With much anticipation, Waterton Canyon reopens
Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski
Part of Colorado’s beauty lies only thirty minutes away from the city of Castle Pines. Waterton Canyon meanders into the foothills along the South Platte River, eventually joining the Colorado Trail.
The canyon has a terrific trail that stretches through some beautiful scenery. It is suitable for walkers, hikers, runners, cyclists and horseback riders. The entire canyon is a bighorn sheep habitat, so dogs are not allowed on or near any part of the trail.
To get there from C-470, travel south on Wadsworth Boulevard. Follow signs to Waterton Canyon and turn left just before entering the Lockheed Martin plant. Parking, a picnic area, and restrooms are on the left, and the trailhead is on the right.
After passing the Kassler Center, the trail heads into the canyon. Picnic tables are placed conveniently in numerous locations along the six-and-a-half mile route, until the Strontia Springs Dam and Reservoir, where the path meets the Colorado Trail. The South Platte River runs alongside the path, bubbling and flowing over rocks and tiny rapids. The vegetation and cottonwood trees along its banks are a pleasure to hike next to. Wildflowers, too, pop up in rocky crevices and small meadows.
After the Buffalo Creek and Hayman fires several years ago, rains caused too much sediment to collect in the Strontia Springs Reservoir. Waterton Canyon was closed in August of 2010 so the reservoir could be dredged. Many have awaited its reopening, anxious to explore some of Colorado’s beauty so close to Denver.
Take the family for a charming hike not too far from home. With smaller children, bring bikes or the jogging stroller because little legs might want to stop and turn around right as the path begins to wind up into the canyon, at about 1.5 miles. Bring your fishing pole and a lunch and spend midday at the reservoir, then head down in the early afternoon to finish your hike before the afternoon thunder clouds threaten. Waterton Canyon is a great family outing.
