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Course Highlights
The HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon is one of the Denver metro area’s most popular trail half marathons, set within the stunning Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness Area in Douglas County. The 13.1-mile course winds through the Douglas County East/West Trail and the wilderness backcountry on a mix of singletrack, rolling hills, and open-sky ridgelines with breathtaking panoramic views of the Front Range. The trails traverse native grasslands, ponderosa pine forests, and open meadows that are home to deer, foxes, and birds of prey — a true wilderness experience just 20 miles south of downtown Denver.
Race Details
The 18th Annual HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon takes place Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM from 11033 Monarch Boulevard in Lone Tree. The race is organized by the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) and has grown into a beloved local institution since its founding. The modest registration fee (approximately 5–1) is one of the best values on the Colorado trail racing calendar. The course begins and finishes in the Lone Tree area with excellent parking and family-friendly post-race amenities.
Why Runners Love It
The Backcountry Wilderness Half is unique among Denver-area trail races because it puts runners in genuine wilderness terrain just a short drive from the metro. November timing means cool, crisp running conditions ideal for a fast trail half marathon, and the Front Range views from the higher trail sections on a clear fall day are spectacular. The HRCA’s community focus makes for a warm, welcoming race atmosphere quite different from larger commercial events.
Race Weekend Tips
November mornings in the Highlands Ranch area can be cold — temperatures at the 9:00 AM start typically range from the mid-20s to mid-40s°F. Dress in layers appropriate for cool, potentially windy conditions. The backcountry terrain includes some technical singletrack and rocky sections, so trail shoes with good traction are recommended over road runners. The race is popular with local runners and sells out — register in summer when registration opens.
Register
Registration opens in summer at RunSignup. Watch the HRCA website and RunSignup for the exact opening date — this race regularly fills before race day.
Lone Tree, Colorado United States
Course Highlights
The HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon is one of the Denver metro area’s most popular trail half marathons, set within the stunning Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness Area in Douglas County. The 13.1-mile course winds through the Douglas County East/West Trail and the wilderness backcountry on a mix of singletrack, rolling hills, and open-sky ridgelines with breathtaking panoramic views of the Front Range. The trails traverse native grasslands, ponderosa pine forests, and open meadows that are home to deer, foxes, and birds of prey — a true wilderness experience just 20 miles south of downtown Denver.
Race Details
The 18th Annual HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon takes place Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM from 11033 Monarch Boulevard in Lone Tree. The race is organized by the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) and has grown into a beloved local institution since its founding. The modest registration fee (approximately 5–1) is one of the best values on the Colorado trail racing calendar. The course begins and finishes in the Lone Tree area with excellent parking and family-friendly post-race amenities.
Why Runners Love It
The Backcountry Wilderness Half is unique among Denver-area trail races because it puts runners in genuine wilderness terrain just a short drive from the metro. November timing means cool, crisp running conditions ideal for a fast trail half marathon, and the Front Range views from the higher trail sections on a clear fall day are spectacular. The HRCA’s community focus makes for a warm, welcoming race atmosphere quite different from larger commercial events.
Race Weekend Tips
November mornings in the Highlands Ranch area can be cold — temperatures at the 9:00 AM start typically range from the mid-20s to mid-40s°F. Dress in layers appropriate for cool, potentially windy conditions. The backcountry terrain includes some technical singletrack and rocky sections, so trail shoes with good traction are recommended over road runners. The race is popular with local runners and sells out — register in summer when registration opens.
Register
Registration opens in summer at RunSignup. Watch the HRCA website and RunSignup for the exact opening date — this race regularly fills before race day.