Chatfield Lake

Chatfield Dam, located southwest of Denver on the South Platte River, was the second of three dams built to protect the Denver region from floods. The 1,479-acre land and the 5,300 acres surrounding it provide a myriad of recreational opportunities including camping, fishing, and swimming. This lake features a heron and marsh bird observatory and sailboat harbor. Horseback riding and bicycling are available. Ice fishing, ice skating, ice boating, and cross-country skiing are popular during the winter months. The Botanic Gardens' Nature Preserve for environmental studies is open to visitors, and the old Hildebrand Homestead, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the central historic feature. The barrier-free design of the facilities provides convenient access for the handicapped.This area is managed by the State of Colorado (Visit their web site at http://www.dnr.state.co.us, (or use the link to Chatfield Lake on this page) Address: Colorado State Parks, Department of Natural Resources, 1313 Sherman Street, Denver, CO 80203 (303)866-3437.)

Located off C-470 SW of Denver at the Wadsworth interchange.