Canal
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the High Line Canal (Canal)?

The Canal is a 71-mile long canal channel, with a corresponding service road, that twists through the Denver metro region. The corridor is 100 feet wide in most sections and varies in landscape throughout its reach from Waterton Canyon in Douglas County to Green Valley Ranch in Northeast Denver.

Where is the High Line Canal?

The course of the Canal touches Douglas, Arapahoe, Denver and a small portion of Adams counties, passing through South Suburban Parks and Recreation District, Highlands Ranch Metro District, Littleton, Centennial, Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, Denver and Aurora. The Canal runs from Southwest to Northeast.

How is the Canal managed?

Currently, the Canal is managed by Denver Water. In addition, each of the jurisdictions has a user agreement (IGA) to maintain the recreational trail portion of the corridor. There are seven agencies with recreation use agreements that are responsible for maintaining the High Line Canal Trail. These agencies are: Douglas County Parks, Trails and Building Grounds Division; Metro District of Highlands Ranch Parks and Open Space; South Suburban Parks and Recreation District; Greenwood Village Parks, Trails and Recreation Department; Cherry Hills Village Parks, Trails and Recreation Department; Denver Parks and Recreation Department; and Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department. Each of these entities is represented on the High Line Canal Working Group.

What is the future management plan for the Canal?

Denver Water will continue to manage the Canal for the foreseeable future. During this comprehensive outreach and future master planning initiative, however, Denver Water along with the Conservancy and other stakeholders will evaluate future management options for the Canal.

How is the Conservancy’s involvement with the Canal different than Denver Water?

The Conservancy has the distinct role of building community leadership and commitment to preserving, protecting and enhancing the Canal. This public outreach and vision planning effort is its first major initiative. This initiative will provide a vision for the future of the High Line Canal. The Conservancy will coordinate with other stakeholders and the High Line Canal Working Group members on its needs as it plans for and conducts the High Line Canal visioning process. Denver Water, the Conservancy and the partnership jurisdictions all share a common vision to secure the Canal as an asset for the future.

Why is there a planning initiative for the Canal and what is it?

The 100 foot wide swath of land that travels the High Line Canal’s 71-mile reach presents tremendous opportunities for the Denver metro region. With the new reality of water in the West, the Canal has become a costly and wasteful means of delivering water. Denver Water reports that over 80 percent of the water diverted to the Canal seeps into the ground or evaporates prior to reaching a paying water customer. Today’s water scarcity and the leaky nature of the Canal demand reassessment and planning for new uses, while recognizing the important role that the Canal plays as a major recreational resource for the Denver metro area.

Why is there little to no water in the Canal?

Denver Water intermittently operates the Canal from the spring through the fall to deliver water to contract holders for South Platte River water. The delivery of water, however, is also dependent on water priority as set by the State Engineer and water rights laws. Therefore, the Canal does not run continuously in the summer and spring and is dry in the fall and winter.

In addition, due to high waters this year, the diversion structure at Waterton Canyon has been compromised and is in need of repair before water can be released into the Canal.

How can I get involved?

Keep informed and up to date through our blog.The blog will provide you with details about the planning process and directions for getting involved. You can also sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of this page.

What can be done about mosquitos along the Canal?

Due to the increase in mosquito activity, we know it has been a very challenging year for those who love to spend time outdoors. The warmer, humid weather brings outdoor fun and unfortunately breeds mosquitos.

At the Conservancy, we are concerned about the uptick in these pests. Our role is to pass concerns to the managing entity. Denver Water and local stormwater agencies perform Canal mosquito abatement throughout the summer using the larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a naturally-occurring bacterium. It is deadly to mosquito larvae but does not impact other insects or aquatic life and remains active for up to 30 days. When the Conservancy receives an inquiry about mosquitos along the trail, we pass the information on to our partner agencies to assess if an area of the Canal is due for retreatment.

Mosquitoes generally remain active throughout the summer until nights cool to temperatures in the 40s. With the proper care, we can still enjoy our outdoor activities, whether on the High Line Canal or somewhere else in our beautiful state of Colorado! Here are a few tips: