Visit 01 · Public garden visit · Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms · Littleton, Colorado
Cottonwood at Chatfield Farms
Populus deltoides
Get to know Eastern Cottonwood.
Species reference photographs from the Tree Library, photographed elsewhere. Use several features and local guidance to identify a tree at this destination.
Arrival & parking
Arrive at 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton. Parking is included with admission; the lot opens at 8:50 a.m. Ask Welcome Center staff for the Center Water Feature Garden cottonwood. The Gardens' 2024 walking guide describes crossing the first Deer Creek bridge southwest of the Earl J. Sinnamon Center and Deer Creek Schoolhouse toward a small pond. Use current signs and staff guidance to confirm the route.
Walking & terrain
The July 2025 grounds map distinguishes paved and unpaved paths and footbridges. The garden visit is separate from the marked 1.4-mile hiking trail; a parking-to-cottonwood distance is not published. Some areas need assistance for wheelchair access. Ask staff to identify a suitable route and viewpoint before crossing the creek. The Gardens identifies this tree as Populus deltoides; no champion designation is asserted here.
Access, fees & seasons
Regular general-admission hours are listed as 9 a.m.–4 p.m. daily. Paid admission includes parking; check the current ticket page for prices, holiday hours, and early closures. Special events have separate arrangements. Pets are not permitted; service animals are welcome. Do not climb trees, pick plants, or enter garden beds.
Sources checked
- Denver Botanic Gardens · Chatfield hours, admission and closures ↗
- Denver Botanic Gardens · cottonwood identification and garden approach (2024) ↗
- Denver Botanic Gardens · parking and accessibility ↗
- Denver Botanic Gardens · July 2025 grounds map (PDF) ↗
- Denver Botanic Gardens · accessible routes and support ↗
- Denver Botanic Gardens · visitor guidelines ↗