Colorado Trail #1776 - Segment 1

Area Status: Open

Segment 1 of the Colorado Trail (#1776) begins at Waterton Canyon. The canyon offers a 6.5-mile route to a view of Strontia Springs dam. The trail continues to the south of the reservoir for about 10 miles to the confluence of the North Fork of the South Platte River and the Gudy Gaskil bridge.

Waterton Canyon also connects to the Roxborough State Park trail system and the Indian Creek Trail (#800).

At a Glance

Open Season:	Year round
Restrictions:	Prohibited Activities: No dogs allowed in Waterton Canyon to protect wildlife. Canyon accessible only by foot, bicycle or horseback. Electric bikes (or E-bikes) are considered motorized vehicles and are ONLY allowed on routes open to motorized travel by the public. E-bikes are not allowed in Waterton Canyon. Canoeing, kayaking, tubing and rafting; water contact sports such as swimming, wading and scuba diving. Camping and fires on the first 6.7 miles of the trail. It is unlawful to use, light or ignite fireworks or explosives of any type. Firearms and archery permitted only during open hunting seasons, and only on NFS lands. Permits are required for special events or large groups.
Restroom:	Vault toilet.
Information Center:	Appears on the following maps (Platte Canyon areas): Pike National Forest USGS Quads: Kassler, Platte Canyon National Geographic Trails Illustrated #135 (Deckers/Rampart Range) USGS Topos: Kassler, Platte Canyon Contact the South Platte Ranger District at 303.275.5610 for more information.

General Information

Directions:

Follow Wadsworth Boulevard (State Route 121) south of State Route 470 past Chatfield Reservoir. Turn left on Waterton Road. Parking area is to the left.

General Notes:

Start up Waterton Canyon on the gentle Strontia Springs Reservoir access road. Head up past the dam and up a couple more hills until reaching singletrack as the road turns to the right. Continue ascending with little technical difficulty. Once you break free of the climb, keep right on the Colorado Trail until reaching a descent. A longer ascent resumes which eventually gives way to a descent towards the South Platte trailhead.

Distance: 16.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,830'

Additional information for Waterton Canyon and Segment 1, including alternate route options, can be found through the Colorado Trail Foundation.

Parking:

Parking is on Denver Water Board property. No overnight parking. Ample horse trailer parking.