Directions to Trailhead: From the C-470 and S. Wadsworth intersection in southwest Denver. Take Wadsworth south for several miles until you see a turnoff for Waterton Canyon on your left (This is the point where Wadsworth starts heading west). Drive south for several hundred yards. You'll see a parking lot on your left, and a small recreation center on your right. Park in the parking lot.
About This Trail: Waterton Canyon is a popular destination for families, fishers, and novice riders. The first 6 miles have a green circle rating for physical and technical difficulties, making that section perfect for beginners. However, more serious riders often use the canyon as a prelude to the Colorado Trail. As soon as you reach the top of the trail, you can hop onto Colorado Trail 1776 which offers some truly rewarding riding.
Trail Description: From the trailhead, go west up Waterton Canyon. (On this section, it's hard to get lost. Just follow the South Platte up). 6.3 miles up at the Strontia Springs Dam, the road begins to get steep, and you will see a trail on your left. DON'T ride up this trail!! (This is part of the Roxborough Loop, but it's easier if you come down this section.) Instead, continue up the dirt road until you see a sign that says that only authorized vehicles can continue. At this point, you'll see the well marked Colorado Trail 1776 to your left. Take this trail, and begin your adventure! From here, you have several options....
Option #1 - Roxborough Loop Take trail 1776 for over a mile until you see a trail branch off for Roxborough State Park. Take a left on this trail. Follow this trail as it winds north. From here, whenever you run into a trail intersection, take a left. You will do a counterclockwise loop and get back on the road next to the dam. Take the road back down the river to the parking lot.
Option #2 - Waterton Canyon to Buffalo Creek Take trail 1776 past the trail branch-off for Roxborough that I told you about above. The first several miles are well kept singletrack, but after that, it becomes a blend of technical singletrack and jeep roads. In the middle of the most technical areas, you can expect to maybe walk your bike for short sections. These sections are also shared with a motorcycle path. At about 13 miles from the base of Waterton Canyon, the trail peaks at about 7440 feet. From here, you'll drop down to County Road 97 which goes to the town of Deckers. This drop is made up of a lot of switchbacking singletrack. Once you get to County Rd 97, you will have been riding for 15 miles. From here, you can take Colorado Trail 538 all the way up to Buffalo Creek (which is another 13 miles). Riders with the appropriate supplies and preparations can take this trail all the way to Durango.
