Chatfield State Park

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

June-October

Entrance Fee

$10 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, 5 AM - 10 PM

About This Location

Chatfield State Park is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 334 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Mallard among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/6/2026Cherry Creek SP--Cottonwood Creek Wetlands2 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/5/2026Rueter-Hess Reservoir (restricted access)3 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

3/5/2026Cherry Creek Trail--E-470 through Cottonwood Parks, East & West1 observed

Pacific Wren

Troglodytes pacificus

3/5/2026Tucker Gulch1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

3/4/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area1 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

3/4/2026Back Side Of Bank2 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/4/2026Back Side Of Bank1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Goldeneye

13/5/2026

Common Merganser

33/5/2026

American Coot

33/5/2026

Northern Flicker

13/5/2026

Black-billed Magpie

23/5/2026

American Crow

53/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/5/2026

Horned Lark

53/5/2026

Western Meadowlark

23/5/2026

Canada Goose

352/28/2026

Gadwall

52/28/2026

Mallard

42/28/2026

Hooded Merganser

122/28/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

12/28/2026

Mourning Dove

22/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

122/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

42/28/2026

Bald Eagle

12/28/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Common Raven

12/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Scan the canopy edges at dawn for migrating warblers and other songbirds during spring and fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Chatfield State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Chatfield State Park for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chatfield State Park?
Notable species at Chatfield State Park include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Rock Pigeon, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chatfield State Park?
Birding at Chatfield State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Chatfield State Park?
The entrance fee at Chatfield State Park is $10 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, 5 AM - 10 PM.
What amenities are available at Chatfield State Park?
Chatfield State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.