Paddleboard, Picnic, and Spend the Whole Day at Chatfield State Park
Jul 6, 2026 • Denver Area, CO
Chatfield State Park is a fun place to pack in a full day of activities. There you’ll find over 5,300 acres with a 1,500-acre reservoir, 26 miles of trails, a swim beach, and enough going on that you can show up with a loose plan and still have a memorable day. For residents of Solstice™, it's not a day trip. It's your backyard.
Get Out on the Water
The reservoir is the main draw at Chatfield, and paddleboarding is one of the best ways to enjoy it. Colorado Watersports rents stand-up paddleboards and kayaks at two locations — Roxborough Cove and the Swim Beach. If you prefer calmer water, the Gravel Ponds is a quieter alternative with no boats allowed, dogs welcome on the water, and a glassy surface that makes it a good starting point for first-timers. Life jackets are required on the reservoir, so plan accordingly.
Pick Your Picnic Spot Early
Picnic areas are spread throughout the park, most with tables and grills. If you're bringing a larger group, Chatfield has four reservable group picnic areas, including the Heronry Overlook, which fits up to 350 guests and sits near the nesting trees of the park's great blue heron colony. Pack a proper spread, because between the paddleboarding and the trails, you'll work up a real appetite.
Hit the Trails Before It Gets Hot
Chatfield has 26 miles of trails winding through grasslands, along the reservoir, and into the surrounding open space. The trails accommodate hikers and bikers, and the terrain is varied enough that you can find a route that matches your pace. If you're coming from Solstice™, the community's trail network connects directly to the High Line Canal, which runs alongside the park.
When You're Ready for a Break
The Swim Beach on the west side of the park opens Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day, sunrise to sunset. Grab a bite at the snack bar to cover the basics, or visit Seagull's, the floating restaurant at the marina, if you want a proper sit-down meal in the park. The 69-acre off-leash dog area is one of the largest in the Denver metro, which is worth knowing if your pup came along for the day.
The Part That Makes It Even Better
Residents of Solstice™ can walk to Chatfield. The community borders the park directly, with trail access that puts the reservoir within reach on foot or by bike. Repeat visits are easy when home is so close by. If this sounds like the kind of place where you want to live, explore our home collections and see what's available!
