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.
Restrictions: Please obey all rules and regulations
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 or Fees: Free
Parking: Paved parking areas
Lodging: Hotels in Littleton
Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: Handicap access to facilities and the trail system
Latitude: 39.58377
Longitude: -105.028676
Visit the Website for South Platte Park »
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L277539