As April begins, so do the sunnier and warmer days and with cabin fever set in deep, April is a good time to start getting out and finding that fresh, crisp, Colorado air we so long for during the early spring season. While you’ve skied all winter and gotten the crispiest air possible, by now, you’re probably sick of the cold and want to enjoy walks, jogs or biking. A great place to get started on your cabin fever decompression is the Chatfield Reservoir.
A Natural Playground
Once a major thoroughfare into Pike’s Peak country in the mid-1800s, it also boasted the first lumber industry as well as the initial purebred cattle industry within the state. In 1870 Lieutenant Issac W. Chatfield bought the 720 acres where the South Platte River and the Plum Creek meet. He farmed the land until 1879 then left. A notorious flood area, it was devastated in the early 1930s, 1942 and again in 1965. To prevent further danger, the U.S. Army Corps constructed a dam in 1967. The new reservoir stopped the destructive floods and provided a grand body of water that was leased to the Colorado State Parks for recreation in 1974. It was eventually developed into Chatfield State Park in 1976. It was an easy sale to families in the area and has since been one of Colorado’s favorite natural playgrounds.
Outdoor Fun for the Whole Family
With 26 miles of biking trails, 12 of which are paved, there is enough space to keep warm and still enjoy the outdoors in the early part of April. Boating is perhaps the park’s most popular activity. While out on the water, you can water ski, sail, fish or simply float about enjoying the sun. And if you wish to stay the night, Chatfield has 197 campsites, all with electrical hookups, many with full hookups that include water, sewer and electric. Only a few sites are open through the winter. There are great group camp areas to include a bigger family gathering. Chatfield Reservoir will be especially nice during spring break when the kids are stir-crazy. Speaking of kids, while you’re there, you can also schedule some education programs.
The main entrance to Chatfield State Park is located one mile south of C-470 on Wadsworth. The approximate address is 9700 S. Wadsworth Blvd., 80128. If you are coming from the south, the entrance there is 11500 N. Roxborough Park Rd., Littleton 80125. For more information call (303) 791-7275.
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