Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Park: Denver’s Urban Outdoor Paradise
Just 14 miles from downtown Denver, Cherry Creek State Park transforms 4,200 acres of Colorado prairie and reservoir into one of the most versatile state parks in the West. At its heart lies the 880-acre Cherry Creek Reservoir — a shimmering oasis for sailing, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and fishing, rimmed by sandy beaches and 35 miles of multi-use trails.
But Cherry Creek is far more than a reservoir. It’s a place where you can sail in the morning, hike at noon, let your dog run free in a 125-acre off-leash area, practice at the shooting range in the afternoon, and camp under Colorado’s big sky at night — all without leaving a single park. For Denver metro residents, Cherry Creek is the ultimate escape without the commute.
Park Facts at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Aurora, Colorado (Denver metro) |
| 📐 Park Size | 4,200 acres |
| 🌊 Reservoir | 880 surface acres |
| 🥾 Trail Miles | 35 miles (15 paved) |
| 🏕️ Campsites | 133 (full hookup + basic) |
| 🐕 Dog Park | 125 acres off-leash |
| 🕐 Hours | 5 AM – 10 PM |
| 💰 Entry Fee | $10-$11 per vehicle/day |
| 📞 Phone | (303) 690-1166 |
| 🌐 Website | cpw.state.co.us |
| ⭐ Highlights | Reservoir beach, marina, dog park, shooting range |
Water Recreation
| Activity | Season | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming Beach | Memorial Day – Labor Day | Sandy beach, roped swim area, bathhouse, no lifeguards |
| Boating/Sailing | Year-round | Powerboats, sailboats, personal watercraft permitted |
| Jet Skiing | Memorial Day – Labor Day | Rentals available at Pelican Bay Marina |
| Paddleboarding/Kayaking | Spring – Fall | Rentals available, great for beginners |
| Fishing | Year-round | Walleye, smallmouth bass, catfish, trout (stocked) |
| Ice Fishing | Winter | When ice is safe (check conditions) |
Pelican Bay Marina
The Pelican Bay Marina operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, offering:
- Boat Rentals — Pontoon boats, watercraft
- Jet Ski Rentals — Personal watercraft by the hour
- Boat Slips — Seasonal slip rentals
- The Pub & Wharf — Waterfront dining and drinks
Trails
| Trail | Type | Distance | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reservoir Loop | Multi-use | ~12 mi loop | Paved |
| Cherry Creek Regional Trail | Bike/Walk | Connects to Denver | Paved |
| Prairie Interior Trails | Hiking/Equestrian | ~20 mi total | Dirt/gravel |
| Dog Off-Leash Trails | Walking | Within 125-acre area | Gravel/dirt |
Dog Off-Leash Area
At 125 acres, Cherry Creek’s off-leash dog area is one of the largest enclosed dog parks in Colorado. Features include gravel paths, open prairie meadows, and creek access for swimming dogs. A separate daily pass ($3) or annual pass ($25) is required in addition to park entry.
Family Shooting Center
Located in the southern section of the park, the Family Shooting Center offers public outdoor ranges:
- Pistol Range — Multiple lanes
- Rifle Range — Up to 100 yards
- Shotgun — Trap and 5-stand sporting clays
- Archery Range — Target practice
Camping
| Option | Sites | Cost/Night | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Hookup Sites | ~60 | $36-$41 | Water, electric (30/50A), sewer |
| Electric Sites | ~40 | $28-$36 | 30/50 amp electric |
| Basic Tent Sites | ~30 | $18-$28 | Fire ring, picnic table |
| Amenities | — | — | Showers, laundry, dump station |
| Season | — | — | Year-round |
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Mar-May) | Wildflowers, fishing season opens, trail biking | Water still cold, marina not yet open |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | Beach swimming, marina open, jet skiing, sailing | Peak season, arrive early for parking |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov) | Cooler hiking, fall colors, fishing | Great camping weather, fewer crowds |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb) | Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing | Campground open year-round |
Budget Planner
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Vehicle Pass | $10-$11 | Required for all vehicles |
| Annual Vehicle Pass | $83 | All Colorado state parks |
| Dog Park Daily | $3 | In addition to vehicle pass |
| Dog Park Annual | $25 | Best for regulars |
| Campsite | $18-$41/night | Varies by type |
| Jet Ski Rental | $75-$120/hr | At Pelican Bay Marina |
Nearby Attractions
- Cherry Creek Shopping Center — Denver’s premier shopping, 5 min drive
- Denver Botanic Gardens — 15 min drive
- Chatfield State Park — Sister reservoir park, 25 min southwest
- Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR — Bison, elk, prairie dogs, 20 min north
- Downtown Denver — 14 miles, 20-30 minute drive
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Cherry Creek State Park?
Yes — the park has a sandy swim beach open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The roped-off swimming area has a bathhouse with restrooms. However, there are no lifeguards — swimming is at your own risk. The water temperature in the reservoir is generally comfortable by mid-June.
Is the dog park at Cherry Creek free?
The dog off-leash area requires a separate pass in addition to the park vehicle pass. A daily dog park pass is $3, or you can get an annual pass for $25. The 125-acre off-leash area includes gravel paths, open meadows, and creek access. Dogs must be leashed in all other areas of the park.
Can you camp year-round at Cherry Creek?
Yes — the campground is open all 12 months with 133 sites including full hookup, electric, and basic tent options. Winter camping is available with reduced amenities. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance and are strongly recommended for summer weekends.
How far is Cherry Creek from Denver?
Cherry Creek State Park is located in Aurora, just 14 miles (about 20-30 minutes) from downtown Denver. It’s easily accessible via I-225 and is connected to Denver’s trail system via the Cherry Creek Regional Trail, making it bikeable from many Denver neighborhoods.
Getting There
- Denver: 14 miles (20-30 min via I-225)
- Colorado Springs: 75 miles (1 hour)
- Boulder: 45 miles (45 min)
Address: 4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014
