Waterton Canyon reopening through Dec. 11 for recreational activities

LITTLETON, Colo. – Waterton Canyon will reopen for daily recreation for two weeks, Denver Water announced Thanksgiving Day.

“The recreation schedule for Waterton Canyon has been updated to accommodate the completion of a maintenance project at Strontia Springs Dam,” said a Denver Water spokesperson.

The schedule will be as follows:

• Nov. 25 through Dec. 11 - Canyon will be open daily for recreation.
• Dec. 12 through Dec. 30 - Canyon will only be open Saturdays and Sundays for recreation.   

Since Sept. 6, 2016, Waterton Canyon has been closed Mondays through Fridays for a number of construction projects.

One of those projects is the rebuilding High Line Canal diversion in the South Platte River. Denver Water officials say that project is complete.

The other project is a maintenance project at Strontia Springs Dam, which is taking longer than originally expected, according to Denver Water officials. As the project wraps up, the trail road will be in heavy use for equipment to be trucked out of the canyon, resulting in the additional weekday closure for the last three weeks of the year.

"We know many hikers and bikers are itching to hit the trail with the nice weather and upcoming holiday," said Brandon Ransom, Denver Water's manager of recreation. "That's why we jumped on the opportunity for a complete opening of the canyon for a two-week stretch before this necessary maintenance project wraps up."