LITTLETON, Colo. — A detour to see some of the best sights in the Denver metro area can be a real pain in the Jackass Hill. Users of the High Line Canal trail near Jackass Hill Park in Littleton have found access to be detoured.
“I live in the neighborhood just on the other side of the High Line Canal here, so, I would come through here to get to Jackass Hill," Billy Gooch said. "You get beautiful sunsets, you can see fireworks, unobstructed views of the whole front range here. I know a lot of people come from this side to get to the High Line Canal.
” Gooch is one of the 90,000 yearly users of the segment of High Line Canal trail that bends near Jackass Hill, which is close to Santa Fe Drive and Mineral Avenue. He is also part of Vibrant Littleton. “We advocate for safe routes for pedestrians, bicycles, kids to get to school, affordable housing, local businesses,” Gooch said.
Over the weekend, a 400-foot section of a dirt path that connected the High Line Canal trail with Jackass Hill Park was shut, with a gate and a chain and a notice sign. “PRIVATE PROPERTY & DRIVEWAY - VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED – Use Mineral Ave for access.” “This is a safe route to school," Gooch said.
"Heritage High School and Runyon Elementary are both just down the way." There is a permanent sign attached to a pole near the path that says it is a “School Route.” “Heritage High: Turn right and then left at trail.
” The sign shows that it is a 20-minute walk to Heritage High S.