Chatfield State Park
State Park in Littleton, CO
Hours:
Park: 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Office: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Campground Office: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
11500 N. Roxborough Park Rd.
Littleton, CO 80125
United States
Chatfield State Park
State Park in Littleton, CO
Hours:
Park: 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Office: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Campground Office: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
11500 N. Roxborough Park Rd.
Littleton, CO 80125
United States
Navigate to:
Road Construction: Possible Trail Detours of Closures -
Trails at the C470 trail between Santa Fe and the pedestrian bridge may be impacted as work continues in 2024. Read more.
Water Safety: Low Water Levels -
The reservoir water level is decreasing rapidly. Be aware of unmarked hazards in the water while boating and swimming. Jumping from the bridge and other structures is prohibited.
Fishing kayaks lining the beach
Activities and Trails
What to Do at Chatfield
Just southwest of Denver, Chatfield State Park’s reservoir is a popular summer swim spot and also offers fishing, ice fishing, hot air ballooning and boating. The park has 26 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, plus a 69-acre off-leash area for dogs. Campgrounds, boat and horse rentals, a model airplane field and a floating restaurant are among the park’s amenities.
- Boating
- Education Programs
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
- Ice Fishing
- Jet Skiing
- Model Airplane Flying
- Paddle Boarding
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
- Water Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
Best of Chatfield
Lake
The park's main attraction is the 1,355-acre-surface-area lake that draws visitors to boat, fish, jet ski, paddle board and water ski.
Chatfield has a full-service marina offering slip rentals, boat rentals, boat storage and grill.
Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding is permitted at Chatfield on the reservoir as well as the gravel ponds. Don't forget to bring your life jacket!
Model Airplane Flying
For model airplane pilots, Chatfield’s model airplane field provides paved runways, frequency posts, and field regulations for radio-controlled aircraft in an area south of the campgrounds. No model rockets allowed.
Swim Beach
The swim beach is open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours of operation are sunrise to sunset every day. Children under 12 must have adult supervision. There is no lifeguard on duty.
A new way to explore Chatfield State Park
E-Bikes Available
Class 1 e-bikes are available to rent from the swim beach, marina, and campground office. Just scan the QR code by the handlebars and follow the prompts. These are a result of a collaborative project with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to raise awareness and availability of alternate forms of transportation. Remember to ride responsibility, wear a helmet and have fun!
Upcoming Events
No Results.
There are no results to display at this time.
No Results.
There are no results to display at this time.
Hot Air Ballooning
Hot air ballooning is popular at Chatfield. If you would like to ride in a hot air balloon, find a vendor at Chatfield that offers rides for purchase. If you are a licensed balloon pilot and are interested in launching from Chatfield, please contact the office in-person or call 303-791-7275.
Commercial Pilots
If you are a commercial balloon pilot, you will need to send an email to [email protected] for information on acquiring a commercial activity permit and information on requirements and fees.
Fun for Dogs
Dog Off-leash Area
The dog off-leash area provides 69 acres of completely fenced open space for dogs, including two ponds and miles of paved and unpaved walking trails.
- There is a limit of three dogs per handler
- A valid dog off-leash area daily or annual pass is required for the use of the area
- You must have your dog under voice control when off leash
- Bring a leash, which must be carried with you
- Bring a waste bag for each dog
- When arriving or leaving the off-leash area, dogs must be leashed from the access point to the vehicle
Use of the Upland Sport Dog Training Area and the Flat Water Sport Dog Training Area require a special activity agreement permit. Please contact the Park Headquarters at 303-791-7275 or [email protected] for further information.
Hiking, Biking and Horseback Riding
Trails
Over 26 miles of hard-surface and natural trails wind through the park and provide visitors with an abundance of opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching. Trails are available for hiking, biking, dog walking and horseback riding.
Chatfield Stables
Chatfield Stables is the horseback riding concessionaire at Chatfield. Call 303-933-3636 or email [email protected] for rates, hours and other information. The stables provide trail rides, riding camps and birthday parties.
Chatfield Dam Trail
2.7 miles, paved
Hiking, biking
ADA accessible
Dog friendly
Access: Dam Overlook parking lot
Chatfield Equestrian Loop
3.2 miles
Horseback riding
Dog friendly
Access: Chatfield Stables parking lot
Chatfield Internal Trails Network
26 miles
Hiking, biking, skating only
Dog friendly
Chatfield Dam Trail
2.7 miles, paved
Hiking, biking
ADA accessible
Dog friendly
Access: Dam Overlook parking lot
Chatfield Equestrian Loop
3.2 miles
Horseback riding
Dog friendly
Access: Chatfield Stables parking lot
Chatfield Internal Trails Network
26 miles
Hiking, biking, skating only
Dog friendly
Group Activities
Special Activity Agreement
A Special Activity Agreement permit may be required if you want to do an unusual activity or hold an organized group activity other than a normal picnic or camping trip.
Past examples of events that required a Special Activity Agreement permit include running, swimming and biking events; weddings; open-water baptisms; school or other organized groups; fishing tournaments; group skill training; dog tracking, hot air balloon launches; professional photography; and more. Commercial photographers need a Special Activity Agreement permit.
If you have another kind of event in mind, or if you are unsure if your event is suitable for Chatfield, please contact the park at [email protected] with details about your event, and we will let you know if you need a Special Activity Agreement permit.
We need to know about your event ahead of time so we can make space available and ensure your event won't harm the natural resources or overlap with other visitors' activities.
Please submit your application at least 90 days before the date of your event or activity to see if you need to complete a Special Activity Agreement. A non-refundable $30 processing fee is required with each application.
Special Activity Agreement Permit Application
Instructions
Application
Hot Air Balloon Special Use Permit Application
Instructions
Application
Recreational Balloon Guest Pilot Application
Commercial Photography Special Activity Agreement Application
Photo Application
Commercial Filming/Marketing Photography Application