Chatfield Farms
Farm · Colorado
Denver Botanic Gardens' working farm south of the city spreads a pumpkin patch across ten acres and cuts a new corn maze into the fields every fall, with hayrides and an antique tractor display filling out the grounds. There is even pumpkin daycare, so you are not hauling one around all day.
Don’t miss
Plan your visit
Color nearby peaks: October 6–October 10
Color builds from September 23 · mostly bare by October 30
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Chatfield Farms’s own coordinates and elevation (1677 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Chatfield Farms on the map
More things to do in Colorado
Maroon Bells Scenic Area
ViewpointPeak September 24
Maroon Lake mirrors the Maroon Bells' twin 14,000-foot peaks framed by golden aspen groves ten miles from Aspen. Colorado's most photographed view requires a shuttle bus once the parking lot fills each fall weekend.
Don’t miss: Maroon Lake reflection · Scenic Loop Trail · Required shuttle bus in season
Kebler Pass
Scenic drivePeak September 26
Colorado Highway 12 crosses 10,007-foot Kebler Pass between Crested Butte and Paonia through the largest contiguous aspen forest in North America, a 30-mile drive, partly unpaved, that turns solid gold by late September.
Don’t miss: Largest aspen forest in North America · Connects Crested Butte and Paonia
Independence Pass
Scenic drivePeak September 11
Highway 82 crests the Continental Divide at 12,095 feet between Aspen and Twin Lakes, Colorado's highest paved through-pass, with alpine tundra and aspen-lined switchbacks that shut to long vehicles before winter snow closes the road entirely.
Don’t miss: 12,095-foot summit · Continental Divide crossing
Million Dollar Highway
Scenic drivePeak August 17
US 550 climbs 11,018-foot Red Mountain Pass between Ouray and Silverton on cliffside switchbacks with no guardrails, part of the 236-mile San Juan Skyway loop through old mining towns and turning aspen groves in the San Juans.
Don’t miss: Red Mountain Pass overlooks · Part of the San Juan Skyway loop
Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When does Chatfield Farms peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 6–October 10 (best estimate October 8). Color starts around September 23 and is mostly bare by October 30.
- What is Chatfield Farms best for?
- South Denver families wanting a bigger outing than a typical patch.
- How do I get to Chatfield Farms?
- The closest city is Denver, about 14 mi away (it's right in town). It's part of Colorado's fall lineup.
Own or manage Chatfield Farms? Update your listing or get in touch.