Article Contributed on: 7/6/2009 8:15:17 PM
I was so excited to get home so that I could write this blog. I spent the better part of the afternoon today at
Chatfield State Park in Littleton. There is much to do at the state parks our beautiful state has to offer, but I was surprised and delighted to find a "beach" at Chatfield.
Now don't get me wrong, this is no Ocean City, but considering we are a land-locked state, we should feel glad to have something. If you already have your
Colorado State Parks pass, good for you! At the extremely affordable price of $60 per year (that's a breakdown of only $5 per month, folks), you simply must have one if you want to travel around the state to experience great outdoor adventures. Otherwise, the admission fee to Chatfield is just $7 per car.
I'd like to take a moment to compare this to going to your local public swimming pool. To take a family of four to swim, if you are in-district at South Suburban Parks and Recreation, you will pay about $13 for the day (most pools don't open much before noon on weekdays and close at 6 or 7 pm).
There are plenty of great things about public swimming pools. However, if you want an experience, you can't beat the beach at Chatfield. Open 5am until 10pm, Chatfield offers a wide variety of activities besides swimming. Make a day of it and plan an early morning hike, picnic lunch, and spend the afternoon on the beach (you could even use the outdoor grills to cook your dinner if you still have the energy). And don't forget the camping.
But, let's talk about the beach! Although there is no lifeguard on duty, the swimming area is clearly roped off. There is plenty of room to spread out a blanket, chairs, umbrella - the works! The bathrooms are just a few steps away, there are some picnic tables in a grassy area, and a first aid station.
The view is absolutely beautiful! You can see red rock, boats of all sorts, and that big Colorado sky. And the best part? It is only minutes from where you are sitting right now. Most locations in the south metro Denver area will be able to get there in under 30 minutes.
Two notes: This is a reservoir. The water is being used by boats and fish along with you. Hence, the water is far from crystal clear. You'll also find that the sand is not Cancun-esqe. It's more like extra-fine pea gravel. But again, this isn't the ocean. Maybe my simple philosophy will help:
SAND + WATER = FUN