regional education community.
  
  

Private School Option:

• Valor Christian High School
  A private, independent, non-denominational Christian preparatory school serving grades 9–12. Located at 3775 Grace Boulevard in Highlands Ranch, it enrolls around 1,150 students (2023–24) and features a low student‑to‑teacher ratio of about 11.6:1. Valor is nationally recognized, having been named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2021. It offers advanced placement courses, dual‑credit options, robust arts and athletics programs, and operates on a 35‑acre campus.
  
  

Many families value Valor Christian High School for its academic rigor, Christ‑centered culture, and competitive sports teams—including multiple state championships in football, basketball, volleyball, golf, and more.

Parks and Trails: Adventure Just Steps Away

Residents of Backcountry enjoy direct access to the Backcountry Wilderness Area, a protected expanse of more than 8,200 acres that offers over 26 miles of private natural‑surface trails. These trails connect throughout the private community, providing hiking, wildlife viewing, biking, and winter recreation like snowshoeing. HRCA restricts access to Highlands Ranch residents, ensuring a tranquil setting away from crowds.

Within the community, backcountry style parks, scenic ponds, and open meadows offer residents daily enjoyment of nature. Inside the gates you will find pocket parks and groomed loops designed for walking, running, or enjoying local wildlife.

In addition to the trails and parks in Backcountry itself, residents also have access to the larger Highlands Ranch Community Association park network, which includes:

• Four recreation centers featuring fitness facilities, gymnasiums, swimming pools, and climbing walls
  
  

• Over 70 miles of trails across the Highlands Ranch area
  
  

• Tennis and pickleball courts
  
  

• Skate parks, sports fields, playgrounds, community gardens, and off‑leash dog parks.
  
  

Amenities: Resort‑Style Comfort at Home

Backcountry distinguishes itself with curated lifestyle amenities framed by nature.

Sundial House
This private clubhouse overlooks the wilderness area and features a resort‑style pool, spa, fitness center, fire pits, lounges, and spaces for yoga, wine tastings, and events. Its architecture blends elegantly with the natural ridge setting.

Discovery Center and Lost Coffee
A residents‑only café and meeting place serving espresso and light fare, within the Discovery building just steps from central trails.

Pikes Pub & Lounge
An onsite restaurant and bar offering dinners, drinks, and casual events for residents and their guests. It is managed by the Campus Lounge group and offers scenic views.

A staffed 24/7 gatehouse provides security and controlled guest access, ensuring privacy and peace of mind.

Seasonally (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day) the Backcountry Pool complex is open daily from early morning into the evening. It includes both a lap pool and recreational pool, along with hot tubs. Resident reservations and guest pass policies help maintain an uncluttered experience.

Living in Backcountry

Backcountry offers a unique blend of privacy, nature, luxury, and community. Homes in this neighborhood range from custom estates to upscale townhomes and feature architectural design that complements the surrounding wilderness. Many homes provide walk‑out basements, large outdoor decks with mountain vistas, spa‑inspired interiors, and open‑concept living spaces.

Despite its secluded feel, Backcountry is minutes from shopping centers like Park Meadows Mall and Highlands Ranch Town Center, medical facilities, golf courses, and easy access to highways such as C‑470 and I‑25.

Jessica Northrop, founding partner of Compass Denver, is a top 0.5% real estate agent with over $950M in lifetime sales. Recognized as a leading Denver luxury real estate agent, Jessica specializes in custom homes, new construction, and homes with mountain views across the Denver metro, Highlands Ranch, and Backcountry. Discover why Jessica Northrop is consistently ranked among the top Denver real estate teams for buyers and sellers of luxury homes in Colorado.