20 Attractions to Explore Near Chatfield State Park

Chatfield State Park is a state park located in Douglas and Jefferson counties of Colorado. The park centers on Chatfield Reservoir, a 1,423 acre surface area lake fed by the South Platte River and two other creeks, including Plum Creek. It is popular with hikers, boaters, campers, bikers, fishermen, and picnickers.

Chatfield Reservoir is a flood-control reservoir on the South Platte River owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In addition to its primary purpose of flood control, it serves as one of many water supply reservoirs for the city of Denver, Colorado. The reservoir is surrounded by Chatfield State Park, a recreation area with boating, horseback riding and camping. A secondary inflow from the south is Plum Creek. A tertiary inflow from the west is Deer Creek.

A picturesque nature preserve among the grasslands, ponds and cottonwood banks of Deer Creek houses a community farm supported by CSA members. Facilities include nature trails, a wildlife observation area, display gardens, educational exhibits, a historical farm, a 19th century one-room schoolhouse, working beehives and picnic areas.

This beautiful Denver park is popular with hikers, boaters, campers, bikers, fishermen, and picnickers.The park centers on Chatfield Reservoir, a 1,423 acre surface area lake fed by the South Platte River and two other creeks, including Plum Creek.

Hildebrand Ranch was a large cattle ranch and farm along Deer Creek southwest of Denver. After remaining in the hands of the Hildebrand family for more than a century, the ranch was condemned by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1971 for the construction of Chatfield Reservoir. The ranch sits on land that had been used for thousands of years as hunting, gathering, and camping grounds by Native inhabitants including the Ute, Cheyenne and Arapaho.

Chatfield Dog Park is located in Arapahoe County, Colorado. A variety of terrains keep dogs interested in exploring the park. Other park features include multiple trails and ponds where your dog can take a swim. Bring water for your pup and bags to clean up after your dog. This is a popular trail for birding, trail running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.

Deer Creek Canyon Park is located in the southwestern part of the Denver metropolitan area about 27 miles from downtown Denver. It is a foothills park with the entrance and trailhead parking at the edge of an upscale suburban subdivision. It has seven trails with a total length of 11 miles.

This is an open space located in Jefferson County west. It has an area of 909-acre which offers a vast view to the forest and wildlife. The Fountain and Lyons Formations pierce the meadows and scrubland of the park. Rocky mountain juniper and Gambel oak are found around the rock spires. Commonly seen wildlife includes mule deer, elk. Common birds include steller's jay. Horse and bicycle travel is allowed on 7 miles . Facilities include a parking lot, restrooms, picnic sites.

A beautiful park, which features a mix of athletic fields, picnic shelters, open play area and trails. All 16 picnic shelters can be rented for family or corporate picnics. Fishing is available at the 60 surface acre Johnston Reservoir with a valid fishing license. It is also home to many organized special events including the Summerset Festival each September.

It is one of the longest continuous urban trails in the country, the Canal twists through the most populated area of Colorado while crossing multiple and varied communities. Only falling 200 feet over its entire length, the Trail is relatively flat and easily traversed by walkers, hikers, rollers, and bikers.

This is a historic wedding venue located in Highlands Ranch, Colorado that exudes charm and character with tons of space and opportunities to host the wedding you’ve always imagined. The Mansion has a strong connection to its Western heritage and is surrounded by more than 200 acres of ranchland.

A small and beautiful park in Arapahoe County, Colorado. It is suitable for a short walk and also there are so many spaces for a peaceful time and also there are so many things to see and do here.

The South Suburban Park and Recreation District is a park and recreation district containing 41 square-miles on the southern edge of the Denver, Colorado. It has nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 100 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.

This is a cultural feature park in Arapahoe County. it is one of the iconic attraction in this area and also there are so many things to see and do here.

The Littleton Museum offers visitors a unique link between Littleton's past and present. Located on 40 acres adjacent to Ketring Lake, it encompasses three exhibition galleries, a children's interactive gallery, research center, lecture hall, and two 19th-century living history farm sites.

Waterton Canyon is the gateway for the Colorado Trail. Hike along the North Platte river the entire way on this hike just 30 minutes from Denver. It is home to many different types of wildlife, including the popular Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep herd. There are also mule deer, black bears, mountain lion(s), elk, lizards and snakes, including the prairie rattlesnake.

This is a beautiful lake park with so many amenities in this beautiful area. This park features Harriman Lake and the upland prairie habitat surrounding the lake. A 1.43 mile loop trail surrounds the lake and features interpretive stops that describe historical and natural features of the area. Improvements at the park have been intentionally limited to preserve the natural integrity of the park.

This is a well maintained park with a small stream running through it that is a major draw to the park - lots of kids wadding -- it is shallow so perfect for kids. One side of it has playgrounds for various age groups. The other side has the train and petting zoo.

This is an Urban Park that is a little known gem at the southwest corner of Arapaho Road and Addison Road. The 7.85 acres has become a favorite of many for viewing the Kaboom Town airshow and fireworks. It is also a great spot to watch airplanes at the Addison Airport.

Carpenter Peak is located in Ro​xborough State Park,​ which is a Colorado Natural Area and a National Natural Landmark. The parks 4,000 acres is filled with dramatic red-rock formations, distinct plant communities, and a host of wildlife ranging from black bears to mule deer. More than 1.2 billion years of geologic time are represented by the red-rock formations found within the park.