Surprising Contender: Colorado Beach Named One of America’s Best

Beach season has arrived. As summer temps rise, the draw of cool water and beachy fun beckons.

MSN recently identified the best beaches in every state to answer that summer siren call.

Yes, every single state has a beach worthy of note. They aren’t all Lido Key Beach on the Gulf of Mexico (one of my faves of childhood). But the list has me pining for more than a few long weekend getaways.

I’m even putting South Dakota’s Angostura Reservoir Hot Springs on my road trip bucket list.

So, which of the many cool Colorado beaches got the national attention as a best beach in North America?

That beach: Chatfield State Park in Littleton.

Chatfield is so much more than a beach.

As a state park, it offers many amenities and activities, such as boating, biking, hiking, camping, kayaking, and canoeing. The swim beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Here is what makes the Colorado state park southwest of Denver stand out.

5 reasons to love Colorado’s Best Beach Park

Dog friendly. This is Colorado, after all. So, our best friends are welcome at what might be the most dog-friendly park in Colorado. Leashed pets may enjoy the park, and unleashed dogs may run free in the 69-acre designated dog park area, which includes swimming ponds. Swimming is a rare amenity at Colorado dog parks. Note: Entry requires an additional $3 daily pass.

Floating restaurant. Many Colorado state parks have marinas, but they don’t have a floating restaurant. Seagull’s serves a small breakfast menu and sandwiches and burgers for lunch and dinner. Expect higher in-park pricing, but you are paying for the experience, too.

Model flying field. Another unique amenity for a Colorado State Park is Chatfield’s airfield, complete with paved runways.

Equine-friendly. Chatfield State Park has horse stables and 24 miles of horse-riding trails, making it an authentic Colorado experience open to animal lovers of all sorts. If you don’t have a horse of your own, the stables offer rentals, lessons, trail rides, hay rides and day camps.

Fishing pier. Walleye, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, green and blue sunfish, and blue and channel catfish attract warm- and cold-water anglers to Chatfield Reservoir. The pier makes fishing even more accessible for visitors. Don’t forget your fishing license.

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There is a downside to Chatfield State Park

Just as with all areas of Colorado, especially those near the state’s growing cities, the park can seem over-loved.

Get there early if you want to spend the day on the beach and expect a big beach experience. That means many people hanging reservoir-side with you.

Park managers keep count on occupancy and can delay entry or re-entry to ensure parking.

A park pass does not guarantee entry.

Another great Colorado beach

If you are closer to the north side of Denver or Northern Colorado, may I add my best Colorado beach?

Boulder Reservoir.

What it lacks in trees and diverse trails, it makes up for in beach size and accessibility. Plus, water sports galore.