The first homesteader of the "Ranch," was David Gregory in 1867. Many more followed in the next 40 years, including Lewis Wales Cleveland, a sixth cousin to President Grover Cleveland.  It is believed that Union General Kit Carson built his last campfire near Highlands Ranch in.

A small ranch-house was initially built near Quebec & University Blvd. in 1879 by Johanne Welte & Plazides Gassner.  It was known as the Big Dry Creek Cheese Ranch; where brick & Limburger cheese were produced for the next 50 years. 

The original Mansion House was built between 1890 and 1904 on 12,000 acres of land then owned by John Springer, a descendant of the Czar and Grand Duchess of Russia. The home was built using field stone and had 14 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and 5 fireplaces.  Mr. Springer continued building several additions to the home for the next 30 years, eventually completing 60% of its present size.  During the early 1900's additional homesteads were acquired and the cattle ranch grew to over 23,000 acres. 

The first homes were offered for sale in July 1981, and in September 1981 the first residents moved into Highlands Ranch. In August 1997, J.F. Shea Co., parent company of Shea Homes, purchased the community of Highlands Ranch.

The next property owner was Waite Phillips, brother of Phillips Petroleum founders, Frank and L.E. Phillips. He purchased the property in 1920. Phillips sold the property 6 years later to Frank Kistler for $425,000. Kistler changed the mansion to a Tudor style, added 6 fireplaces, 9 bedrooms and a secret panel and passageway. Kistler sold the ranch in 1937 to Lawrence Phipps, Jr., son of US Senator Lawrence Phipps. The ranch became known as the Phipps Ranch and was used as a cattle ranch. Phipps died in the mansion in 1976.

The ranch was briefly purchased by a group of Denver businessmen in 1977 and then sold to the Mission Viejo Company, a California-based master planner and land developer. They were the original developer of the land who began the spectacular community that it is today.  

The first homes were offered for sale in 1981. By 1993 the population of Highlands Ranch reached 78,633 residents with nearly 25,600 homes and 3,300 apartments. In 1997, the J.F. Shea Company purchased the community of Highlands Ranch.  Estimated build-out of the community is anticipated shortly after 2010 with a final population of approximately 90,000 residents and 36,700 homes.