Waterton Canyon
Location |
Website |
11300 Waterton Road, Littleton, CO 80125
Directions coming from the North -Follow Wadsworth Boulevard, Hwy 121 south of C-470 past Chatfield Reservoir. -Turn left on Waterton Road -Take second Entrance to the parking lot on the left |
So when you pull into the parking lot take the first right to go through a chained off area that is designated for horse trailer parking. When I rode this trail I did not know where to park and did not know that I could remove the chain and drive through. To start the trail you do need to cross Waterton Road and you will see a trail map and sign pointing you in the right direction.
PDF Map
Trail Map
Park Fees
Free
Trailer Parking
So when you pull into the parking lot go to the right. I saw a chain stretched across the driveway closing off the parking. Apparently you need to stop and unhook the chain to pull into the trailer parking. I went early on a busy summer day and ended up parking in multiple car spots. So, when the lot filled up the hikers were quite upset that I wasn't in the horse trailer parking area. Lesson learned, pull to the right and undo the chain.
Once tacked I also was not sure where the trail was. To reach the Waterton Canyon trail you need to cross the road you drove in on, Waterton road, and the trail starts across the street. going east you can ride around Chatfield but to go up the canyon it is best to cross the road on foot leading your horse.
Once tacked I also was not sure where the trail was. To reach the Waterton Canyon trail you need to cross the road you drove in on, Waterton road, and the trail starts across the street. going east you can ride around Chatfield but to go up the canyon it is best to cross the road on foot leading your horse.
BathroomsYes. There are bathrooms at the trail-head and at multiple locations as you head up the trail.
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WaterI did not see any spigots.
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Mounting
I could not see any great rock to stand on so both me and my sister mounted from the ground.
Footing
You travel up a gravel road. All 4 shoes recommended.
Horse Hazards
Sam looked at the big river a lot at first then settled down. Hikers and bikers have plenty of room to pass and are less likely to just sneak up behind you. There are people fishing at some places along the river and sometimes fishing poles are pretty scary to horses. We did see some bighorn sheep but our horses live next to some domestic sheep and were not too concerned.
Chosen Trail
This trail is a very easy out-and-back. It is really up to you how far you would like to go. For us I had to keep in mind that my older horse was going to get tired before Sam did. You can pack a lunch and take breaks and ride as long as you would like. We rode 4 miles out and then turned around to ride a total of 8 miles in about 2.5 hrs.
Trail Experience
This was a really nice wide trail. There were lots of joggers and bikers but the trail is wide enough they didn't bother us. My old Appendix gelding pooped out going uphill on the way out and was pretty tired by the time we got back to the trailer. My younger horse Sam did great and probably could have trotted the whole stretch of trail.
Trail Connections
Waterton Canyon connects to the Chatfield State Parks trail system and the U.S. Forest Service Indian Creek system. Trailer parking is provided at Waterton and at the Discovery Pavilion. Waterton Canyon is also the first part of the Colorado Trail.
Trail Videos
Rating
Easy. Wonderful wide trail with gravel footing. If I knew exactly where to park this would have been a drama-free trail. This trail is great for Sam because he can long trot his heart out on a mild incline.