Waterton Canyon closed 3 months, except Sundays

Denver Water is planning to close Waterton Canyon for several months, but will open it on Sundays.

The closure of the lower canyon, including the main entrance and parking lot, is scheduled for Monday through Saturday, February 2 to May 15. During the closure, crews will repair the High Line Canal diversion structure in the South Platte River.

However, Denver Water plans to open the canyon to recreation, including walkers, cyclists, fishermen and other users on Sundays during the project.

"For hikers and bikers on the Colorado Trail, access to the upper portion of Waterton Canyon will remain open down to mile marker 2," Denver Water said. "Recreationists can access the upper portion of the canyon from Roxborough State Park, approximately 5.5 miles away."

Learn more about the alternate route here.

"Our goal is to get this project and other annual maintenance work completed before the extremely active summer months," said Brandon Ransom, Denver Water manager of recreation.

Denver Water said the High Line Canal diversion, was built in 1870. It's the wooden structure spanning the width of the South Platte River, about 1.5 miles up the canyon. It helps direct flows into the pipe that carries water to the High Line Canal, when needed.

During an inspection last May, engineers determined that the structure was deteriorating and needed to be replaced.