South Platte Park

· Urban Refuges

South Platte Park

The extensive South Platte Park, just to the north of C-470, has both an excellent trail system and a wide variety of habitat – the perfect birding spot for a short outing or a longer bike or walking trip in the south metro area. Several small but productive ponds can be found to the south of the Visitor’s Center; check for a wide variety of species that often include several divers during the colder months, and even rarities at times. The extensive riparian corridor has breeding Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, Yellow-breasted Chat, Bullock’s Oriole, and Lazuli Bunting among the more common birds, and can act as a magnet for migrants during fall and spring. While wintertime in the area tends to be slower, the abundant thickets usually have several sparrow species, and it is a good time of year to look for American Dipper on the river. Be sure to visit the Carson Nature Center, which has interactive nature exhibits and live animals on site.

County: Arapahoe

Directions: From C-470: exit at US 85/Santa Fe Drive and go north for one mile to Mineral Ave. At Mineral, go west and then immediately north onto Platte River Parkway. Go west at Carson Drive and continue by the large park-and-ride to the Carson Nature Center/South Platte Park parking lot.

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Municipal
Admission: Free

Restrictions: Please obey all rules and regulations

Parking: Paved parking areas
Lodging: Hotels in Littleton

Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: Handicap access to facilities and the trail system

Latitude: 39.583770
Longitude: -105.028676

» Visit the website for South Platte Park

» Explore eBird Hotspot for this site

Amenities

RestroomsYes
Drinking FountainYes
Gravel TrailsYes
Paved TrailsYes
Platform/BlindYes
BoardwalkNo
ConcessionNo
Visitor CenterYes
Gift ShopNo
PrimitiveNo
CampingNo
PicnicYes
HuntingNo
FishingYes
2021-07-29T16:51:06-06:00

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