Trails at Chatfield State Park

A series of trails wind through the Chatfield area and provides the park visitor with an abundance of recreational opportunities. You can take a morning jog, walk through natural areas around the reservoir, leisurely pedal your bicycle through the park or ride a horse into the sunset. Trail maps are available at the park’s main entrances.

Horses

Horse trailer parking, corrals, unloading ramps and the trailhead are on the park’s west side, which is most easily reached from the Deer Creek entrance. Horses may be rented at the Chatfield Livery, southwest of the swim beach. Visitors may leave their horses in the corrals overnight if they are camping in the campground. Visitors must furnish their own feed, as grazing is not allowed. Water faucets are provided at the corrals. Horses are prohibited at picnic sites, campsites and the swim beach. Horses are not allowed between the main park road and the reservoir, but are welcome on areas and trails outside of the main park road.

Trail Descriptions

Chatfield Internal Trails Network

• Permitted uses: Foot, bike and skate
• Miles paved: 10.0
• Miles non-paved: 16.0
• Total distance: 26.0
• Usage: Medium
• Degree of difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation: 5,460
• ADA accessible: Most
• Pets: Yes, on leash

Connecting Trail links include the Mary Carter Greenway, Centennial trail, Columbine Trail, Highline Canal Trail, Waterton Canyon/Colorado Trail.

Chatfield Dam Trail

• Permitted uses: Foot and bike
• Miles paved: 2.4
• Miles non-paved: .3
• Total distance: 2.7
• Usage: Low
• Degree of difficulty: Easy
• Elevation: 5,500
• ADA accessible: Yes - Asphalt
• Pets: Yes, on leash

Access trailhead at Dam Overlook parking lot. Connecting trail links include the Highline Canal Trail, Columbine Trail, and Centennial Trail.

Chatfield Equestrian Loop

• Permitted uses: Horse
• Miles paved: 0
• Miles non-paved: 3.2
• Total distance: 3.2
• Usage: Medium
• Degree of difficulty: Easy
• Elevation: 5,470
• ADA accessible: No
• Pets: Yes, on leash

Access trailhead at the Chatfield Stables parking lot. People on foot and bike use some portions of the trail loop. Connecting trail links include the Highline Canal Trail, Waterton Canyon and Colorado Trails.