Things to Do in Highlands Ranch
Amenity-focused master-planned community
Dining & Nightlife
- Restaurant Count
- 80+
- Breweries & Taprooms
- 3+ (3 Freaks Brewery, Grist Brewing, Downhill Brewing nearby)
- Coffee Shops
- Moderate — Starbucks, Ziggi's, indie shops in Town Center
- Farmers Market
- Highlands Ranch Farmers Market (summer Sundays)
- Food Trucks
- Food trucks at HRCA community events and Civic Green Park
Notable Restaurants
- Old Blinking Light (American with Southwestern influences)
- Nick-N-Willy's (local pizza chain, founded in HR)
- Indulge Bistro & Wine Bar
- Tavern at Highlands Ranch
Arts & Entertainment
- Community Center
- 4 HRCA rec centers (329,000 sqft total); Civic Green Park amphitheater
- Museums
- Highlands Ranch Mansion (1891 historic landmark, cultural events)
- Theater
- None locally; nearest at Town Hall Arts Center (Littleton, 15 min) or PACE Center (Parker)
- Public Art
- Sculptures and art installations at Civic Green Park and Town Center
Annual Events
- Highlands Ranch Days (September — community's signature festival)
- Concerts at Civic Green (summer series)
- HRCA Holiday Festival
- Community fun runs and 5Ks
Parks & Outdoors
- Backcountry Wilderness Area — 8,200 acres, 70+ miles trails
- Highlands Ranch Community Association — 4 rec centers
- Wildcat Mountain Open Space
- McArthur Ranch Park
Pet-Friendly Living
- Off-Leash Dog Parks
- 4 HRCA off-leash dog parks — Foothills Park (27 acres, separate small/large dog areas), David A. Lorenz Regional Dog Park, plus community parks
- Pet-Friendly Trails
- Extensive — 70+ miles of trails; Backcountry Wilderness trails dog-friendly on leash
- Vet Clinics
- 8+ clinics — Highlands Ranch Animal Clinic, VCA, Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center (nearby)
- Pet Stores
- PetSmart, Petco, independent pet stores
- Dog-Friendly Patios
- Several Town Center restaurants offer dog-friendly patios
FAQ — Highlands Ranch
What outdoor recreation is available in Highlands Ranch?
The Backcountry Wilderness Area offers 8,200 acres of open space with 26 miles of singletrack mountain biking trails. The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) manages 4 recreation centers totaling 329,000 square feet, with pools, climbing walls, batting cages, and archery. Over 70 miles of community trails connect all neighborhoods. The annual HRCA assessment is $684/year ($171/quarter).
What dining and shopping options are in Highlands Ranch?
Highlands Ranch has 80+ restaurants centered around Town Center. Highlights: • Old Blinking Light — American with Southwestern influences • Nick-N-Willy’s — local pizza chain founded in Highlands Ranch • Indulge Bistro & Wine Bar • 3 Freaks Brewery, Grist Brewing, and Downhill Brewing nearby • Highlands Ranch Farmers Market (summer Sundays) • Town Center shops and dining district