City: Denver, CO

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (303) 791-7275

Address: 11500 N. Roxborough Park Rd.

Description: Here you’ll find Metro Denver’s widest range of outdoor experiences, from powerboating to appreciating nature in remote surroundings. Along the southern end of the park, where the South Platte River empties into Chatfield Reservoir, you’ll find ample opportunities to enjoy heavily wooded areas that are tucked beneath a striking canopy of old-­growth river-­bottom cottonwoods. People bike, hike, watch birds, and ride horses along the river, stopping occasionally to cast a line into the stream. On the west side, between the river and US 75, you can walk along a wetlands area that contains ponds, waterfowl, animals, and flora. On the northern end, the reservoir is the star of the show. Its first-­rate swimming beach is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Boaters, water-­skiers, and anglers share the water, with paddleboats, pontoon boats, water toys, and other vessels available to rent from the Chatfield Marina. Horseback rides are provided at Chatfield Stables. The campgrounds have more than 150 sites with all the amenities, but we suggest reservations (303-470-1144). Note that dogs are allowed in Chatfield if they are leashed or are in an off-­leash exercise area on the north side of the dam. To reach Chatfield, take I-25 or I-70 to C-470, then C-470 to the Wadsworth Boulevard exit. The park entrance is on the left.