Backcountry Wilderness Area Wildcat Trails Closed for Wintering Wildlife

Douglas County residents saw a familiar winter restriction take effect on January 1 when the Wildcat Trail System within the Backcountry Wilderness Area closed for its typical January 1 through March 31 seasonal protection period. The closure, intended to reduce disturbance to wintering wildlife and nesting eagles, removes about 5.5 miles of predominantly beginner to intermediate natural surface trail from public use for three months during the prime wintering season.

The Backcountry Wilderness Area spans thousands of acres in Highlands Ranch and includes more than 25 miles of natural surface trails when combining trails maintained by the Highlands Ranch Community Association with the Douglas County East and West Regional Trail. Trails maintained by the Highlands Ranch Community Association are primarily intended for association members and their guests, while the Douglas County East and West Regional Trail that passes nearby remains open to the public year round. The larger trail network also includes the Highlands Point trail network, which measures approximately 10 miles, and mapped access points near Rocky Heights Middle School and Monarch Boulevard.

Trail use is governed by posted hours from sunrise to sunset, a leash and control policy for dogs that restricts pets to specific designated routes, and standard guidance encouraging users to stay on designated routes, observe wildlife safety practices, and follow trail etiquette. The seasonal Wildcat closure is part of that management approach, supported by informational materials and organized programming offered by the association, including guided hikes, a Goat Picnic Hike and nature storytimes for families.

The closure underscores institutional responsibilities shared by the Highlands Ranch Community Association and Douglas County. It raises practical equity and access questions for residents who rely on nearby trails for exercise and commuting to school and work, and it highlights the role of governance choices in balancing conservation with recreation. Residents seeking more information about trail conditions or organized programs can consult the Highlands Ranch Community Association Backcountry Wilderness Area page at hrcaonline.org/Recreation/Backcountry-Wilderness-Area/Trails. Civic engagement with county parks officials and HRCA leadership will shape future management decisions and how access and conservation priorities are balanced for Douglas County residents.