High Line Canal | |||||
Owned and Operated by Denver Water
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Reservations: Day use area – no reservations required. Elevation: Capacity: 600 cubic ft/sec Getting There: High Line Canal Map |
* 1 acre foot=325,851 gal. |
The canal has become a major recreational amenity in the Denver area with its trail used for hiking, biking, jogging and horseback riding. Douglas County administers the first 8.7 miles of trail,
| Handy, pocket-sized Guide to the High Line Canal Trail, only $3.25 in the DW bookstore. |
From a diversion dam on the South Platte River 1.8 miles upstream from the mouth of Waterton Canyon, the canal runs 66 miles (106km) east-northeasterly through Douglas, Arapahoe, and Denver Counties terminating at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Lateral in the Green Valley Ranch area of extreme northeast Denver. The 60 miles of trail access starts on Waterton Road in Douglas County and can be reached by most major thoroughfares in Littleton, Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, and southeast Denver and south-central parts of Aurora and Green Valley Ranch.
Getting There: The canal is accessible along most of its length. To reach its starting point, take Hwy 470 to Wadworth (Hwy 121), then follow 121 south to the Kassler Center. For more information on access and facilities along the canal, check out our new High Line Canal Map and Guide to the High Line Canal Trail)
Seasonal Information |
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| Description | Start Date | End Date | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open year round, 5:00 am – 11:00 pm, subject to modification by the recreation district. | |||
| Regulations vary within Recreation Districts. | |||
| Special Events: Permits must be obtained from both Denver Water and the recreation management agency for the area of the event. | |||
Recreation Opportunities | |
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| Activity | Remarks |
 Viewing Scenery |
Wildlife viewing, from birds to mammals to several species of reptiles as well as flora. |
 Cycling |
Road bikes are best suited on the hard surfaces portion of the canal trail, Denver and Aurora. The route through South Suburban, Highlands Ranch and Chatfield is all soft-surface trails, more suited for mountain bike use. |
 Hiking |
The trail is used by a variety of people, from walkers strolling babies, to joggers keeping in shape and runners training for races. Please be considerate to others. |
 Equestrian |
Horses are welcome on most of the canal, but make sure you know the regulations. |
 Picnicking |
The canal winds through many parks that provide picnic tables. There are a few tables available along the canal trail. Benches are also provided along most of the canal. See local area maps for locations. |
Please be aware that dogs/pets must be on a leash, and that owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. |
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Phone Numbers: Douglas County – 303-470-0140 |
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Placing concrete in the floor slab of the High Line Canal flume, 1934. |