High Line Canal Trail Improvements
High Line Canal Trail Improvements
Learn about all High Line Canal projects
Visit our Trail Notices + Detours page to learn about projects which may impact your Canal travel.
The High Line Canal Conservancy is working closely with Denver Water and the 11 jurisdictions along the path to improve the trail as a place for people and protect the natural habitat for vegetation and wildlife. Projects along the trail include enhancements such as new navigational signage, Canal-wide initiatives such as tree care, as well as more significant infrastructure projects such as roadway underpasses and stormwater projects. Please see below for updates and the current status of all the major projects along the 71-mile greenway.
HIGH LINE CANAL PROJECT UPDATES MAP
The map highlights current High Line Canal projects taking place along the 71-mile trail.
Trail Project List
Take a look at what’s happening on the High Line Canal and what’s been completed this year! Scroll to the bottom of the page to see completed projects in past years.
(click project title for more information)
Completed
Miles 22-30: Centennial Hazard Tree Mitigation
Project Name: Miles 22-30: Centennial Hazard Tree Mitigation
Project Status: Tree work planned for Fall 2025
The City of Centennial and Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority (SEMSWA) have secured funding from Arapahoe County Open Spaces to implement hazard tree mitigation on the Canal in Centennial. The project will support the Canal’s tree canopy and maintain a safe trail user environment on the Canal. Hazard tree pruning and removal was completed in 2025.
Project Location: High Line Canal in Centennial
Project Cost: The City of Centennial secured funding through an Arapahoe County Open Spaces High Line Canal pilot grant
Mile 20: Lee Gulch Lookout
Project Name: Mile 20: Lee Gulch Lookout
Project Type: Amenity Area
Project Status: Site improvements complete, signage to be installed in early 2026.
SSPRD and the Conservancy partnered on the design and installation of amenities and safety improvements at the juncture of the High Line Canal trail and Lee Gulch trail in Littleton. These amenities established a pause place near the historic Lee Gulch flume, one of three wooden flumes remaining on the Canal, adding seating and vegetation along with select natural play elements. Site improvements have been implemented and work will be completed in early 2026 with the installation of interpretive signage.
Project Location: Littleton at the juncture of the High Line Canal Trail and Lee Gulch Trail.
Project Cost: The project is jointly funded by SSPRD, the Conservancy and Arapahoe County Open Spaces.
Mile 43: Quebec Street Crossing Enhancement
Project Name: Mile 43: Quebec Street Crossing Enhancement
Project Status: Construction began in September 2025
After studying the High Line Canal crossing at Quebec Street in partnership with Arapahoe County, the partners pursued a federal funding application to fund an underpass at this location in 2022. While the funding application was unsuccessful, the partners are now designing at-grade enhancements to improve the safety of crossing in this location.
Infrastructure has been installed, and lights will be activated by the end of November 2025.
Project Location: High Line Canal at Quebec St
Project Cost: Arapahoe County Open Spaces and the City and County of Denver are funding the project
Implementation
Mile 25: deKoevend Park Pollinator Garden Pilot
Project Name: Mile 25: deKoevend Park Pollinator Garden Pilot
Project Status: Planting planned for Fall 2025
The Conservancy and South Suburban Park and Recreation District (SSPRD) are partnering to plant a pollinator garden along the Canal on the west side of deKoevend Park. This landscape enhancement will increase biodiversity on the Canal and create a place to pause and connect with nature between the Canal and Big Dry Creek. New irrigation, planting beds and pollinator plants will be installed in Fall 2025.
Project Location: High Line Canal on the west side of deKoevend Park
Project Cost: The planting project and establishment maintenance is being funded by the Conservancy
Miles 70-71: Painted Prairie Trail Completion: The Canal's Final Mile
Project Name: Miles 70-71: Painted Prairie Trail Completion: The Canal's Final Mile
Project Status: Trail and park construction underway, completion date unknown
The Painted Prairie development, located north of Green Valley Ranch between E. 56th Ave and E. 64th Ave, is currently being built out and will include the final mile of the Canal trail. The developer is preserving a few segments of the historic ditch, including the furthest north of the remaining headgates (#164 of what was historically 165) and will add park space along the Canal Trail. When completed, the Canal Trail will end at E. 64th Avenue at an underpass that connects trail users under the roadway to the Second Creek Trail.
Project Location: High Line Canal between E. 56th Ave and E. 64th
Project Cost: The project is funded by the developer and the newly formed metro district will be responsible for maintenance once the project is completed
Miles 12-14: Santa Fe Drive/U.S. 85 Stormwater Project
Project Name: Miles 12-14: Santa Fe Drive/U.S. 85 Stormwater Project
Project Type: Stormwater Project
Project Status: Agreement was implemented in the fall of 2021 and construction is now complete
As a part of the Santa Fe Drive/Highway 85 widening project, Douglas County signed a license agreement with Denver Water to formalize the discharge of stormwater into the Canal at Spring Gulch. Stormwater runoff from the highway improvement project is now pretreated before being discharged through an existing 72-inch storm sewer pipe that flows into the Canal. Douglas County has also taken responsibility for maintaining and managing this portion of the Canal to ensure the safe passage of stormwater.
Project Location: 1.5 miles of the Canal from Spring Gulch to Marcy Gulch
Project Cost: Douglas County will be responsible to fund maintenance of this reach of the Canal
Mile 7: Solstice Stormwater Project and Linear Park
Project Name: Mile 7: Solstice Stormwater Project and Linear Park
Project Type: Stormwater Project
Project Status: Construction of the linear park is still in progress but the High Line Canal trail is open to the public
Solstice is a new residential development in Douglas County just south of Chatfield State Park. The Canal runs through the development and the developer has pulled back the banks of the Canal to convey stormwater. The developer is featuring the Canal at the center of the development, incorporating the Canal corridor into the 37-acre Solstice Park that will expand the size of the open space on either side of the Canal. The developer has planted trees to reestablish vegetation in the area, leveraging the additional stormwater that will make its way to the Canal. Construction of the stormwater infrastructure has been completed and while construction of the linear park is still in progress, the High Line Canal trail is open to the public. Visit our blog for more information.
Image credit: Solstice
Trail Notice: While the trail is open to the public, construction continues in the area as the developer plants trees and builds out the linear park.
Project Location: Douglas County, Mirabelle Metro District; High Line Canal west of Roxborough Park Road
Project Cost: The project is funded by the developer and the Canal will be cared for in this reach by the newly formed Mirabelle Metro District
Miles 2-71: Signage and Wayfinding
Project Name: Miles 2-71: Signage and Wayfinding
Project Type: Signage
Project Status: Installation of wayfinding kiosks, rules signs and trailhead monuments completed. Fabrication underway on signs for street crossings.
In 2020, Aurora was the first jurisdiction to install portions of the newly designed High Line Canal sign package. In 2021, an additional 20 signs were installed as implementation of the sign package continued. In 2022, over 150 wayfinding signs will be installed across the Canal to build awareness, improve access and connect users to new parts of the trail. These new signs will include crossing signs that identify street crossings, wayfinding signs to help connect to destinations along the trail and kiosks with maps to help orient users and inform them about rules of the trail.
Project Location: Canal-wide
Project Cost: Each jurisdiction along the Canal is funding part of their sign package, with Arapahoe County Open Spaces and the High Line Canal Conservancy providing matching funds. The total project cost for this phase of signage is $506,332.
Mile 57: 8th Avenue Pedestrian Bridge
Project Name: Mile 57: 8th Avenue Pedestrian Bridge
Project Status: Construction is anticipated to begin in the Fall of 2025
The City of Aurora is partnering with the Conservancy and Arapahoe County Open Spaces to construct a pedestrian bridge where 8th Ave dead-ends into the Canal in the Laredo Highline neighborhood.
Project Location: High Line Canal at 8th Ave
Project Cost: The Conservancy raised funds for this project from The Colorado Health Foundation ($180,000) and Aurora has secured a match from Arapahoe County Open Spaces ($180,000)
Miles 48-50: Windsor Trail Surface Enhancements
Project Name: Miles 48-50: Windsor Trail Surface Enhancements
Project Type: Trail Enhancements
Project Status: Construction expected to begin early 2026.
The City and County of Denver and Arapahoe County Open Spaces have designed an enhanced trail surface for the Canal that includes a 12’ concrete trail with a 6’ gravel side path. This trail profile was developed for the reaches of the Canal in southeast and east Denver as well as unincorporated Arapahoe County. The City and County of Denver will begin construction on the segments of the Canal in the Windsor neighborhood of east Denver, from Parker Road to Havana Street, in early 2026.
Project Location: Parker Rd. to Havana St.
Project Cost: The project is funded jointly by the City and County of Denver and the High Line Canal Conservancy.
Mile 39: Yale and Holly Underpass
Project Name: Mile 39: Yale and Holly Underpass
Project Type: Underpass
Project Status: Construction began in September 2025
The City and County of Denver, in partnership with Arapahoe County, is advancing design and engineering of an underpass at the challenging intersection of E. Yale Ave and S. Holly St at the border of Denver and Unincorporated Arapahoe County. Funding for this project was secured in Denver’s 2017 Elevate Denver Bond Program and in 2023 the City and County of Denver received federal funding to complete the project. Construction began in September 2025 and will be completed in 2026
Project Location: High Line Canal west of the intersection of E. Yale Ave and S. Holly St
Project Cost: The $16.9 million project is funded by Denver’s 2017 General Obligation Bond, Arapahoe County Open Spaces and an $11.7 million federal grant
Planning
Mile 18: Mineral Avenue Underpass Feasibility Study
Project Name: Mile 18: Mineral Avenue Underpass Feasibility Study
Project Status: Feasibility Study underway
The City of Littleton will be completing a feasibility study to evaluate the viability of an underpass for the High Line Canal at Mineral Ave. This study will revisit and expand upon a 2004 conceptual study that identified an underpass as the preferred option, updating it to reflect current site conditions, community goals, and mobility needs. This project is not included in prior corridor-wide plans by Arapahoe County or the High Line Canal Conservancy but is supported by the City’s 2019 Transportation Master Plan and growing community demand for a safer, more comfortable crossing. This feasibility study is funded by a grant from Arapahoe County Open Spaces.
Project Location: High Line Canal at Mineral Avenue
Project Cost: The City of Littleton has secured partner funds from Arapahoe County Open Spaces
Miles 20-22: Littleton Safer Streets Pilot Projects
Project Name: Miles 20-22: Littleton Safer Streets Pilot Projects
Project Status: Pilot Project Installation
As part of the Safer Streets Littleton program, crossing improvements at the High Line Canal crossings along Gallup Street and Fremont Avenue are planned for installation in Fall 2025. These “pilot” projects use quick-build materials and will include curb extensions and other traffic calming elements.
Project Location: High Line Canal at Gallup Street and Fremont Avenue
Project Cost: Safer Streets Littleton (local funding through 3A)
Mile 30: Little Dry Creek Property Initial Planning
Project Name: Mile 30: Little Dry Creek Property Initial Planning
Project Status: Initial planning to be completed by the end of 2025
The Conservancy is currently completing initial planning for Denver Water’s Little Dry Creek property. This site will be contributed to the Conservancy in 2026 and was identified in The Plan for the High Line Canal as a potential regional open space park. The Conservancy secured funding from the City of Centennial and private donors to complete a site analysis, survey the property, conduct a market study and develop an outreach plan. Initial planning will be completed by 2025.
Project Location: Little Dry Creek Property
Project Cost: The Conservancy has secured funding from the City of Centennial and private donors
Miles 51-54: Central Aurora Canal Improvement Zone
Project Name: Miles 51-54: Central Aurora Canal Improvement Zone
Project Status: Designs will be completed in 2026.
The Conservancy is partnering closely with Central Aurora neighbors to design a Canal Improvement Zone between E. Alameda Ave and Potomac St. Through a series of three public surveys, the community was asked to weigh in on areas in need of improvement and refine design concepts to prioritize improvements for this section of the trail. The current designs include an a seating area with interpretive signage north of Alameda Ave., crossing safety improvements at Moline Street and accessible access points at E. 2nd Ave and Ursala St. Designs will be completed in 2026.
Project Location: High Line Canal between E. Alameda Ave. and Potomac St.
Project Cost: The Conservancy has secured funding through the GOCO Centennial grant program.
Miles 57-60: North Aurora Canal Improvement Zone
Project Name: Miles 57-60: North Aurora Canal Improvement Zone
The Conservancy is partnering closely with neighbors along the Colfax corridor to design access, activation, and amenity improvements. The current designs include an overlook at Granby Ditch, an outdoor classroom by Laredo Elementary school, an overlook at the Canal’s juncture with Star K Ranch, and two accessible access points to the Canal. These community-centered designs are anticipated to advance into construction in 2026.
Project Location: High Line Canal between E. 6th Ave. and 17th Ave
Project Cost: The Conservancy has secured funding through the GOCO Centennial grant program and an Adams County Open Space Grant
Mile 60: Triple Creek Trailhead: Phase 2 Improvements
Project Name: Mile 60: Triple Creek Trailhead: Phase 2 Improvements
The Triple Creek Trailhead was completed in 2019, establishing a connection between the High Line Canal Trail and the Triple Creek trail system. With funding from the GOCO Centennial grant program, the Conservancy is partnering with the City of Aurora to complete the second phase of the 2016 master plan, implementing a bike skills course, a shade structure, soft-surface pathways, and interpretive signage at the trailhead. Public Art will also be installed through the City of Aurora Library and Cultural Services department. Construction is anticipated in 2026.
Project Location: Triple Creek Trailhead, at the juncture of the High Line Canal Trail and Sand Creek Regional Greenway
Project Cost: The Conservancy has secured funding through the GOCO Centennial grant program and Aurora has secured funding through Arapahoe County Open Spaces
Miles 65-68: Green Valley Ranch Canal Improvement Zone Design
Project Name: Miles 65-68: Green Valley Ranch Canal Improvement Zone Design
Project Status: Designs will be completed in 2026
The Conservancy is partnering closely with Green Valley Ranch neighbors to design activation and amenity improvements. The current designs include an outdoor classroom with a shade structure, irrigated tree planting, a series of bike skills features and an array of fitness stations. These community-centered designs will be completed in 2026.
Project Location: High Line Canal in Green Valley Ranch
Project Cost: The Conservancy has secured funding through the GOCO Centennial program
Mile 59: Colfax Underpass Design and Engineering
Project Name: Mile 59: Colfax Underpass Design and Engineering
Project Status: Federal funding secured, design and engineering underway
Arapahoe County Public Works is partnering with the City of Aurora and Adams County to design an underpass for the Canal’s first crossing of Colfax just north of Laredo Elementary School. This project received a federal grant in 2023 that will support design, engineering and eventually construction. By the time design, engineering, right-of-way and utility work is completed and all approvals are in place, construction could begin as early as 2028.
Project Location: High Line Canal at Colfax Ave
Project Cost: Federal funding will be matched with support from Arapahoe County Open Spaces, Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space and Adams County
Miles 57-59: Laredo Highline Canal Improvement Zone Design
Project Name: Miles 57-59: Laredo Highline Canal Improvement Zone Design
Project Type: Trail Enhancements
Project Status: Designs will be completed in early 2025
The Conservancy is partnering closely with Laredo Highline neighbors to design access, activation and amenity improvements. The current designs include an overlook at Granby Ditch, an outdoor classroom and two accessible access points to the Canal. These community-centered designs will be completed in early 2025.
Project Location: High Line Canal between E. 6th Ave and Colfax
Project Cost: The Conservancy has secured funding through the GOCO Centennial program and is currently pursuing additional funding for construction
Miles 43-48: Four Square Mile Trail Surface Enhancements
Project Name: Miles 43-48: Four Square Mile Trail Surface Enhancements
Project Type: Trail Enhancements
Project Status: Designs are currently at 60% and construction of a first phase is anticipated to begin in 2026.
The City and County of Denver and Arapahoe County Open Spaces have designed an enhanced trail surface for the Canal that includes a 12’ concrete trail with a 6’ gravel side path. This trail profile was developed for the reaches of the Canal in southeast and east Denver as well as unincorporated Arapahoe County. Arapahoe County and The City and County of Denver are now advancing the design and engineering of the segments of the Canal from Quebec Street to Parker Road. A first phase of construction in this segment will begin in 2026.
Project Location: Quebec St. to Parker Rd.
Project Cost: Design and engineering is funded jointly by Arapahoe County Open Spaces and the High Line Canal Conservancy through a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado.
Miles 41-43: Yale Avenue Crossing Enhancements
Project Name: Miles 41-43: Yale Avenue Crossing Enhancements
Project Status: Installation is anticipated in the Fall of 2025
The High Line Canal crosses Yale Avenue four times – more than any other roadway! Two of these crossings will be getting safety improvements in 2025, with ADA upgrades and blinking lights for pedestrians (aka Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons or RRFBs).
Project Location: High Line Canal Second and Third Crossings of Yale Ave by Bible Park
Project Cost: Funding Partners: City and County of Denver
Mile 34: Quincy Farm Pedestrian Bridge Replacement
Project Name: Mile 34: Quincy Farm Pedestrian Bridge Replacement
Project Status: Designs will be completed in 2025
The pedestrian bridge connecting Quincy Farm to the High Line Canal provides an important connection to the Canal from the historic farm property. Cherry Hills Village plans to replace the pedestrian bridge in a way that is consistent with the historic character of the current wooden footbridge.
Project Location: High Line Canal South of Quincy Ave
Project Cost: The City of Cherry Hills Village has secured matching funding from the Conservancy
Mile 34: Quincy Farm Pond Enhancements
Project Name: Mile 34: Quincy Farm Pond Enhancements
Project Status: Construction is anticipated Fall 2025 - Spring 2026
At Quincy Farm, there is a 1930’s irrigation pond located next to the High Line Canal. The pond provides trail users with many opportunities to view wildlife. The pond has filled with sediment over the years and become very shallow. When the City took over management of the Farm in 2016, the pond was suffering from extreme algae blooms due to the shallow depth and lack of aeration. The City plans to dredge the pond to make it smaller and deeper to improve the water quality and create an improved habitat for wildlife.
Project Location: High Line Canal south of Quincy Ave
Project Cost: The City of Cherry Hills Village has secured grant funding from Arapahoe County Open Spaces and the City is contributing matching funds.
Mile 33: Cherry Hills Village Irrigation Extension and Tree Planting
Project Name: Mile 33: Cherry Hills Village Irrigation Extension and Tree Planting
Project Status: Irrigation installation and planting planned for 2026
Cherry Hills Village has been installing an irrigation line along the Canal to support permanent irrigation of newly planted trees. In 2025, the Village will extend this irrigation line north of Belleview Ave and plant additional trees in partnership with the Conservancy.
Project Location: North of Belleview Ave
Project Cost: This project is funded by the City of Cherry Hills Village with matching funds from the Conservancy
Miles 26-33: Greenwood Village Irrigation System Design
Project Name: Miles 26-33: Greenwood Village Irrigation System Design
Project Status: A first phase of irrigation, focused on the area around Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve, is in design
The City of Greenwood Village is designing an irrigation system that will eventually cover the entire reach of the Canal within Greenwood Village. The first phase of irrigation will focus around the Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve and will be supported by a groundwater well.
Project Location: High Line Canal in Greenwood Village
Project Cost: Design is being funded by Greenwood Village with support from Arapahoe County Open Spaces and the Conservancy
Mile 25: Goodson Recreation Center Access Road Improvements
Project Name: Mile 25: Goodson Recreation Center Access Road Improvements
Project Status: The project is currently at 60% design
South Suburban Park and Recreation District is currently designing safety improvements where the High Line Canal crosses the Goodson Recreation Center access road. This is a well-used section of the Canal and a busy access road that services both the recreation center and a retirement community. Safety improvements could include improved signage, new maintenance access to the trail and a raised crosswalk.
Project Location: High Line Canal at Goodson Recreation Center Access Road
Project Cost: Design is being funded by SSPRD
Miles 22-23: Littleton Irrigated Tree Planting Pilot
Project Name: Miles 22-23: Littleton Irrigated Tree Planting Pilot
Project Status: Irrigation installation and planting planned for Spring 2026
The Conservancy and the City of Littleton are partnering to develop an irrigated tree planting pilot project along the Canal between the 2nd and 3rd crossings of S. Broadway. The project will include hazard tree mitigation, targeted thinning to support the establishment of desirable vegetation and irrigated tree planting. The project is funded by the Conservancy and Arapahoe County Open Spaces with the City of Littleton maintaining the irrigation line.
Project Location: City of Littleton between the 2nd and 3rd crossings of S. Broadway
Project Cost: The City of Littleton has secured funding from the Conservancy and Arapahoe County Open Spaces
Mile 22: Broadway and Arapahoe Underpass Design and Engineering
Project Name: Mile 22: Broadway and Arapahoe Underpass Design and Engineering
Project Status: Design and engineering underway
Arapahoe County Public Works is partnering with the City of Littleton and City of Centennial to design an underpass at the Canal’s second crossing of S. Broadway, just south of Arapahoe Rd. This project received a federal grant in 2023 that will support design, engineering and utility relocations.
Project Location: The High Line Canal’s second crossing of S. Broadway
Project Cost: Federal funding will be matched with support from Arapahoe County Open Spaces, City of Littleton and City of Centennial
Mile 17: C-470 Trail Connection Design
Project Name: Mile 17: C-470 Trail Connection Design
Project Status: Design will be completed in 2025
The City of Littleton has secured federal funding to improve the connection between the High Line Canal Trail and the C-470 Trail (also called the Centennial Trail) just south of County Line Rd. This project will improve east/west connectivity within Littleton and improve the safety of this challenging trail juncture.
Project Location: High Line Canal south of County Line Road
Project Cost: The City of Littleton has secured federal funding to support the project
Mile 2: High Line Canal Origin Trailhead Design
Project Name: Mile 2: High Line Canal Origin Trailhead Design
Project Type: Trailhead Enhancement
Project Status: Design is currently at 60% and will be completed in 2026
Douglas County and the Conservancy are partnering to design enhancements to The High Line Canal Origin Trailhead, located along Waterton Rd near the start of the Canal. Designs are currently at 60% and include improvements to the trailhead and connection to the Canal Trail as well as two overlooks with interpretive signage to share the story of the Canal’s origins. This trailhead is intended to be an interpretive hub, educating trail users about the Canal’s unique history and connection to water in the West. Designs will continue into early 2026 as the Conservancy requests funding from Douglas County for construction.
Project Location: Waterton Rd and the High Line Canal, where the Canal emerges from Waterton Canyon.
Project Cost: Design has been funded jointly by the Conservancy and Douglas County Parks, Trails and Building Grounds.
History of Completed Projects
See improvement projects that have been completed in previous years below. Get more details on these projects by visiting the Progress Reports on the Resources page of our website.
Hours + Rules
Hours: Open year round, 5 a.m. – 11 p.m., subject to modification by recreation agencies.
Uses: walking, nature viewing, bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking.
For more information on rules and amenities in the specific jurisdictional reaches, please visit the following:
- Denver Water Recreation
- Douglas County Parks, Trails and Building Grounds Division
- Metro District of Highlands Ranch Parks and Open Space
- South Suburban Parks and Recreation
- Greenwood Village Parks, Trails and Recreation Department
- Cherry Hills Village Parks, Trails and Recreation Department
- Denver Parks and Recreation Department
- Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department
