Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms

 

Or as I like to call it, “Blossoms of Light: The Sequel, at the Denver Botanic Gardens’ less-known location”.

Rounding out our little day of exploration, we pulled up to the unevenly lit parking lot of Chatfield Farms which for the longest time I argued was probably not as interesting as Denver Botanic Gardens’ main event, Blossoms of Light. And although it’s definitely less grand, it’s still a really nice experience that I wholeheartedly recommend, especially if you’ve been lucky enough to experience the aforementioned event before.

A little late, but the ladies at the entrance didn’t seem to care too much as they checked our tickets.

For context, Chatfield Farms is a native plant refuge and working farm and is managed in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. There are some historical buildings, wildflower gardens, and lots of spots to bird watch. Which is why it might not appear as a botanical garden in the “traditional” sense. 

It’s definitely a much more rustic experience than its counterpart, which isn’t to say that it’s boring or uninteresting. If anything, it’s less crowded and generally feels more tranquil.

There’s a cute little snack shack that feels like it would be completely at home at any pumpkin patch or corn maze.

Lights dance around in sync to music and follow you all throughout the almost mile-long trail.

The trail takes you past historical buildings and functional gardens, and there’s an option for a shorter, accessible trail if you should need or want it. 

A little over halfway into the trail, there’s a warming hut with caramel apples and other small snacks for sale, which really brings home the countryish feel.

Likely the largest decorated tree on the property, it was visible from the beginning of the trail and signals our stroll is coming to an end.

Overall, Trail of Lights might feel less curated than Blossoms of Light, but it truly shines (hehe) in highlighting (I can’t help myself) the components of the Farms and piquing interest for a future visit. And if nothing else, it’s a beautiful and serene nighttime walk.

Tickets are $12 to $18, with discounts for members, seniors, students, and military.

 

Trail of Lights runs from Nov. 29 – Jan. 5 (closed on Dec. 25). Denver Botanic Gardens’ Chatfield Farms are located at 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, CO, USA.