The start of the epic 486-mile Colorado Trail from Denver to Durango. Waterton Canyon section follows a beautiful river canyon with bighorn sheep before climbing into the mountains.
Colorado Trail Segment 1 begins the 786 km (488-mile) Colorado Trail from near Denver to Durango, entering the Colorado backcountry via Waterton Canyon along the South Platte River south of Littleton. The trailhead is at the Waterton Canyon Recreation Area, reached from Waterton Road off Wadsworth Boulevard (CO-121) in Littleton; free parking is available in a large lot and the recreation area is accessible from several Denver metro bus connections. No permit is required for day hiking. Overnight camping permits for continued Colorado Trail through-hiking are managed by the Colorado Trail Foundation. Segment 1 covers approximately 40 km (25 miles) one-way from the Waterton Canyon Trailhead to the South Platte Trailhead near Pine Junction; day hikers most commonly walk the lower 8 to 12 km of canyon road and return on the same route. The first 10 km follow the South Platte River through Waterton Canyon on a closed paved and gravel service road that is barred to motor vehicles, making it one of the most accessible introductions to the Colorado Trail and a gentle warm-up for the elevation that follows. Canyon walls rise steeply on both sides throughout the lower section; bighorn sheep are regularly observed on the rocky slopes year-round and are one of the canyon's most celebrated wildlife attractions. After the canyon narrows, the trail departs the service road and begins a sustained climb through ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir forest, gaining the majority of the segment's 500 m elevation in this upper section. Historical mining and railroad artifacts from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries are visible along portions of the route. Water is available from the South Platte River in the lower canyon and must be filtered or treated; sources become less reliable above the canyon. The lower canyon road is shared with cyclists and is heavily used by the Denver metro cycling community on weekends.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Waterton Canyon, Littleton (near Denver)
- Best season
- Year-round; best from April to June and September to November
Highlights
- Waterton Canyon bighorn sheep
- South Platte River scenery
- Historical mining artifacts
- Mountain transition zone wilderness
Tips for visiting
- Watch for bighorn sheep on the canyon walls throughout the year; early morning and late afternoon are peak viewing times as animals descend toward the South Platte River.
- The lower Waterton Canyon road is heavily used by cyclists; hikers should stay to the right and remain alert, especially on weekend mornings when cycling traffic is highest.
- Carry two liters of water from the trailhead; the South Platte River requires filtration and water becomes scarce above the canyon on the upper segment.
- The segment makes an excellent out-and-back day hike by turning around at the canyon head (approximately 10 km); this keeps the round-trip manageable for casual hikers.
- Dogs are not permitted anywhere in Waterton Canyon Recreation Area due to the resident bighorn sheep population; nearby Jefferson County Open Space areas offer dog-friendly alternatives.
When to visit
Open year-round; spring (April through June) sees bighorn sheep with lambs on the canyon walls and wildflowers in the lower canyon. Summer mornings are most comfortable as the paved lower canyon heats up considerably by midday in July and August.
Accessibility
The lower 10 km of Waterton Canyon on the flat, paved and gravel service road is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers and is one of the most accessible canyon walks in the Denver metropolitan area. The Colorado Trail singletrack beyond the service road involves sustained uphill grades and rocky terrain not suitable for mobility devices.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Colorado Trail start and can visitors hike just the first segment?
The Colorado Trail begins at Waterton Canyon Trailhead near Littleton. Segment 1 is 40 km one-way to Pine Junction; most casual visitors walk the lower 8 to 12 km of the canyon road and return for a manageable half-day hike without continuing the full segment.
Are dogs allowed in Waterton Canyon?
No. Dogs are prohibited in Waterton Canyon Recreation Area to protect the resident bighorn sheep population from stress and potential disease transmission. Dog-friendly alternatives exist at nearby Roxborough State Park perimeter trails and Jefferson County Open Space areas.
Is cycling permitted on Segment 1?
Yes. The lower Waterton Canyon service road section is a popular cycling corridor. The Colorado Trail singletrack beyond the canyon is also open to non-motorised bicycles, though it becomes significantly more technical on the upper segment.
What is the best turnaround point for a day hike on Segment 1?
Most day hikers walk the 10 km canyon road to where it narrows and the Colorado Trail singletrack branches uphill, then return for a 20 km out-and-back. Fit hikers may continue uphill into the forest for more elevation and solitude on the true singletrack trail.