User:Renaebomb/BackCountry CO
In 1988, a visionary partnership led to the eventual creation of what is known today as BackCountry. Over 20 years ago, the developer of BackCountry agreed with Douglas County, the Highlands Ranch Community Association[1] and Sand Creek Cattle Company to preserve approximately 8,200 acres in the southern part of Highlands Ranch, Colorado and protect it for future generations, “for the purpose of…administering these lands for use in perpetuity for open space, recreation purposes, public facilities and wildlife habitat enhancement.” Today, the 8,200-acre preserve created in 1988 is known as the Backcountry Wilderness Area (Open Space Conservation Area). Bordering the Wilderness Area to the north is BackCountry. [2] [3]
The Sundial House: Gateway to the Backcountry Wilderness Area
A variety of trails connect the homes in BackCountry to numerous parks and the community’s crown jewel — the Sundial House. Nestled atop a dominant ridge, the Sundial House commands a dramatic location offering panoramic views of everything from downtown Denver, to Longs Peak, Pikes Peak, and the 8,200 acres of Backcountry Wilderness Area. From the tepee to the kivas Native Americans used long before we arrived, the Sundial House pays respect to this land’s ancient traditions. The chimney spire and the building’s semi-circular design work together as a sundial — and connect us with celestial time and the four seasons. The Sundial House also functions as a convenient trailhead for all 6 of the trails within Backcountry. Two of these Trails, the Sundial Loop and the Backcountry Loop are located in the South Rim. The first phase of the Sundial House, which includes the pool and spa area is scheduled to open summer of 2009.
BackCountry Parks and Trails
BackCountry offers over 16 miles of trails including 4 within the community and 2 within the South Rim. The two trails located in the South Rim, the Backcountry Loop and the Sundial Loop both connect to the Douglas County Regional Trail system, adding unlimited access and enjoyment. In addition to the extensive community trail system, 6 different parks will offer residents a variety of outdoor experiences.
BackCountry Trails The Grand Loop: 3.8 miles Shadow Walk Loop: 2.9 miles Spirit Trail Loop: 2.1 miles Featherwalk Loop: 1.8 miles Sundial Loop: 2.4 miles (long loop), .75 mile (short loop) BackCountry Loop: 3.5 miles (long loop), 2.1 miles (short loop).
BackCountry Parks Discovery Park The first park you’ll experience as you enter BackCountry, Discovery Park features a meandering waterway that makes its way into a pond along the Discovery Center’s edge. You’ll find some small, private spaces, perfect for reflection by the water, or time with a good book
Solstice Park When completed, Solstice Park will feature the largest manicured lawn in the neighborhood anchored by a line of trees that will flow south, leading up the hill to the Sundial House. This beautiful park is sure to be a favorite open space for a game of Frisbee or a picnic.
Reflection Park Ready and waiting for your enjoyment, Reflection Park is distinguished by an open green area surrounding the lake, with a deck/patio that stretches out over the water’s edge. Step out over the water and take in the view, or take to the paved trail that leads from the park to the Sundial House.
Water’s Edge Park Slated for future development, Water’s Edge Park will be located directly downhill from the Sundial House with steep slopes that lead to the water’s edge. Nestled along the main road to the Sundial House and close to a number of custom homes, when completed this park will be a wonderful spot to enjoy a morning cup of coffee.
Overlook Park Already a neighborhood favorite, Overlook Park has earned its name due to its elevated location above the surrounding terrain. There’s an observation area where you can look down over the Discovery Center, or take in the astonishing views of the surrounding neighborhood.
Windmill Park As the community continues to grow, so will the parks. Windmill Park will be located just over a gentle hill and will have its own manicured lawn. Although Windmill Park will be somewhat removed from the other parks, it is sure to be a favorite gathering spot for neighbors who live close by and will have direct access by trails.
Follow these trails a bit farther, and you’ll discover that the Backcountry Wilderness Area is a constantly shifting tapestry of flora and fauna. Winter. Spring. Summer. Fall. Here, each season brings a change in the light, a change in the scenery, and most important of all, a change in what you can do. Follow one of the many winding trails that lead out past the edges of the community and you will enter the astonishing South Rim.
BackCountry Ecosystems
BackCountry is home to four distinct ecosystems, which support nearly countless plants and animals. At the edge of the mountains and the plains, this land is home to four distinct ecosystems. And wherever this happens, you will find an abundance of life. Walking through Backcountry Wilderness Area, you can see them all:
Riparian: While exploring the Backcountry Wilderness Area, you cross a riparian habitat, where natural waterways support cottonwoods and other trees.
The Grasslands: The grasslands are relatively treeless plains that are home to a variety of large mammals. Ever since the last ice age, shortgrass prairies have been home to deer, elk, bison, and pronghorn antelope.
The Shrublands: The shrublands are home to shrubs such as the Mountain Mahogany, but are perhaps best known for Gambel Oaks. These flourish in full sun and on hillsides with thin, rocky soil, and are known for growing in clusters due to their vast underground root structure. Perfect for shaded picnics, a Gambel Oak is also an important food source for grazing animals like deer. Historically, acorns from a Gambel Oak provided a reliable source of food for Native Americans.
The Woodlands: The Ponderosa Pine is a magnificent tree that towers over other high-elevation plants, sometimes growing as tall as 140 feet, with a 4-foot diameter. Known for its fascinating jigsaw-pattern bark (and the bark’s vanilla smell), the stands of Ponderosa Pine in the Backcountry Wilderness Area are majestic and inspiring.