High Line Canal
Trail Notices + Detours

Learn what projects may impact your trail travel

The High Line Canal Conservancy is working closely with Denver Water and the 12 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 notices and detours that can help you have a successful outing on the Canal!

Trail Closures + Detours

CANAL-WIDE

TREE CANOPY CARE: ONGOING

  • Crews working along the Canal do their best to minimize disruptions along the trail while removing trees and debris. However, trail closures may be necessary in some areas. Stay up to date on temporary closures by checking the map above.

Denver

DAHLIA STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: JUNE – SEPTEMBER

MILE 38

  • The existing bridge on S. Dahlia Street over the High Line Canal needs to be replaced. The Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) will remove the deteriorating bridge, which was constructed in 1952, and install a large concrete box culvert as part of the Bridge Asset Management Program. The sidewalk on the bridge will be widened from 2.5 feet to 6 feet, improving access to the High Line Canal. Get up to date information on the project >

YALE AND HOLLY UNDERPASS: ONGOING

MILE 39

  • E. Yale Avenue is a key east-west route in southeast Denver, serving Denver and Arapahoe County residents. The High Line Canal Trail, used for recreation and commuting, crosses Yale Avenue just west of S. Holly Street but lacks a safe connection. Improvements will ensure safe, convenient travel for all. Construction will include a concrete underpass with retaining walls and graded trails for better High Line Canal Trail connectivity. Additional upgrades will feature improved curb, sidewalk, driveways, storm drainage, and signage striping. Get up to date information on the project >
  • Starting in November 2025, trail users crossing Yale Avenue will have a detour. On both the north and south sides of Yale, crews are installing a large pipe and creating a graded crossing path over the canal, which will be fully paved in the future. Trail users can walk or bike alongside the construction activities. Moreover, a concrete barrier along Holly Street will function as a designated bike and pedestrian path. The detour area is indicated in blue on the map below.

AURORA

THE CANAL’S FINAL MILE: OPENING DATE UNKNOWN

MILES 70-71

  • The final mile and a half of the Canal trail is currently under construction as a part of the new Painted Prairie development. There is currently no access to the Canal trail between E. 56th Ave and E. 64th Ave. To view the Canal in this area, trail users can travel along Himalaya Road between E. 56th Ave and E. 64th Ave and look to the east to view a few segments of the historic ditch that are being preserved. The new development will include two parks along the Canal trail and a stormwater basin where the Canal was augmented to manage stormwater runoff. Once construction is complete, the Canal trail will end at an underpass under 64th Ave just south of the Gaylord Convention Center.

Learn more about all High Line Canal trail projects on our Trail Improvements webpage.

Hours + Rules

Hours: Open year round, dawn to dusk, 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:

Share the Trail

The Canal is a shared trail. Learn about proper trail etiquette and more on jurisdictional regulations along the Canal.