Eastern Mojave Vegetation Welch Ditch (Open Space), Jefferson County County, Colorado.
 
Gazetteer

Query: G.N.I.S.

See also: Welch Ditch.

Short segment of the ditch that was included in the Open Space Master Plan, adopted July 2025. Runs from the intersection of Sunset Drive and Lookout View Drive through DeLong Park to Nineteenth Street.

Welch Ditch is a historic irrigation structure built in the 1870s that runs along the south side of Clear Creek. Though no longer in use, remnants of the wooden flume are visible and offer historical interpretation opportunities.

ACRES: N/A

CLASSIFICATION: Natural Area

ATTRIBUTES: Cultural, Ecological, Passive Visitation

ACCESS AND TRAILS:

DESIGNATED PUBLIC ACCESS: No

TRAILS: No

KEY FEATURES:

  • Remnants of historic irrigation flume
  • Located within scenic Clear Creek corridor
  • Contributes to historical character of Golden
  • Historic irrigation infrastructure preservation

MANAGEMENT NOTES:

  • Preserved as cultural resource; interpretive signage recommended
  • No public access except where designated trails cross the ditch
  • Erosion and vegetation maintenance within stormwater drainageways are essential for effective flow conveyance, sediment control, and ecological health.


Elevation: 5738ft, 1749m.

Articles that refer to this location:

  • 19th Street, Golden, Jefferson County, Colorado: at Welch Ditch; 
  • 23rd Street, Golden, Jefferson County, Colorado: at Welch Dirch; 
  • Checklist Flora of Native and Naturalized Vascular Plants of Golden and Vicinity, Jefferson County, Colorado: Welch Ditch OS; 
  • Lookout View Drive, Golden, Jefferson County, Colorado: at Welch Ditch; 
  • Sunset Drive, Golden, Jefferson County, Colorado: at Welch Ditch (N); 
 

Area Plant Lists that contain this location:

No collections made at this location.
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Date and time this article was prepared:5:21:26 PM, 4/24/2026.