Waterton Canyon is where the Colorado Trail starts, and dogs stay home

Waterton Canyon is where the South Platte River leaves the mountains, at the southwest edge of the metro area in Douglas County. It is the northern start of the Colorado Trail, the long backcountry route that runs hundreds of miles to Durango. From the gate, a wide gravel road follows the river toward Strontia Springs Dam.

The land here is managed for Denver Water’s water supply, with Forest Service trail connections, so the rules are their own. The big one: no dogs or other pets are allowed in the canyon. This protects a herd of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Colorado’s state animal, that lives along the canyon walls. You may see them on the slopes or near the road.

The route is open to walking, biking, and horseback travel. There are no shortcuts to “camp anywhere” here; this is a day-use corridor with its own posted rules, and the road is closed to public motor vehicles. Anglers fish the South Platte along the way.

Because bighorns are wild, keep your distance and do not feed them. Bears use the canyon too, so manage food and trash. The gravel road is easy walking but offers little shade.

Before you go, check current hours, the dog ban, and any closures on the Denver Water Waterton Canyon page and the Forest Service Colorado Trail Segment 1 page.