For those balloon pilots that fly or desire to fly at Chatfield State Park, you will be greeted with beautiful views, typically favorable flying conditions, and ample opportunities to enjoy splash and dashes in nearby Chatfield Reservior.
To fly at Chatfield, you must have your balloon registered with the Division of Parks, which requires filling out an application for a Chatfield Ballooning Permit. Pilots must carry a copy of this permit inside the basket while operating at Chatfield. The Division will also keep a copy of your permit for that calendar year. To request an application, please call (303) 791-7275.
Permits include name, address and telephone numbers of the pilot(s), emergency information, balloon information and chase vehicle information. Pilots must also submit a color photograph of the balloon(s) they plan to fly at Chatfield. The permit will expire on December 31 of the year issued. Permits may be renewed 30 days prior to expiration. The permit must be signed by a Chatfield Balloon Port Association Officer. If you are coming from out of town and planning on flying the Chatfield area, please email us and a club member will assist you in securing your permit.
Balloonists wishing to operate commercially (providing balloon rides for a fee) must, in addition, apply for a Special Use Permit per Parks Board Regulation No. 100-b-10(b), meet the State’s minimum insurance requirements and pay an additional permit fee. It will be unlawful for any balloonist to sell rides on balloons that launch or land within the boundaries of Chatfield State Park without a Special Use Permit.
There are several red zones and sensitive areas in the Chatfield area, where a minimum altitude of three hundred feet must be maintained at all times. Please maintain minimum altitudes and avoid landing in marked red zones at all times.
The map below includes marked red zones and sensitive areas, which include:
RED ZONES Stables and Corral Campground, Corps of Engineers Visitor Center
SENSITIVE AREAS (Yellow Zones): Model Airplane Field Marina Fish Planting Basin Park Office
As always, the CBC recommends contacting a club member if it is your first time flying the Chatfield area. We will make sure that you have everything you need to have a safe and fun flight at Chatfield.