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Widely recognized as one of the best urban trails in the country.


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Map Key

61.3

Miles

98.7

KM

Point to Point

5,549' 1,691 m

High

5,435' 1,657 m

Low

369' 112 m

Up

468' 143 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

2%

Max Grade (1°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly Flat, easy trail with lots of flowers, fruits, fauna for kids to find.

There is a small section to the east near the reservoir where the trail becomes private property.

Overview

The trail is crushed dirt and very wide in most sections south of Hampden/285. To the northeast, the trail becomes paved out into Aurora, but a concerned hiker can find singletrack alongside the pavement in many areas. This trail is extremely popular for marathon training given its flat elevation profile and tunnels that avoid roads and traffic stops.

Description

Few have ever undertaken the full length of the Highline Canal Trail, and even fewer have done it all in one attempt. Use different sections of the trail to get to know greater Denver. Don't expect the most stunning views, but give the trail credit as it spoils hikers who want endless trail without having to leave the city.

Contacts

Shared By:

Taylor Simmons with improvements by Chris Englert Denver By Foot

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 17 votes

#734

Overall
  4.6 from 17 votes
5 Star
59%
4 Star
41%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#153

in Colorado

#734

Overall
23 Views Last Month
7,146 Since Sep 7, 2015
Easy Easy

88%
13%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Sunrise over Skeel Reservoir.
Sep 7, 2015 near Cherry…, CO
Flat dirt road as featured by much of the southwest portion of the trail.
Sep 7, 2015 near Cherry…, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jan 19, 2020
Katie Fletcher
Mostly dry trail, some shady or lower areas have ice or snow. 3mi — 9h 30m
Jun 20, 2019
Siera W
Connected from Cherry Creek to High Line to Lee Gulch and back up Platt River for 48 miles total! 25mi
Apr 14, 2019
Craig Graot
Mar 24, 2019
M W
Feb 26, 2019
Lori Wagner
Sep 2, 2018
Leah RK
3.1mi — 1h 13m
Sep 4, 2016
Derek Bauer
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