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Colorado Destinations
Bighorn sheep can be seen scaling the vertical cliffs of the canyon. |
Wateron Canyon follows the South Platte river as it flows out of the Strontia Springs Reservoir six miles from the mouth of the canyon. The canyon is a transitional zone between the high plains and mountain ecosystems and is home to a great variety of wildlife. A herd of 25 to 30 bighorn sheep frequent the area as well as mule deer, mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and black bears year round. Many different types of birds and reptiles call the canyon home as well.
Steep cliffs and pinnacles follow the Platte as it flows out of the Rocky Mountains. |
The Stephen H. Long expedition of 1820 was the first to record an entry into the South Platte Canyon. On July 6, 1820, the Long party camped at the point where the South Platte emerges from the mountains at the site of what was to become Waterton, the company town of the Denver Union Water Company (the predecessor of Denver Water).
To get there: From Denver, take I-25 south to C-470 driving west. Take C-470 to the Wadsworth exit. Go south on Wadsworth past Chatfield State Park and turn left on Titan Road; parking is on the left, the canyon is on the right. Due to the wildlife in the canyon, pets are not allowed. The Colorado Trail starts 6.5 miles up the canyon, so hiking and mountain biking are most popular.
Perched on a south facing wall, Eagles Nest ruin has remained nearly untouched for hundreds of years. |
Explore Ute Mountain Tribal Park on the Colorado/New Mexico border with its untouched anciet puebloan ruins and remote sites. Wander through rugged canyon country on four wheel drive roads to discover hidden archaeological wonders and insightful explanations from Ute Mountain Ute guides. If you want a more adventerous and interesting visit than the Mesa Verde tour, your journey begins at Towaoc south of Cortez, Colorado.
The Park encompasses approximately 125,000 acres centering on a 25 mile stretch of the Mancos River. Within the boundaries of the park are hundreds of surface ruins and cliff dwellings. For more information go to the Ute Mountain web site.
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