Fall in Colorado means color out in nature. People flock from all over to enjoy autumn in our beloved state. Early morning mountain trips to watch the aspen leaves change are beautiful, but are you noticing the beauty right in our backyard? The High Line Canal has 71 miles of opportunity to see the change of season and foliage. We asked our staff their favorite places on the Canal to see the leaves change and we’re giving you the inside scoop.

 

Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve

Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve photo by Evan Anderman

An amble around Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve in Greenwood Village in the fall will not disappoint, as artists and nature lovers can enjoy the incredible scenic views and busy wildlife habitat. To get there, park at the E. Orchard Road trailhead and head north or park at the Belleview trailhead and head south. Once you see the farmland expand in front of you, enjoy the picturesque barn and pond views. Look out for birds – many uncommon migratory species pass over the preserve during this time. The Canal trail loops around the open space.

 

 

 

Three Pond Park photo by Evan Anderman

Blackmer Commons to Three Pond Park

Continue north from Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve for one mile into Cherry Hills Village and discover another beautiful wildlife viewing area alongside the trail – Blackmer Commons. The changing colors and quiet environment here are hard to beat. Continue on to reach Three Pond Park in just a mile. Views from the Canal overlooking the park toward the mountains are spectacular. Look out for the 35.5 mile marker – you have found the halfway point of the High Line Canal! Park at the Belleview Trailhead to head from Blackmer Commons to Three Pond Park or park on S. Colorado Blvd. and travel from Three Pond Park to Blackmer Commons.

 

 

 

 

 

South Quebec Way Trailhead

For views of the vibrant orange cottonwoods and the mountains amidst an urban landscape, visit the trail at South Quebec Way Trailhead. From the trailhead, travel north toward Long’s Pine Grove Park. There, take in the views of the snow-capped mountains while you rest — or play, as the park contains a wooden playground for young ones. If you’re looking to continue further, Fairmount Cemetery begins to reveal itself just less than 2 miles north of the trailhead. The Cemetery is Colorado’s largest arboretum and a designated wildlife viewing area by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

 

Delaney Farm

Delaney Farm

In the northern portion of the High Line Canal, Delaney Farm is a beautiful place to see the prairie landscape transition into fall. Parking is available at the Aurora Municipal Center or to the north of DeLaney Farm along 1st Avenue. Locate the trail across the pedestrian bridge in City Center Park, and head north along the Canal. In half a mile, journey through the Frank Weddig underpass and enter into DeLaney Farm Historic District. Take note of the historic buildings sprinkled across the open space, which include the one-room Coal Creek Schoolhouse, the DeLaney Round Barn and the Gully Homestead House. Look out for coyotes and bald eagles between the colorful cottonwoods that border the trail and West Toll Gate Creek and notice the gorgeous mountain views.

 

Triple Creek Trailhead

Also in Aurora, Triple Creek Trailhead boasts a prairie landscape painted with the colors of changing leaves. Follow the trail west for 1.5 miles to Star K Ranch and use the connecting trails between the High Line Canal and Sand Creek Greenway to explore the open space. You can use the High Line Canal trail or the Sand Creek Greenway trail back to Triple Creek Trailhead for an easy loop.

 

Get out on the Canal to see the leaves change and tag us in your social posts! #highlinecanal