Public Works
Goldsmith Gulch Stabilization Project
The Goldsmith Gulch Bank Stabilization Project was recently completed to address significant erosion along the streambank near the Orchard Hills Trail, just downstream of East Berry Avenue. The erosion had been threatening the safety of the public trail and nearby infrastructure. The project was designed by Stantec and constructed by L&M Enterprises and sponsored by the City in partnership with the Mile High Flood District.
The work focused on a 475-foot stretch of Goldsmith Gulch and involved reinforcing the streambank, rebuilding parts of the trail, and replacing a nearby fence. To protect the area from future erosion, crews installed large rocks along the bank, regraded unstable slopes, and carefully repaved sections of the trail that had been undermined. Native vegetation was replanted in disturbed areas to help the landscape recover naturally.
The improvements were designed to blend with the surrounding environment while providing long-term protection for the trail, nearby open space, and residential properties. The project team made sure to preserve trees and minimize impacts to nearby homes and wildlife habitat. Importantly, the project was completed without increasing flood risk. Careful planning ensured that water levels during large storms would remain the same, meeting all floodplain and safety requirements. No significant changes were made to the stream’s path or flow.
Now complete, the project has restored stability to a key section of Goldsmith Gulch, improved public safety, and protected valuable community infrastructure — all while respecting the natural character of the area.
