Best attractions and places to see around Columbine Valley include natural features and recreational opportunities. This statutory town in Arapahoe County, Colorado, is situated along the scenic South Platte River, offering access to diverse habitats. The area provides trails, lakes, and preserves for outdoor activities, connecting visitors to the Rocky Mountains and local wildlife.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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The Chatfield Reservoir is a 1,423-acre lake in Chatfield State Park. There is a hiking path that runs alongside the water.
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Explore the beauty of the Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve, with soft-surface trails winding through diverse habitats like grasslands, wetlands, and wooded areas. The preserve has views of the Rocky Mountains and opportunities for birdwatching and other wildlife viewing. To protect the ecosystem, visitors must stay on designated trails.
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This 59-acre preserve located along the High Line Canal is a great place for bird and wildlife watching and a scenic setting to run in.
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The South Platte River is one of the two main tributaries of the Platte River. The river starts in South Park and ends when it joins the North Platte River south of Ogallala, Nebraska.
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The South Platte River, originating in the mountains of central Colorado at the Continental Divide, flows a total distance of about 439 miles. The river is a hot spot for outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. It flows through urban areas and the backcountry.
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Chatfield Reservoir offers opertunity for fun activities like boating, biking, fishing, camping, and hiking. Established in the 1970s for flood control, the lake is now home to animals like deer and bald eagles. Chatfield Reservoir is water storage facility for the Denver area and features a marina for boaters.
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Chatfield State Park is a 5,300-acre park featuring a 1,400-acre reservoir. There are a bunch of different trails, ponds, and natural areas to check out while you bike around the park. Some trails are rougher than others, but you can usually tell when you are turning onto a rough singletrack path versus a smoother gravel path.
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Columbine Valley offers access to several natural features. You can visit the Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve, which features soft-surface trails through diverse habitats like grasslands and wetlands, offering views of the Rocky Mountains. The Chatfield Reservoir within Chatfield State Park is another highlight, providing a 1,400-acre lake for various water activities. The scenic South Platte River also flows through the area, known for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
Yes, several attractions around Columbine Valley are suitable for families. The Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve is great for wildlife viewing and easy walks. Chatfield Reservoir offers boating, fishing, and gentle trails. The Mary Carter Greenway Trail is a paved path perfect for family bike rides or strolls, connecting to a wider network of trails.
The Mary Carter Greenway Trail is a popular paved bike path that runs through Arapahoe County, connecting to many other trails. For a more natural experience, the Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve offers soft-surface trails for walking and birdwatching. Additionally, within Chatfield State Park, you'll find various trails, including the paved and wheelchair-accessible Chatfield Dam Trail.
While Columbine Valley itself is a modern community, the nearby town of Littleton features the historic Columbine Mill. Originally a grain elevator from 1901, it later became the Columbine Mercantile Company. This building is recognized for its historical significance as a rare agricultural structure in the region.
The South Platte River is a hotspot for outdoor activities. You can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching along its banks. The river flows through both urban areas and backcountry, offering diverse experiences for nature enthusiasts.
Yes, the Mary Carter Greenway Trail is a paved path that is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for strollers as well. Within Chatfield State Park, the Chatfield Dam Trail is also paved and wheelchair accessible, offering mountain views and a vantage point over the reservoir.
At the Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve, visitors often spot Herons, Ducks, and sometimes Pelicans, along with Frogs, Turtles, and other wildlife. The preserve is known for birdwatching opportunities. At Chatfield State Park, you might see animals like deer and bald eagles.
For easy hikes, consider exploring the trails within Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve or the various paths around Chatfield Reservoir. You can find more options for easy hikes in the area by checking out the guide for Easy hikes around Columbine Valley, which includes routes like Englewood Centennial Park and South Platte Park Trail.
The Chatfield Reservoir, located within Chatfield State Park, offers a wide range of activities. These include boating, biking on its surrounding trails, fishing, camping, and hiking. It's a large 1,400-acre reservoir with a marina and natural areas to explore.
Columbine Valley hosts community events, particularly during the summer. These include a concert series at the Town Hall and celebrations for the Fourth of July, which typically feature a 5k race and fireworks.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural habitats and recreational opportunities. The Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve is loved for its bird and wildlife watching. The Mary Carter Greenway Trail is popular for its connectivity and ease of use for cycling and walking. The overall appeal lies in the blend of paved paths and natural settings, offering something for various outdoor interests.
Yes, there are several trails ideal for running. The Mary Carter Greenway Trail is a popular paved option. For more running routes, you can explore the guide for Running Trails around Columbine Valley, which lists routes like the Nixon's Coffee House loop and the Lake views – South Platte Reservoir loop.


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