7607 Poudre River Rd, Greeley, CO
Built in 1870 in association with the establishment of the Union Colony (now Greeley), the Greeley No. 3 Ditch was the first cooperative irrigation development in northeastern Colorado. Greeley’s historic ditch was planned by Robert Cameron and H.T. West. Its 13-mile length was dug by horses, oxen and mules, as well as by volunteers who used pick axes, shovels and plows to dredge up the dirt. All male residents of eligible age were enlisted to assist in its construction. Funds to pay for the building of the ditch came from membership fees while annual assessments levied on colonists raised money for operations, maintenance, and improvements.
Water first flowed from the Cache la Poudre River into the canal in June 1870. However, initially only a small acreage was irrigated because of its crude construction and the absence of any kind of diversion dam in the river to direct water into the ditch. Today Greeley No. 3 continues to be a vital asset to the Greeley community.
Accessibility
View from trail.
Wayside Sign
Sign is just east of the headgate.
Directions
Enter the Poudre Trail trail at 7607 Poudre River Rd and turn right (east) when you intersect the main trail. Proceed a few hundred feet to the ditch headgate and nearby Heritage Area interpretive sign.
