The recent discussion surrounding the seasonal golden eagle closure on Wildcat Mountain generated a lot of support, a lot of questions, and an opportunity to talk about one of the tools we use to protect wildlife: trail cameras. When people think about trail cameras, they often think about enforcement. Sometimes they do help with enforcement, but that's only a small part of the story. At their core, trail cameras help us understand what is happening on the landscape. They all

Our favorite apps for exploring the Backcountry Wilderness Area, and which upcoming programs to try them out on

Photo by Becca Venable This summer, a piece of American West history is coming home to the Backcountry Wilderness Area. For the first time in more than a century, bison will once again roam the grasslands of Highlands Ranch as part of a major conservation partnership between the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund, Denver Mountain Parks, and the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. This project allows the Denver Mountain Parks bison the ability to graze seasonally in addition to th

What began this winter as a few more dead ponderosa pines than usual quickly became something much more. This spring, we identified more than 300 dead or dying trees in the Backcountry Wilderness Area with clear signs of pine beetle infestation, marking the start of an outbreak in the Backcountry Wilderness Area.

What better way to celebrate the month of love than by exploring animal magnetism right here in the Backcountry Wilderness Area? In the wild, choosing a mate is serious business. Strength, stamina, loyalty, and even a little flair all come into play. Two of our most iconic species — elk and golden eagles — put on some of the most impressive courtship displays you’ll ever see. Let’s take a closer look. Elk: Bugles, Battles, and Bachelor Drama If you’ve spent time in the Backco

Thinking about settling in for a long winter’s nap? Many animal species that call Colorado home already settled in some time ago! Here in the Backcountry Wilderness Area, there are a multitude of wildlife species: elk, mule deer, coyote, fox, bobcat, mountain lion, black bear, porcupine, insects, lepidoptera (butterflies & moths), bats, and birds ... to name just a few. Not all these animals are adapted to survive winters in our climate. Animals either hibernate or migrate, r

When you think about the blustery winter days ahead, what comes to mind? The coziness of spending time with loved ones? Making new memories outdoors? At Backcountry Wilderness Area’s Base Camp you can do just that, even if weather conditions are less than picture perfect! We hold two cozy programs- S’mores Hikes and S’mores and Storytime . A S’mores Hike will take you on a scenic hike through the Backcountry, where you’ll work up an appetite, and finish your experience cozie

A last-minute holiday gift guide for the 2025 season that centers meaningful outdoor experiences and conservation.

2025 Tax Planning Tips: Build Wealth, Build Wonder The Backcountry Wilderness Area offers something we all want to preserve: open space,...

The details you need to Back the Backcountry! Each November, the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund celebrates another year dedicated to...

Your chance to hear the regal call of Fall in the Backcountry Wilderness Area is now. Registration is open for Elk Bugling Hikes.

After 10 weeks, the summer is a wrap at Camp Backcountry. Here's a rundown of the summer of 2024!

Highlands Ranch Community Association's Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund receives $5000 sponsorship from the Douglas County Health Dept.

On a November 2023 evening in the 4th Season, we captured video of how our responsible hunting practices and determined conservation...

A guide to packing your kid’s lunch for Camp Backcountry. Summer at Camp Backcountry is here, and so is the return of prepping your kid’s...

The Backcountry Wilderness Area celebrates 15 years since the HRCA began managing the 13-square-mile conservation property.

How unstructured time in nature plays an important role in a child's well-being.

An inside look at the impact of all-girl programs in the Backcountry Wilderness Area.

Seven concepts to keep in mind when you start your spring adventures outdoors.

How Camp Backcountry is cultivating the educators of tomorrow.