Waterton Canyon Reopens, Xcel Project Wraps Up Early
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4)- Waterton Canyon will fully be open to recreation for the first time since Sept. 2014 now that an Xcel Energy project wrapped up earlier than expected.
The upper portion of the canyon trail has been closed on weekdays since late Sept. 2014 for a project to improve the reliability of electricity at Denver Water's canyon facilities.
"We know how much Coloradans love Waterton Canyon," said Brandon Ransom, Denver Water's manager of recreation. "Through close coordination with Xcel Energy, U.S. Forest Service and The Colorado Trail Foundation, we made it a priority to keep some of the canyon open for recreation during the project. And, thanks to the efficient work by Xcel Energy, Denver Water is reopening the upper portion of the canyon earlier than expected."
The canyon trail was expected to remain closed through the end of January.
The project will create a more reliable energy source for Denver Water's canyon facilities, including Strontia Springs Dam and Reservoir, which is located 6.5 miles upstream of the mouth of Waterton Canyon. All of the water from the south end of Denver Water's system passes through Strontia Springs Reservoir before being treated. There also is a hydropower plant at the dam that feeds electricity to Denver's grid.
The canyon is open daily from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset.