High Line Canal Conservancy

🕰️ 💧 The High Line Canal traces back to planning efforts in the 1870s, when the Northern Colorado Irrigation Company, often referred to as the British or English Company due to its British investors, began organizing one of Colorado’s major early water infrastructure projects.

The company secured water rights to divert water from the South Platte River and acquired land that remained largely undeveloped following the construction of the transcontinental railroad, which had been routed further north. From there, they worked to build and sell both land and water access to incoming settlers in the region.

By the time construction wrapped up in 1883, the Canal had cost approximately $650,000 (roughly $21 million today). It was originally intended to irrigate up to 650,000 acres of farmland, though that scale of irrigation was never fully realized.

Even so, the project remains one of the most significant early water infrastructure undertakings in Colorado — reflecting the ambition, investment and complexity of reshaping water access in an arid landscape.

Learn more about the Canal’s history at highlinecanal.org/history

We are grateful to HAL Sports for their support in bringing the Summer Scamper, 5k for All, presented by Land Title Guarantee Company for the fourth year! See you on the course!

☀️🏃‍♀️ Summer Scamper is back! 🏃‍♂️🌿

The 4th Annual High Line Canal Summer Scamper 5K for All is Tuesday, June 24 at Bible Park in Denver—the perfect way to kick off summer!

👟 Kids 8 & under start with the FREE 200m Ditch Dash, then it’s time to scamper along the Canal—run, walk, or stroll through a fun, feel-good 5K surrounded by community and nature 🌳💛

🎉 Stick around for the Canal Summer Fest with food, drinks, live music, and summer fun for all ages!

🎽 Registration includes an event shirt, chip-timed bib, event photos, one meal ticket (GF & vegan options available), and one drink ticket (NA options + beer for 21+) 🍔🍻

💚 Hosted by the High Line Canal Conservancy , supporting the 71-mile Canal for generations to come.

https://summerscamper5k.com/

Join us on Sunday morning for a community 5K along the High Line Canal at James A. Bible Park with Latinos Run Denver. 💚👟

No pressure, no pace goals, just good energy and community miles. Come for the run, then stay for the snacks. ✨ You can also try a pair of Skechers as you move through the Canal.

Meet a vecino. Bring your familia. Invite your friends. Leave with new connections and a few extra endorphins.

Corre, camina, conecta en el Canal. ¡Nos vemos ahí! 💚

Water is one of Colorado’s most precious and limited resources. But protecting it starts right at home. 💧

Want to learn simple, impactful ways to save water in your own backyard? Join the Conservancy and fellow friends and partners at the annual City of Aurora Water-Wise Day to explore water-saving tips, learn about native plants, irrigation practices and more.

Enjoy booths, expert speakers, raffles and family-friendly activities as we celebrate all things water-wise. We hope to see you there!

📍 Aurora Municipal Center
📅 June 6
🕣 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

to the early 1900s 👀

These behind-the-scenes construction and maintenance photos show a version of the High Line Canal that looks very different from today. Many of the headgates, flumes and irrigation structures pictured are long gone — but their legacy helped shape the Canal we experience now.

History runs deep along these 71 miles. Learn more at highlinecanal.org/history

Fun run > fast run ✨

Meet us at James A. Bible Park this Saturday morning for a relaxed 3-mile community run with the Below Average Runners run club. All paces are encouraged, good vibes are guaranteed, and freebies + goodies will be waiting for you at the finish.

Participants will also score a discounted rate to Scamper! 👟 Save your spot at highlinecanal.org/events

Catch us at the University Hills Farmer’s Market on June 6 and October 31 🌿

Swing by our booth, chat Canal with us, and check out all the great local vendors while you’re there. We’d love to see some familiar faces from the Canal community!

The Summer Scamper, 5K for All is just around the corner, and we’re grateful for the incredible sponsors helping make this community celebration possible. Thank you, Natural Grocers, S&D Marketing | Advertising, Comrade Brewing, MidFirst Bank, Community College of Aurora, Denver City Councilwoman Diana Romero Campbell, District 4, Living Yoga, the Tamarac Optimist Club and the Denver Optimist Club of Monaco South.

We'd especially like to thank this year's presenting sponsor, Land Title Guarantee Company for their longtime support of the High Line Canal and of Colorado.

Thank you to all of our sponsors for investing in community, connection and the High Line Canal experience. Interested in getting involved? Learn more at SummerScamper5K.com/sponsor