- Hike Distance: 3.7Miles (RT)
- Denver Drive Time: 30
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 2hrs
- Activities: Hiking, Cylcing, Birdwatching, Pond, Picnic Shelter
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: All Year
- Beauty: Giant Cottonwood Trees, Highline Canal, Wetlands, Waterfowl, Pond at the Fly’n B Park
- Trail Map Link: Click Here (see A6 to A2)
Denver’s Highline Canal was designed as an irrigation stream, but it has become a 66 mile long hiking and biking trail running through the heart of Denver. This particular hiking trail section is in the Littleton & Highlands Ranch area. There are two parking lots from which you can start the hike: the Countyline Road Trailhead, or the Fly’n B Park lot. Round Trip, this segment is about 4 miles. From the Countyline Trailhead, cross over the first footbridge and head South (left). You’ll run into an intersection about 200 yards up. Take a right to continue following the Highline.
Water flows in the highland canal about 90 days a year. Because the canal only drops two feet per mile, the water, even when it is flowing fast, appears calm. This is part of what gives this trail such a pastoral feel, even though it is close to 470. Immense Cottonwood trees arch over the path, and all sorts of birds decorate the bushes and wetlands that have grown up wild along its edges.
The trail is great for a stroller hike and for wheelchairs. After about 2 miles of trail, you’ll walk through a tunnel that goes under 470. You’ll then emerge to find yourself at Fly’n B Park. It looks like it is an old ranch that has been converted into a great park near Highlands Ranch. It features a small pond with boat dock, and a fantastic shelter house. The pond looks like a perfect place to take kids fishing in Denver. We haven’t tried it out yet, so we would love your feedback if you have. The Highlands Ranch Metro District Parks has plans to renovate the home on the property. Outdoor restrooms and some parking is available. However, we recommend parking at the Countyline Road Trailhead for this hike.
Tips:
- A detailed guide to of the Highline Canal Trail can be ordered from Denver Water.
- Take some snacks and extra water. The Highline continues well beyond this section and you’re likely to want to explore more of it.
- From the Countyline Trailhead, you can also go North towards for views of McLellan Reservoir and the Front Range.
Related Hikes:
- Hike Distance: 2.5 to 4 miles approx (RT)
- Denver Drive Time: 45 min
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 1.5-2.5 hrs
- Activities: Picnic Areas, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Loop w/Spur Option
- Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Beauty: Canyon, Waterfalls and Cascades, Cliff Swallows, Cliff-Top Views, Geologic Features
- Trail Map Link: Click Here
If your legs are ready to gain some quick elevation
to some rewarding views, the Rattlesnake Gulch trail will give you just that. This trail starts at the west trailhead of the Fowler Trail about 1/2 a mile into Eldorado Canyon. Read More
- Hike Distance: 2.6 Miles
- Denver Drive Time: 40
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1.5 Hrs
- Activities: Hiking, Dog Park Nearby
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Loop
- Trail Map: Elk Meadow Park Map
- Seasons: All Season
- Beauty: Meadows, Old Barn, Ponderosa Pine, Wildlife: Elk, & Abert’s Squirrel
Elk Meadow Park has just over 13 miles of hiking trails near Denver that wind through it’s lower meadows, through ponderosa forest, and two more strenuous options that lead to the summit of Bergen Peak. This profiles a 2.6 mile loop that begins at the south parking area. To form the loop, Read More
- Hike Distance: .7 (RT) (see trail options below)
- Denver Drive Time: 50min
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium
- Duration: 30min+
- Activities: Rock Climbing, Hiking, Picnic Areas, Birdwatching, Wildlife Viewing
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash in Most Areas
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back & Loop Options
- Seasons: All Season
- Beauty: Cherry Creek, Waterfall, Interesting Geology, Canyon Views, Ruins
- Fee Required: Visit Colorado State Parks Site
The Homestead Trail in Castlewood Canyonis the first trail you will encounter as you enter the west side of the park. Park at the first lot and you’ll immediately see the ruins of the old Lucas Homestead, an unusual concrete structure built in the late 1800′s.
The trail is less than a mile round trip, but it links up with several other trails which form 2 loops. Read More
- Hike Distance: 5.3 Miles of Trail
- Denver Drive Time: 35 Min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 30 min to 4hrs
- Activities: Hiking, Running, Biking, Birdwatching
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: All Season
- Beauty: Cottonwoods, Meadows, Wetlands, Wildlife: Prebles Meadow Jumping Mouse, Beavers, Migratory Birds.
- Trail Map Link: Click Here
The East Plum Creek Trail winds through the heart of Castle Rock, Colorado, through wetlands, and along the banks of Plum Creek. Starting from the Meadows Parkway lot, Read More
- Hike Distance: 1.9 or 3.3 Miles
- Denver Drive Time: 40 min
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium
- Duration: 1 to 2.5hrs
- Activities: Hiking Trails, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Birdwatching, & Trail Running
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Loop
- Seasons: All Season
- Beauty: Views of the Flatirons, Meadows, Ponderosa Pines, Wildlife: Bobcat, Bear, Mule Deer, Eagles (in winter), & coyote
- Trail Map Link: Click Here
You’ve got options. The Flatiron Vista Loop trail offers 2 loops. One is 3.3 miles and the other is just 1.9 miles. Read More
We hike the Bluffs more than any other trail near Denver. It’s close to home and is a great hike or run for taking the jogging stroller. The Bluffs Regional Park features a 2.7 mile loop and 2 spurs that lead to panoramic overlooks. You’ll get fantastic views of Denver and the of front range. We prefer hitting the trail as the sun is setting. Sometimes, as it gets dark, warm winds will kick up as the city lights begin to appear.
Be aware of horses on the trail and give the the right of way. There is a gentleman who likes to ride his horse in the late afternoon/early evening who can be quite reckless. I’ve seen him nearly collide with parties of hikers on two occasions. Just be aware of him.
- Hike Distance: 2.7Miles+Spurs
- Denver Drive Time: 30
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1hr 45min+
- Activities: Picnic Area, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Hiking Trails
- Dogs: Allowed on Leash
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Loop
- Seasons: Summer & Fall
- Beauty: Grassland, Front Range Views, Bluff Overlooks, Wildlife: Prairie Dogs, Rabbits, Red Fox.
- Trail Map: Click Here
- Hike Distance: 2.3 Miles
- Denver Drive Time: 45min
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1.5 hrs
- Activities: Hiking, Birdwatching, Visitors’ Center
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Loop
- Seasons: All Year
- Beauty: Red Rock Formations, Meadows, Wildlife: Mule Deer, Eagles, Foxes, Birds.
Roxborough State Park is Denver’s twin sister of Garden of the God’s in Colorado Springs. The beautiful Lyons and Fountain formations climb from the valley floor and create a wonderful space for a quiet hike, birdwatching, and viewing wildlife. Read More
- Hike Distance: 1.3 – 7 miles
- Denver Drive Time: 35 min
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium
- Duration: 1 – 5 hrs
- Activities: Picnic Areas, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: 3 Loop Trails & Out & Back
- Seasons: All Year
- Beauty: Mountain Peak Views, Bear Creek & Brooks, Wildflowers, & Butterflies.
O’Fallon Park is part of a series of Jefferson County and Denver Mountain Parks that are connected by Bear Creek and the Bear Creek Trail. Quartz riddles the trails and butterflies alight on flowers along the five trails that weave Read More
- Hike Distance: 4 Trails: .5 mile to 3.5 miles (one way)
- Denver Drive Time: 45 min
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Duration: 1-2.5 hrs
- Activities: Picnic Areas, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing
- Directions: Click for Google Map
- Trail Type: Out & Back
- Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Beauty: Canyon, Waterfalls and Cascades, Cliff Swallows, Cliff-Top Views, Geologic Features
- Video: Click For Video
Eldorado Canyon is an oasis just about 45 minutes from Denver. Kids will love hiking over rocks along the streamside trail, peering into caves, and gazing up at the climbers on the towering canyon walls. The park features one of the best Read More
