Directions: From Hampden Avenue, go south on Colorado Boulevard about
.75 mile to a small parking area along the east (left) side of the road. Take the trail
eastward.
Trail Information: This section of the High Line canal takes you through
the back yards of Cherry Hills Village, the most exclusive residential area in Denver. Not
only do you get a peak at the lifestyles of the rich and famous, you get to see the
gorgeous mountain views they enjoy from their verandas. They also are privy to some of
the best urban open space available, including a wildlife refuge, riparian habitat and
horse-jumping areas. The track is wide, well-maintained hard-pack crushed gravel. All
crossings of major roads are underground; some surface crossing of small neighborhood
streets.
Miscellaneous: The High Line Canal winds all through Denver, an
irrigation canal built nearly 100 years ago for Front Range farmers. It offers lots of
interesting segments. Some parts of the trail are crushed gravel and some paved asphalt.
Most of it is tree-lined, although the further east you go, the less aesthetically
pleasing
it is. Because of its serpentine nature, it is within running distance of many homes and
businesses. I can choose between a morning run near my home or a lunchtime run on a
different segment near my office. The trail also connects with many other metro area
trails, such as the Cherry Creek and Platte River trails.
Steve Krizman