Waterton Canyon

This is where the South Platte River comes out of the mountains. Clear water and knarley rock walls. The road, which is closed to cars, used to be part of the rail route to South Park. 6.5 miles of gentle grade, up to Strontia Springs Reservoir, then just a little farther and you hit the Colorado Trail single-track. Half of the time you will see bighorn sheep. Great scenery. When I have out of town visitors I loan them a bike and we go here.

Beautiful hidden gem close to Denver. Waterton Canyon offers year round access to hiking, biking, fishing and sightseeing opportunities.

After about 1 mile from the large parking area (which has restrooms), you enter the actual canyon. From this point all the way until you are 6.5 miles up at Strontia Springs, keep you eyes open for Big Horn Sheep coming down from the hillside to drink. The sheep are active during the day and in my 10+ times in the canyon I have seen them every time, including some close encounters.

Please note dogs are not allowed in Waterton Canyon, which is the source of Denver's water supply and why the canyon is owned and operated by Denver Water.

You will see all types of people on the trail as this also serves as the starting point to the Colorado Trail, the 486 mile trail ending in Durango, CO.

Nice easy trail!

My husband and I have been there twice. We love the views. Surprisingly they have plenty of picking areas with restrooms that are CLEAN. Unfortunately we had hike there after 10am and the sun doesn’t have mercy.

Awesome place, lots of bighorns, and people