The 5 Best Places to Fly a Drone in Denver (2024)
A list of the best places to fly your drone in Denver, Colorado.
In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Denver, Colorado.
If you live in (or are traveling to) Denver, please use this page as a resource to better understand not just where to fly, but also where it’s legal and illegal to fly a drone. We provide guidance on regulations to help you stay compliant with both federal and local rules.
A Sectional Chart of the airspace surrounding Denver, CO. Source: VFR Map
Denver Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial
The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Denver (or any city for that matter) is that under federal FAA regulations, you are either operating recreationally or commercially.
- Recreational drone pilots fall under the FAA’s recreational flyer rules, which are laid out here. Make sure your aircraft is registered and you complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), which are both required by the FAA.
- Commercial drone pilots fall under the FAA’s Part 107 regulations, which require passing a multiple-choice test and becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot. More information on the drone certification process over here.
Drone operators are no longer required to independently contact air traffic control when flying within five miles of an airport. Instead, both recreational and commercial flyers can use the automated LAANC system to request airspace authorization to fly in controlled airspace around and above many airports. If you’re operating in Class B, C, D, or E controlled airspace, you’ll need to request airspace authorization. You may do this through LAANC or through FAADroneZone in areas where LAANC is not available.
When we list locations below, we’ll share whether they sit in controlled or uncontrolled airspace.
Get up-to-date airspace information, including temporary flight restrictions, using free apps like Aloft , Autopylot , or B4UFLY .
Interested in becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot so you can operate under the Part 107 regulations and make money flying your drone? Check out our industry-leading, online training course over at Drone Pilot Ground School.
So those are the federal rules.
But what about local Denver drone laws?
Here’s a guide we put together for drone laws in Colorado. Make sure to consult that to see if there are any local drone ordinances you should follow in Denver. When in doubt, use good judgment and follow the FAA’s guidelines.
Note: The content on this page is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to take the place of legal counsel. If we missed something, or if you have further questions, please send an email to support[at]horizonap[dot]com, and we’ll do our best to help you out.
Where to Fly a Drone in Denver
Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Denver area. We selected these locations based on airspace restrictions, accessibility, and attractions. You’ll find that most of the locations we’ve chosen are located in uncontrolled, Class G airspace where you don’t need to request permission to fly. Additionally, we made sure to highlight any locations with designated sUAS/remote aircraft fields.
1 — Ketring Park
6000 S Gallup St, Littleton, CO 80120
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=39.606984&long=-104.999617
Ketring Park is located just outside of Denver, in Littleton, Colorado. It features a wide-open green area that sits adjacent to Ketring Lake. The shore of the lake is lined with mature trees and on a clear day, the Rocky Mountains can be seen peeking over the treetops. This creates a picturesque view that any drone pilot would want to be featured in their work.
Source: Steve J The Sunset & Sunrise Channel (YouTube)
2 — East Reservoir
Kipling Pkwy. and W. Florida Ave., Lakewood, CO 80226
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=39.692003&long=-105.109763
The East Reservoir is located in Lakewood, Colorado, just outside of Denver, Colorado. It is situated on 14 acres and features stunning views of the surrounding reservoirs and mountains off in the distance. The walking trail around the lake and multiple wide-open spaces make this an ideal location for capturing the beauty of Denver and its surrounding landscape.
3 — Suhaka Field (AMA)
Model Airfield Access, Englewood, CO 80111
- Airspace Class: Class D — Controlled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=39.628960&long=-104.852140
The Suhaka Field is an AMA field located within the Cherry Creek State Park in Eaglewood, Colorado. The airfield is run and operated by the Denver R/C Eagles, which has been in operation since 1960. The AMA field is within Class D airspace, so vigilance of air traffic and safety is paramount. The property is split into two flight areas: the fixed-wing airspace and the multi-rotor airspace. The airfields have a front-row view of Cherry Creek Reservoir and the surrounding area. Drone pilots will appreciate the designated flight area and beautiful scenery.
Source: Michael
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4 — Chatfield State Park RC Field
11500 N Roxborough Park Rd, Littleton, CO 80125
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=39.531200&long=-105.063223
The Chatfield State Park RC Field is located in Littleton, Colorado, just outside of Denver, Colorado. The airfield is run and operated by the Jeffco Aeromodelors RC Club. The park property is 3,889 acres and features the 1,423-acre Chatfield Reservoir. In 2017, a project was slated to increase the size of the reservoir. The park offers stunning views of the mountains located east of the area. The wide-open area is ideal for drone pilots looking to capture the beautiful scenery.
Source: Jeffery Beall
5 — Aurora Reservoir
5800 S Powhaton Rd, Aurora, CO 80016
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=39.610100&long=-104.676480
The Aurora Reservoir is located in Aurora, Colorado and spans an impressive 800 acres. It is used for recreational activities and as a water source for the surrounding area. The Senac, Marina, and Lone Tree Creeks feed the reservoir. There is a swimming beach and a SCUBA diving beach. The endless views of water provide a stunning setting for any drone footage. Drone pilots will appreciate this wide-open space filled with ample filming opportunities.
The Aurora city ordinance prohibits the take-off or landing of a drone on any park property without authorization by the Director of Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department. from or on any City facility, park, or open space area without a permit, except in areas designated by the Director as “Unmanned Aircraft Flying Areas.”
Source: Richard A. Rowell
Take a Drone Flight Training Class in Denver
If you’re new to drones or looking to take your flight skills to the next level, we offer hands-on drone flight training in the Denver area. Our classes start at 2-hours long, and our expert instructors walk you through what to do before, during and after your flight—you’ll practice intelligent flight modes and learn how to stay safe but also how to get the shots or data you need. During the class, you’ll also get a chance to ask questions about regulations, software, flight operations management, checklists and more.
Sign up for a hands-on drone flight training class in Denver.