This trail is mainly flat with great views on southern part of trail

I’m new to Denver and was looking for a place to run without the ubiquitous concrete. The Highline Canal Trail is an amazing public resource. I wish the community would embrace and support the maintenance and expansion of this historic treasure. The southern portion of the trail, from section 15 south, is unmatched for its surface, environment, and scenery. Once the trail enters Denver proper and Aurora, the upkeep, amenities (parking locations, restrooms, water, and directional signage) are greatly lacking. I hope the Highline Canal Commission can dedicate resources to the start and ending sections of the trail to match the quality and public benefit of the middle sections. I have run all 27 sections and look forward to logging many more miles on the Highline Canal Trail.

Not to hard or strenuous. Good for quick walk/run or with your dog.

We were in the area to visit the Royal Gorge Bridge and this trail was a pleasant surprise! We decided to take a short stroll along the Tunnel Drive Trail and were wowed by the three impressive tunnels blasted through the rock. The overlooks of the Arkansas River and the active train tracks below were also spectacular.

Rode the trail in Jul 2021. Part of it was closed due to construction. My biggest issue was that the road connections were not marked and I got lost a few times. Beautiful pavement along a small creek. It was a bit unusual with the large number of campers, and I kind of felt bad invading their space. I noticed a better bike trail along the Garden of the Gods park. I will try that next.

This is a wonderful bike trail. I live near C-470 and University. The location allows me to connect to the Cherry Creek Trail, and with a few exceptions have limited interaction with traffic. The Quebec and Colorado Blvd tunnels have been completed. This removes the unsafe interaction with traffic that previously existed.

I've ridden on 3 sections of this trail. The first is the part that runs through the south part of Cherry Creek Reservoir. To complete a loop of the park you ride on a road and then the Parker Rd Trail. It's a very nice ride with enjoyable views and just a few climbs. The second connects from the High Line Canal Trail at the end of the Cherry Creek Golf Course. This section is well signed and could be confusing if it weren't. You take an underpass to cross Havana then along Kennedy Golf Course. There is a climb out of the golf course then a short descent and under I-225 then a climb either way to go around the dam road. After going around the dam road there is a soft trail along the water's edge (not sure if this is considered part of the CCT). The 3rd is the section going south out of the park down to Parker. Just out of the park you ride the sidewalk along Jordan Rd until just before Arapahoe Rd. Here there are two paths to the underpass. One is very steep and the second not as much but still a bit of a climb (coming back). Again, the trail is very well marked with spots for breaks and trail maps along the way. I went as far as Cottonwood before heading back for a 25 mile ride.

I connect with the HCT from the Toll Gate Creek Trail at Alameda. From here the trail is concrete and travels north and east going under I-225 at 2nd. You go just a bit north before heading south. At Alameda and Expo park the trails veers to the west of the park and becomes a soft (gravel and dirt) trail. You can stay on concrete through Expo Park on the Westerly Creek Tail, then near the south end of the park cross a bridge and rejoin the HCT where it is concrete again. You go east again and Cross Havana at a signal. After crossing the trail is asphalt and I believe you are in Denver now. From here on the trail is wooded and usually has shade. At Valentia the trail goes through Fairmount Cemetery but they are working on the Mississippi/Parker Rd underpass (June 2021). You can ride into the cemetery but the trail is closed and you have to go several blocks north to get out. Then there is no sidewalk on Quebec and you have to cross without a light. Instead travel south on Valentia in a bike lane. At one point the sidewalk and bike lane were closed and you had to cross to continue. Then to Mississippi to Parker Rd, to an Apartment building with access to the trail. Back on the trail it is again wooded with shade. Shortly after the detour the is a bridge to Long's Pine Grove, a nice little park with shaded tables and a pump and repair station. There are restrooms and a water station but the restrooms are closed for the season and there is no water at the station. But still a nice spot for a break. From here you ride along for a short bit then along the Cherry Creek Golf Course. At the end of the golf course I connect with the CCT and cross Havana ride along Kennedy Golf Course and into Cherry Creek Reservoir.

Very impressed with this paved trail. Concrete was a tad bumpy at times but overall not bad. Regarding the Quebec underground tunnel, it is officially complete. Its a nice well lit tunnel. Overall the few intersections you do have to cross, which is rare, are not that bad. The park meadows mall intersection was the worse but not as intimidating and dangerous as the old Quebec intersection pre tunnel days.