Origin Trailhead

Exciting updates coming soon!

Transforming the Canal’s historic starting point into a destination for exploration, learning and connection. The project will improve the trailhead and its connection to the Canal Trail while creating an interpretive hub featuring an overlook, shelter and signage that shares the story of the Canal’s origins and its lasting connection to water in the West.

Project FAQs

The Conservancy led the public outreach and design and is overseeing construction.

The Conservancy received a Douglas County grant and funds raised during the Great Lengths for the High Line campaign.

The Origin Trailhead connection to the HLC Trail and a couple of isolated areas along the trail near Platte Canyon Reservoir.

These improvements were identified during the outreach of The Plan for the High Line. Since then, the Conservancy conducted additional community outreach and jurisdictional coordination regarding specific aspects in each location of the improvement zone.

The existing parking configuration will be updated with improved grading and delineated spaces. Access to the HLC Trail will be upgraded to an accessible path with drainage improvements. This junction will have multiple interpretive signs added to highlight the Canal’s origins and existing infrastructure, while down the Trail will have a shade structure overlooking Platte Canyon Reservoir with views of downtown Denver. Additional interpretive signage will encourage birding and highlight more Canal infrastructure near the extant measuring station.

We anticipate the project to be completed in Fall 2027.

Minimal trail disruption is expected, with flaggers redirecting trail traffic as necessary. Detours may occur for specific construction phases and will be provided with signage as required. However, the trailhead parking and connection to the HLC Trail may be disrupted during the construction of those improvements.

Any trees requiring protection will be done using the Douglas County standard. There are no other known obstacles to the construction of these improvements.