Chatfield Reservoir
A big-sky reservoir on Denver's southwest edge with foothill views, wetlands and room to roam.
About Chatfield Reservoir
Chatfield Reservoir is the centerpiece of Chatfield State Park, which straddles Douglas and Jefferson counties near Littleton. The park covers about 5,400 acres of water, prairie, cottonwood riparian corridor and wetlands along the South Platte River and Plum Creek, sitting around 5,450 feet with the foothills rising just to the west.
It's one of Colorado's busiest state parks, with boating, swimming, camping, horseback riding, more than 30 miles of trails, model airplane flying and a dog off-leash area. Birders and photographers come for the 300-plus bird species and the wide-open views.
The water and the rolling foothills line up beautifully for sunrise and sunset, and the park is only about 30 minutes from downtown Denver.
A do-almost-anything park southwest of Denver — boating, biking, hiking, camping, horseback riding, even flying model airplanes, all with the foothills and Platte River valley as a backdrop. The open water gives you a genuine foothills reflection on calm evenings, a rarer find this close to the city.
History
People have lived around the confluence of the South Platte River and Plum Creek for thousands of years. The park takes its name from the Chatfield family, who bought land here in 1874.
After a devastating South Platte flood in June 1965, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Chatfield Dam and Reservoir between 1967 and 1975 for flood control, and the state park opened in 1975. A reallocation project completed in 2020 raised the water level about 12 feet to add water storage. The Audubon Center at Chatfield occupies buildings from a 1940s ranch.
Photographing Chatfield Reservoir
Best light: Sunrise is excellent from the west side of the reservoir looking east across the water, while sunset paints the foothills and clouds to the west. Fall cottonwoods along the South Platte and Plum Creek glow gold in October, and winter brings waterfowl and eagles.
Shots to look for
- Sunrise reflections across the reservoir with shoreline grasses as foreground
- Foothills and the hogback silhouetted at sunset from the east shore
- Golden cottonwoods along the South Platte riparian corridor in October
- Birds in flight over the water or wetlands with a 100-400mm
- Summer thunderheads building over the foothills, reflected in calm water
Photo tips
- Park opens early (listed 5 a.m.), so sunrise shoots are easy
- Summer weekends are very busy; weekdays and shoulder seasons are calmer
- Bring a long lens for birds and wildlife along the river and wetlands
- Check for trail closures; tree removal and maintenance closures happen
Know before you go
- A Colorado state parks pass or daily vehicle pass is required
- The dog off-leash area requires its own pass
- Boating rules and closures vary by season and water levels; check CPW
- Prairie rattlesnakes live in the park; watch your step in warm months
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a pass for Chatfield State Park?
Yes. Vehicles need a Colorado state parks pass or a daily vehicle pass, and walk-ins need an individual pass.
Can dogs go off leash at Chatfield?
Yes, in the designated off-leash area with a separate daily or annual dog off-leash pass. Elsewhere dogs must be leashed.
When was Chatfield Reservoir built?
The Army Corps of Engineers built the dam between 1967 and 1975 after the 1965 South Platte flood.
Featured in: Photography Spots Near Denver
Combine it with
Waterton Canyon · Roxborough State Park · Deer Creek Canyon Park · Red Rocks Park
More Colorado spots
Georgetown Loop Railroad · Cherry Creek Reservoir · Crater Lakes
Sources & further reading: cpw.state.co.us · en.wikipedia.org. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.