High Line Canal Trail (Eisenhower Park segment)

Dog-friendly hike near Denver · Eisenhower Park, S Colorado Blvd & E Dartmouth Ave, Denver

Illustration of Front Range foothills trail

Illustration of the region, not this trail.

Dogs on this trail

The Canal requires pets on a 6-foot or shorter leash; Denver park rules require dogs leashed and under physical control at all times.

Source: High Line Canal Conservancy / Denver Parks & Recreation · checked 2026-10-24. Rules change; confirm before you go.

Distance68 mi
Elevation gain176 ft
Leash ruleLeash required
Water on trailCanal is usually dry — carry water
SeasonYear-round; shaded and snow-free most of the winter
ParkingFree neighborhood lot at Eisenhower Park plus street parking; never fills the way foothills trailheads do
FeeFree
RestroomsRestrooms at Eisenhower Park (seasonal)
Managed byHigh Line Canal Conservancy / Denver Parks & Recreation

A flat, crusher-fines towpath under old cottonwoods, the High Line Canal is the easiest long dog walk in the metro area. Pick it up at Eisenhower Park and wander south toward Cherry Hills or north toward Wellshire; the tree canopy makes it one of the few in-town routes that stays tolerable on a July afternoon. Expect joggers, cyclists and a lot of other dogs, which is why the Conservancy asks for a short, non-retractable leash. The canal itself rarely carries water, so bring a bowl. Good for seniors, puppies building distance, and reactive dogs who need wide sightlines rather than singletrack surprises. Mile markers make it easy to turn around when your dog has had enough.