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Image of Cherry Creek flowing through Denver in Colorado
Cherry Creek flowing through Denver, Colorado. Photo: Jeffrey Beall

Cherry Creek – near Denver-Franktown

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Cherry Creek is a 48-mile tributary of the South Platte River and flows through numerous state parks as well as few heavily populated areas like Denver. This river was once associated with the Pikes Peak Gold Rush that occurred from 1858-1859 when gold was found in the upper Cherry Creek drainage area.

Cherry Creek Route

Cherry Creek begins where the East Cherry Creek and West Cherry Creek converge, flowing north through the Castlewood Canyon State Park before passing right by Franktown.

Image of Cherry Creek in Colorado during winter
Ice forming on Cherry Creek. Photo: Cathy McCray

It continues north, traveling through residential areas near Parker and into the Cherry Creek State Park near Aurora. From there, Cherry Creek works its way through Glendale, South Denver, and Central Denver before meeting up with the South Platte River.

Activities on Cherry Creek

The best place to interact with Cherry Creek is at the Cherry Creek State Park and Reservoir.

Image of a biker next to the Cherry Creek in Colorado
Biking next to Cherry Creek. Photo: Dan Long

This area isn’t too far from the bigger cities and offers visitors plenty of spots for fishing, boating, jet-skiing, birding, water-skiing, kayaking, swimming, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. For those that stop by during the winter, snowshoeing is also possible at the park.

Many kinds of fish can be caught in the Cherry Creek Reservoir, as long as they meet length minimum requirements, including trout, walleye, largemouth bass, and wipers. During the summer, the reservoir can become crowded, making early mornings the best time to go.

Image of a sailboat on the Cherry Creek Reservoir
Sailing on the Cherry Creek Reservoir. Photo: Cathy McCray

Pets are allowed in the park, and there is even a dog park recreation area for your furry family members. There are also camping sites available, but reservations must be made online before visiting.

At different parts along the creek, wildlife watching can be fun. Animals like snakes, frogs, foxes, raccoons, beavers, and deer can be spotted along the water within the Four Mile Historic Park.

View of Denver, Cherry Creek below, CO
View of Denver, Cherry Creek below. Photo: Kent Kanouse
Cherry Creek Trail in Denver, Colorado
Cherry Creek Trail in Denver, Colorado. Photo: Kevin Zolkiewicz

Details

Passes through:

  • Castlewood Canyon State Park
  • Franktown
  • Parker
  • Cherry Creek State Park
  • Aurora
  • Glendale
  • Denver

Length: 48 miles

Tributary to:

  • South Platte River

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