Chatfield State Park

Chatfield State Park is a large protected area in Colorado that centers around a reservoir surrounded by wetlands, forests, and grasslands. The grounds feature numerous trails for hiking and biking, along with camping facilities scattered throughout.

The land was bought in 1874 by Edward Livingston Chatfield and remained private property for many years before becoming a reservoir project in 1967. This transformation happened to help control flooding along the South Platte River.

The Audubon Center here lets visitors watch birds and wildlife while learning about the natural world around them. It has become a gathering place for people who care about observing nature and protecting it.

The park opens early in the morning and stays open until evening, with different areas offering different activities throughout. Parking is available and trails are clearly marked, making it easy to navigate the grounds.

The park is home to over 345 bird species, making it one of the best places for bird watching in the region. Many visitors are surprised by how many different kinds they can spot in a single day.

Location: Colorado

Inception: 1975

Operator: Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Website: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/chatfield

GPS coordinates: 39.53670,-105.06900

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:23