Backcountry Bluebird Hike, Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness

The Backcountry Wilderness Area of Highlands Ranch is an 8,200 acre conservation property. For this bluebird hike, we’ll explore the Highlands Bluebird Trail off of Grigs Road. Join us as we peek inside nest boxes to check for eggs and babies of mountain and western bluebirds and tree swallows. We’ll also see bird species that prefer open grasslands and Gambel Oak including scrub jay, spotted towhee, golden eagle, red-tailed hawk and kestrel. Activity Level: Elevation is 6300 ft. Walking on and off designated trails. Trails will be mostly easy, but may be of moderate difficulty in some areas. Wear closed toe shoes.

Meeting Place: Grigs Road Parking Area. From University Blvd, turn south on Wildcat Preserve Pkwy (near Southridge Recreation Center). Turn east on McArthur Ranch Road then south on Grigs Road. Continue up the road, as it becomes dirt. Pull into the parking lot at the top of the hill on the left.

Leaders: Harriet Stratton and Maura Bishop

Registration required: Maximum 18 participants. Cost is $6 for Highlands Ranch Residents and ASGD Members; $8 for the public.