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. Cherry Creek 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 montains, 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 where 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 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 at Cherry Creek Reservoir

Cherry Creek Paddle Boating — Sunset over Cherry Creek Lake.

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

Boating: 880 surface acre lake; Open to power boating, sailboat, jet ski, canoe, water skiing. Boat rentals, including pontoon and speed, are available at Pelican Bay Marina.

Camping: Yes, 135 sites; Open year round; Full hook-up and basic tent sites; For reservations call 303-470-1144. Showers and laundry facilities, dump station. There are 3 group campsites. Reservations

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, hay rides, day camps, riding lessons and horse boarding. horserentalsdenver.com

Model Airplane Flying: On the west side of 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 10pm. 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 hen conditions permit.

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