Winter Hiking and Wildlife in Waterton Canyon

Waterton Canyon is the beginning of the Colorado Trail which stretches 500 miles from Denver to Durango. Camping is allowed on the Colorado Trail but is not allowed in the first 6 miles section of Waterton Canyon, which is managed by Denver Water. The gravel road is great for running, biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Because the Waterton Canyon Trail is primarily flat, it is an easy trail that would be good for the whole family. You can hike the entire 6.2 miles out on the trail, but the further you go, the more challenging the hike becomes.

Bighorn sheep are impressive animals. They can weigh up to 300lbs and their horns can weigh 30lbs. Despite their size, bighorn sheep are extremely agile. There was never a dull moment watching them, even after a few hours. During the rut(November-December) Rams can be seen fighting to establish dominance. There is nothing that compares to the loud crack of to large rams colliding!

Near the beginning of the hike keep an eye out for wild turkey! If you don't see them on the ground, look up in the trees! Mule deer also frequent this trail. Dogs are not allowed on this trail to protect the bighorn sheep.