Easiest Hike Near Denver: Waterton Canyon - Littleton, CO

Posted March 28, 2015

Updated January 30, 2023

Waterton Canyon is mine and Mandy's go-to trail for an easy local day hike with the boys.  The word hike might even be too generous.  Maybe a slightly inclined smooth walking trail would be better.  Situated deep in the southern Denver suburbs in what is also known as Platte Canyon sits Waterton Canyon.  Managed by Denver Water and the US Forest Service, it is also a starting/ending point for the Colorado Trail.  The appeal of this trail can't be denied.  

We have walked it, we have run it, we have biked it and we have pushed many a stroller through it.  It never gets boring and never stops showing off its beauty.  For us, the perfect day hike is packing a lunch and heading over to the trail to see how far we can get.  About two and a half miles in there's a rest area with a bathroom and plenty of covered tables.  This is our usual lunch spot.  Keep heading up and you'll come upon a smaller dam and more of an incline.   Then at about six and a half miles in you reach the giant Strontia Springs Dam.  Around this larger dam, you'll have a much steeper incline.  This is where the Colorado Trail begins and it actually the furthest we have gone, so far.

In the canyon, you'll likely see all sorts of birds, deer, bighorn sheep, and other indigenous animals.  It is also open to fishing and horseback riding.  Don't be surprised to find a work truck or two coming down the trail, they go slower and we think they are actually considerate of the hikers.  The one thing I always comment on is the wide range of people you see on the trail due to its variety in skill levels.  From toddlers to seniors, Waterton Canyon really has something for everyone.

Getting There:  From C-470 exit Wadsworth Blvd. and head south about four miles.  The road will have a slight fork and you want to turn left onto Waterton Road.  Your second left will be the parking area for the trailhead.  It's hard to miss.

Here’s the AllTrails info.

In the summer during peak times, there is a small snack shack in the parking area open to visitors.  It's a great place to grab water or a snack in case you forgot.  After you are parked you will have to cross the two-lane road you came in on.  Please use the crosswalk including the crossing lights, some people like to fly through this area.  As you walk on you will notice there are bathrooms and picnic tables scattered all over the first half mile of the trail.

Don't forget your trail etiquette and stay to the right.  As I said you're sharing the trail with kids, bikes, and horses.  Keep your eyes open at all times.

I'm sure Mandy would mention they are all vault toilets just in case you aren't on board with something like that. This is the smaller dam about three miles up the trail.  I can't seem to find our pictures of the giant dam, but let me assure you it is massive.

For all you out-of-towners, we would suggest camping at Chatfield State Park in your tent or RV and then adventuring through Waterton.  It is about a five-minute drive south of Chatfield and definitely worth a visit.

Don't Forget:

• The trail is open all year, basically, from sun up to sun down

• During peak times it gets busy fast! Go early or go late is our suggestion

• Bring lots of water for drinking

• Don't enter the river unless you're wearing waders and have a fishing license

• Check the Denver Water website for closures before you go

• Do not approach the wild animals

• Throw your trash in the trash cans or pack it back out with you

• Respect the trail

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Looking for even more Colorado inspiration?

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For more family-friendly hikes in the Denver Metro area check out this post!

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