Another alternative for Waterton Canyon is to hike it downhill. This is a 16.1-mile downhill hiking trip with nice views of the Metropolitan area and eastern plains. Many people mountain bike this trail, but it would only be recommended for a few older Scouts with mountain biking experience. How to get there: Take US 285 west through the foothills to Conifer. About .6 miles past the stoplight intersection at Conifer a county road will exit to the south called “Foxton Road” (CR97). Take this road for 7.5 miles, there will be an intersection, take the turn to the left, CR96, to the town site of South Platte, another 5 miles. This is where you park to hike down Waterton Canyon. A full day is needed for such a hike, so carry extra water. The trail starts on the south side of the Platte River. For the first 10 miles, the trail travels high above the river, as much as a mile away. At 10.5 miles you will intersect with the service road to Strontia Springs Dam. Continue down the service road winding next to the Platte until you exit the canyon at the Kassler Water Treatment Plant. Note: Of course, you will need to arrange for transportation home. Here are directions to the parking lot near the Kassler Water Treatment Plant. From C470, exit at South Wadsworth Boulevard. Take CO75 south pass Chatfield State Park. Just before you enter the Martin Marietta Plant there is a sign to Kassler Water Treatment Plant and Roxborough Park. Turn left or south, and almost immediately turn right into the Waterton Canyon parking area.
Created on: 2024-09-10 18:50:03
Last edited by: rhall290472 On: 2024-09-10 18:51:10