The Botanic Gardens at Chatfield is a nature preserve located southwest of Denver. The gardens encompass 750 acres, including paved and unpaved walking trails. The annual Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch held in October draw the most visitors to Chatfield, but the gardens are open all year.
The gardens include the original homestead site of Hildebrand Ranch, established in the 19th century by German immigrants to Colorado. The ranch buildings have been preserved, and children will get a kick out of the sheep, goats and chickens that still call the ranch home.
Hours for 2009:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
The Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield are closed on Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Admission for 2009:
$5 per passenger vehicle
Members of the Denver Botanic Gardens receive free admission. Payment is collected on the honor system at a pay station. Cash or check only.
Directions:
From C-470, take the Wadsworth exit and head south. Turn right at Deer Creek Canyon Rd. almost immediately after exiting the freeway. Follow the brown-and-white signs to the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield.
Address:
Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
8500 Deer Creek Canyon Rd.
Littleton, CO 80128
303-973-3705
- The Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield features free admission on selected days in 2009.
- The World Music Festival takes place every summer at Chatfield as part of the Denver Botanic Gardens concert series.
- For Halloween, the Chatfield Corn Maze scares up acres of family fun every year.
