Type: Other, Out-and-back
Difficulty: 1 / 10
Dog Friendly: Yes, with leash
Jog-Stroller Friendly: Some
Filed Under: Cycling, Hiking, Running
This is a great place to train for flats, do speedwork, or have a good winter run without too much snow! Trail is hard-packed dirt, wide, and is frequented by non-runnres (families, bicycles, and horses). Pet-friendly, but leash required and wise to bag "it". Great summer shade from the cottonwood trees lining the canal and ducks playing, but avoid at dusk -- eye/nose-injecting gnats!
I like to start at the Writer's Vista Park on the southeast corner of W. Mineral Ave. and S. Peninsula Drive (one block west of SouthPark Lane, between Broadway and Santa Fe). The restroom + water fountain facilities at the park are only open in the summer.
The Highline Canal trail is immediately east of the parking lot, and is posted in half-mile increments (though at times only 1-mile increments). Heading south, the trail is about 1 mile to the crossing of W. County Line Rd. Take care crossing this road. On the other side, the trail turns into concrete in about 1/4 mile for a 2 to 3 mile stretch, then turns back to trail/path surface at C-470 tunnel, with choices on routes at this junction.
Taking the Highline Canal trail to the north from the Writer's Vista Park, one can run for miles and miles. Aide is available at the YMCA (beg!) at mile 2 or so, again at the McD's on University around mile 5, and other misc. spots.
ENJOY! If you get bored, head to the Waterton Canyon Trail for a change!
From C-470 in Littleton, exit Santa Fe. Head north on Santa Fe and turn right at Mineral (traffic signal). Continue east on Mineral until S. Peninsula Dr. (traffic signal), which is at the soccer field on the right hand side, and turn right. The recommended parking lot is immediately on the left.
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