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High Line Canal Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 151 Google reviews · Running trail in Denver, Colorado · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
60 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from High Line Canal Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Paved60 miScenicDog-friendlyFlat & fastRestrooms

Flat, 60-mile-plus trail for bicyclists, runners and pedestrians that extends to Highland Ranch.

What runners say about High Line Canal Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (151 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“Beautiful trail, lots of trees and shade, clear view of the mountains and dtc, separated paths that make it easier to share the walkway.”

Beautiful trail, lots of trees and shade, clear view of the mountains and dtc, separated paths that make it easier to share the walkway. An all around great place to walk the pups. If you're looking for parking go to 1900 s quebec way, best spot.

★★★★★ — Simone , May 2020

Lovely trail that I lived near the 47 mile mark. Covered in snow you will find hundreds of prints of animals roaming around. So far we have seen snakes, bunnies, deer and once even a coyote. I have to take one star off due to the many dog owners who simply don't pick up after their pets.

★★★★☆ — Nicolas , Mar 2021

Fantastic trail with a feel of a country lane. Beautiful mountain views along the way.

★★★★★ — Joel , Oct 2024

The highline canal trail is a hidden gem among Aurora and Denver. It is mostly paved so makes for a great bike ride though it's a little up and down so I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who doesn't have at least a couple of gears or an electric motor.

★★★★☆ — Nelson , May 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 151 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 9 mentions

“Beautiful trail, lots of trees and shade, clear view of the mountains and dtc, separated paths that make it easier to share the walkway.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

“I have to take one star off due to the many dog owners who simply don't pick up after their pets.”

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🏃 Long-run distance (5mi+) 4 mentions

“Lovely trail that I lived near the 47 mile mark.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 3 mentions

“Paved and unpaved sections, interesting history and sights wherever you are on the trail.”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“Since it goes along the canal there is very little climbing or descending, so it is great for people who just want a nice flat walk, run, or ride.”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

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Plan your run at High Line Canal Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • Distance60 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.

Hours

Monday 5 AM–11 PM
Tuesday 5 AM–11 PM
Wednesday 5 AM–11 PM
Thursday 5 AM–11 PM
Friday 5 AM–11 PM
Saturday 5 AM–11 PM
Sunday 5 AM–11 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find High Line Canal Trail

Denver, Colorado

Get directions

Running trails near Denver

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Cherry creek trail

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Goldsmith Gulch Trailhead

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Hentzell (Paul A) Park

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Natural surfaceShadedScenicDog-friendly

71-acre area featuring paths through a rustic prairie landscape with native grasses & wildflowers.

2.2 miles away

Jewell Wetlands Park

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MixedLitScenicDog-friendly

A habitat for diverse wildlife, this conservation area offers trails & a butterfly garden.

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Greenwood Village Mountain Bike Trail

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Natural surface

3.4 miles away

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.