Heron Pond Loop

Heron Pond Loop circles the quiet ponds and wetland marshes in the interior of Chatfield State Park, offering some of the finest urban birding in the Denver region with over 200 bird species recorded within the park throughout the year. The 3.5-mile easy loop winds through cattail marshes, willows, and open water where red-winged blackbirds, marsh wrens, Virginia rails, and soras call from the dense vegetation during the breeding season. The great blue heron rookery that makes Chatfield famous is visible from the loop during spring, with dozens of enormous stick nests crowding the cottonwood canopy and adult birds constantly ferrying fish and frogs to their hungry chicks. Painted turtles bask on logs in the ponds, and white-tailed deer are frequent morning visitors along the marshy margins. The flat, easily navigable trail is perfect for beginning birders or families introducing children to wildlife observation. Bring binoculars to fully appreciate the diversity of waterfowl that gather on the ponds during spring and fall migration, when the wetlands attract species rarely seen elsewhere on the Front Range. The $10 vehicle fee applies. Dogs on leash are welcome but should be kept calm near bird nesting areas during the spring months.