Attractions and places to see around Bow Mar, a town southwest of Denver, are characterized by natural features and a focus on outdoor recreation. The area offers diverse landscapes, from private lakes to extensive nature preserves. Visitors can explore a variety of natural attractions, including large lakes, rivers, and trails. The region's mid-century modern architecture also contributes to its unique character.
Last updated: October 10, 2026
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The Chatfield Reservoir is a 1,423-acre lake in Chatfield State Park. There is a hiking path that runs alongside the water.
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Bear Creek Lake Park spans 2,624 acres and is a great spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as swimming, fishing, and boating year-round recreation. Open from April 1 to October 31, the campground is one of the closest full-service options near Denver. Visitors can also enjoy picnic shelters, paved and unpaved trails, an archery range, and scenic reservoirs.
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Explore the beauty of the Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve, with soft-surface trails winding through diverse habitats like grasslands, wetlands, and wooded areas. The preserve has views of the Rocky Mountains and opportunities for birdwatching and other wildlife viewing. To protect the ecosystem, visitors must stay on designated trails.
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This 59-acre preserve located along the High Line Canal is a great place for bird and wildlife watching and a scenic setting to run in.
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The South Platte River is one of the two main tributaries of the Platte River. The river starts in South Park and ends when it joins the North Platte River south of Ogallala, Nebraska.
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The South Platte River, originating in the mountains of central Colorado at the Continental Divide, flows a total distance of about 439 miles. The river is a hot spot for outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. It flows through urban areas and the backcountry.
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Chatfield Reservoir offers opertunity for fun activities like boating, biking, fishing, camping, and hiking. Established in the 1970s for flood control, the lake is now home to animals like deer and bald eagles. Chatfield Reservoir is water storage facility for the Denver area and features a marina for boaters.
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Chatfield State Park is a 5,300-acre park featuring a 1,400-acre reservoir. There are a bunch of different trails, ponds, and natural areas to check out while you bike around the park. Some trails are rougher than others, but you can usually tell when you are turning onto a rough singletrack path versus a smoother gravel path.
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The Bow Mar area is rich in natural beauty, offering several lakes, rivers, and nature preserves. You can visit Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve for soft-surface trails through grasslands and wetlands, or explore the vast Bear Creek Lake, which spans 2,624 acres. Other notable natural spots include Big Soda Lake, known for its biodiversity, and the South Platte River, popular for fishing and wildlife watching.
Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve offers gentle trails for wildlife viewing. For more extensive options, Bear Creek Lake Park features a large trail system suitable for various skill levels. You can find detailed routes, including easy options like the Johnston Reservoir Loop or more moderate trails, in the Hiking around Bow Mar guide.
The area around Bow Mar is excellent for biking. Bear Creek Lake Park has trails popular with mountain bikers, including less technical options great for beginners. The Chatfield Reservoir area within Chatfield State Park also offers various trails for cycling. For specific routes, check out the MTB Trails around Bow Mar guide.
Absolutely. Bear Creek Lake offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. Big Soda Lake features a pleasant beach area where you can enjoy swimming and rent equipment like paddleboards. The private Bow Mar Lake also has a public beach used for community events, though general access is primarily for residents.
The region is a haven for wildlife. Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve is an excellent spot for birdwatching and seeing other wildlife, with visitors often spotting herons, ducks, and turtles. Big Soda Lake is known for its biodiversity and variety of birds. The South Platte River is also a hotspot for wildlife watching.
Bow Mar is notable for its mid-century modern homes, many of which were built in the late 1940s and 1950s, reflecting Frank Lloyd Wright's prairie-style architecture. You can also find the historical Bowles Family Farmhouse and Barn south of the town, honoring Joseph Bowles, an early farmer in the area.
Many of the natural attractions are family-friendly. Bear Creek Lake Park, Big Soda Lake, and Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve all offer accessible trails and recreational activities suitable for families. Briana's Park, at the entrance to Mary's Meadow, is a community gathering place with xeric plants. Bow Mar Heights Park also offers boating, fishing, and picnicking.
Many outdoor areas around Bow Mar are dog-friendly, though leash laws and specific regulations may apply. Bear Creek Lake Park and the trails around Chatfield Reservoir are generally welcoming to dogs. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding pets in preserves and parks.
The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best weather for outdoor activities around Bow Mar. Spring brings blooming landscapes and active wildlife, while summer is ideal for water sports and hiking. Fall provides pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Winter can be suitable for different activities, but some water-based options may be limited.
Beyond the larger parks, consider exploring Mary's Meadow, a natural haven with serene trails, or the Bridal Path along Bow Mar Drive, which offers scenic views of Marston Reservoir and the Front Range. The town also boasts a private bird sanctuary, contributing to its unique natural charm.
There are several running routes catering to different distances and difficulties. You can find routes like the 'Johnson Reservoir loop' or longer options such as the 'Nixon's Coffee House β Bridge over South Platte River loop'. For a comprehensive list and details, refer to the Running Trails around Bow Mar guide.
While Bow Mar itself is primarily residential, the nearby Historic Downtown Littleton offers a wide array of amenities. You'll find boutique shopping, art galleries, diverse restaurants, breweries, and cafes there, providing excellent options for dining and refreshments after exploring the natural attractions.


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