Cherry Creek State Park – Aurora, CO

A natural prairie landscape surrounds the 800 surface acre Cherry Creek Reservoir, at this state park. Gentle, rolling hills are popular for hiking and biking, while the lake offers an ideal location for water sports. Cherry Creek Reservoir is open to boating, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and fishing.

It’s a nice, relaxing state park located in Denver’s own backyard, Aurora. The reservoir is fed by Cherry Creek. The park is also home to a giant off-leash dog park open to the public for an extra fee. It features over one hundred acres and a stream for the dogs to play in.

Jet skiing on Cherry Creek Reservoir, CO — Jet skiing on Cherry Creek Reservoir in Colorado. Photo: Cathy McCray

The park has a beautiful view of the city and front range mountains, as well as plenty of trails through the wetlands. The lake also boasts a swimming area, open during the summer. If you go during bug season, definitely bring bug spray and/or wear long sleeves. There are 135 campsites if you’re interested in camping at the park.

For those bringing dogs, there’s a 100+ acre off-leash dog area, one of the best dog parks in the state. During the summer season, especially sunset, the mosquitoes are out and about, so wear long clothing or bug spray. All vehicles are charged a daily fee or an annual pass. There is some parking near the west entrance on East Union Ave if you prefer to walk in and avoid the vehicle fee.

Activities

Cherry Creek Paddle Boating — Sunset over Cherry Creek Lake.

Biking/Hiking: 12 miles of paved trails, 35 miles of multi-use trails.

Boating: The 880 surface acre lake is open to powerboating, sailboat, jet ski, canoe, and water skiing. Boat rentals, including pontoon and speed, are available at Pelican Bay Marina.

Camping: There are 135 full hook-up and basic tent sites, including 3 group campsites, open year-round. On-site there are showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station. For reservations book online or call 303-470-1144.

Read about the camping near Aurora, Parker, and Brighton.

Fishing: Shore and boat fishing on Cherry Creek Lake.

Group Picnicking: 6 unique group picnic areas.

Horseback Riding: The 12 Mile Stables at Cherry Creek offers horse rentals, hayrides, day camps, riding lessons, and horse boarding. horserentalsdenver.com

Model Airplane Flying: On the west side of the park is an airfield providing asphalt runways and frequency posts.

Off-Leash Dog Area: A large, 125-acre off-leash dog area is open daily until 10 pm. It costs an additional $2/day or $20 for the year.

Swimming: Swim beach is open during summer.

Volleyball: Poles are already in place, bring your own net and ball.

Winter Recreation: Ice fishing, ice skating, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding are allowed when conditions permit.

The west entrance to the park is closest to the marina and swim beach.