Highline Canal Trail

Highline Canal Trail

For a refreshing pause amid Denver’s bustle, enjoy a quiet walk along the Highline Canal. Conceived in 1870 by James Duff, a Scotsman determined to bring water to the farms east of Denver, the 71-mile waterway is still an irrigation canal, but for Denverites it is better known as a swath of nature that runs through the heart of the city. Beginning in South Platte Canyon (south Denver), the canal, which carries water 4 to 7 feet deep, follows the natural contours of the land, dropping only 300 feet in elevation for its entire length. The 58-mile-long, 8- to 12-foot-wide pathway (paved in urban areas, hard-packed south of Hampden Avenue) parallels the canal. The trail’s southwest to northeast course traverses open plains and urban sections and passes near beautiful residential areas, parks, and golf courses. Tall cottonwoods line most sections, affording shade in the summer and a splash of bright color in the fall. Each section offers a calm reprieve from the city and a chance to savor a slice of the natural environment. DeKoevend Park’s playground and three bridges spanning the canal appeal to kids; parents appreciate the area’s restrooms, covered picnic tables, and ease of parking. Designated open-space areas border either side of the park, providing destinations for hikers and bird-watchers.

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