Full disclosure, I do volunteer in the canyon from time to time. This place is amazing and it's not hard to see why people visit this place. It's a little hidden gem next to Roxborough State Park in Littleton near Chatfield Reservoir. People usually come here when Roxborough gets full. Most come regardless because it's an easy trail with lots of active wildlife to see. Great place to bike, run, or hike.
Free dirt parking is across the street. Plenty of spaces during the weekdays but evenings and weekends, it can get packed. Area is maintained by Denver Water.
NO DOGS ALLOWED on trail. NO E-BIKES or motorized rides. No DRONES in the canyon or parking lot. No SMOKING especially since Colorado hasn't had much snow or rain the last couple of months. For the most part, local hikers, trail crews, Denver Water teams, care takers, volunteers police the canyon to make sure it stays nice. There are plenty of signs at the start of the trail letting people know this. Make sure to "pack in and pack out".
This is the start of the Colorado Trail which is about a 450+ mi hiking path to Durango (up to 13,334 feet in some parts, 28 sections). Some might call it the Colorado version of the John Muir Trail which is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. The Wateron Canyon Trail is about 6 miles up to Strontia Springs Dam which supplies Denver and surrounding areas with water. 12 miles from start to back. For the most part the trail is pretty flat. It's a maintenance road that Denver Water uses so be aware that their trucks or vehicles might be on the road. There are residences that use the road also but is closed and gated off to the public. The grade of the trail is about 220 ft in elevation climb to the dam so very easy. The trail can get muddy after the rain or snow.
Plenty of wildlife to see. Most come to see the big horn sheep. There are other wildlife that you can see like mule deer, ducks, geese, raccoons, rabbits, plus eagles and other raptors. Most stay hidden like mountain lions, bob cats, lynx, turkeys, beavers, etc. Be aware that this is not a petting zoo and to keep your distance from wildlife. For the most part they are friendly but THEIR MOOD CAN CHANGE AT AN INSTANCE. It's nice to get pictures of the wildlife at a far distance. Please keep your kids close just in case. Big Horn Sheep do go on trail or lay in the middle of them. Around spring, new lambs are had so they can get protective.
You'll also see other special things in the canyon such as people bringing in their burros to training for running races, horseback riders, photographers looking for that perfect shot, etc.
Cell signal is very weak or non existent a mile or 2 in even around the 2.7 mile mark where Pike National Forest begins.
There are bathroom stations every mile or 2 but no water stations at the shelter / bathroom facilities. There are also shaded picnic facilities with recycle or trash bins to keep wildlife out. There is a water fountain at the beginning of the trail when you enter but NOT at the picnic / shelter stations. Make sure you bring plenty of water especially when it gets warmer or the summer months as it does tend to get hot in the canyon. There generally is little to no shade when walking on the trail.
Fishing is allowed in the waterways but keep in mind of signs posted for fishing limits and regulations. No swimming. Signs are posted and violators can get ticketed.
Fun for the family. Bring your binoculars because there are plenty of wildlife to see. People are friendly. Lots of local people and volunteers at the beginning on most days to help answer any questions. Great memories to be made as long as you stay on the trail /...
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