Hiking & Biking at Chatfield

Chatfield State Park has more than 26 miles of hard-surface and natural trails for hiking, biking, dog walking and horseback riding, with wide views of the Front Range foothills and the South Platte valley. The easiest is the paved Chatfield Dam Trail, 2.7 miles, ADA accessible and open to bikes and leashed dogs, from the Dam Overlook parking lot. The 26-mile internal trail network is open to hiking, biking and skating. In winter, the trails take cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

The Named Trails

• Chatfield Dam Trail: 2.7 miles, paved; hiking and biking; ADA accessible; dogs on leash. Start at the Dam Overlook parking lot. A Watchable Wildlife kiosk on top of the dam points out good wildlife spots.
• Chatfield Internal Trails Network: 26 miles linking the park's areas; hiking, biking and skating only; dogs on leash.
• Chatfield Equestrian Loop: 3.2 miles for horses, from the Chatfield Stables parking lot; dogs on leash (Horseback Riding).

The full layout is on the Trail Map page.

What the Terrain Is Like

The park is a gently rolling plain at about 5,450 feet in the lower foothills, covered in mixed prairie grasses with yucca and prickly-pear cactus on the uplands. Along the reservoir, Plum Creek and the South Platte the trails drop into wetland and riverside habitat. Many trails are mobility-device friendly, and CPW asks everyone to stay on durable, established trails rather than social paths.

Biking at Chatfield

Bikes are welcome on the paved Chatfield Dam Trail and the internal trail network. Cyclists who ride in pay the $4 individual daily pass instead of a vehicle pass (Hours & Fees). Expect to share the trails with walkers, dogs and, on the outer trails, horses.

Wildlife on the Trail

CPW lists mule and white-tailed deer, coyotes, red fox, beaver and muskrat in the park, and mountain lion and bear live or feed in the area. Prairie rattlesnakes live here too, so watch where you step in warm weather. The less developed, more natural side of the park is the south side, along Plum Creek and the Platte (About the Park).

Winter Hiking

Chatfield's trails stay open in winter for walking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when there's snow. The park is open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round.

What to Bring

1. Plenty of water, especially in summer.
2. Sun protection and a layer for wind.
3. A leash and waste bags if your dog comes along.
4. Your park pass, or $4 per person if you walk or ride in.

Good For / Maybe Skip If

Good for: easy, flat-to-rolling walks and rides close to Denver and Littleton, wheelchair and stroller users on the paved Dam Trail, birders, and dog walkers.

Maybe skip if: you want a summit or a steep canyon climb. Chatfield's trails are gentle. With a dog that needs to run free, head to the fenced Dog Off-Leash Area.