Cherry Creek State Park
Overview
Cherry Creek State Park is a 4,200-acre recreation area in the Denver metropolitan area centered around an approximately 850-acre reservoir. The park offers boating, fishing, camping, bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, picnicking, nature study, and winter recreation. The park has an extensive multi-use trail system, including trails such as Cherry Creek, 12 Mile, Cottonwood Creek, Parker Road, Railroad Bed, Smoky Hill, Wetland Loop, and Windmill Creek Loop. Facilities include boat ramps, a marina, campground, swim beach, picnic areas, restrooms, parking, a model airfield, shooting center, horse stable, boat decontamination station, and a dog off-leash area. The park also provides accessible facilities at fishing areas, the campground, swim beach, and group picnic sites.
- Trails
- 18
- Viewpoints
- 14
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 39
Opening Hours
05:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Boat Launches / Marina
Paved boat ramps and courtesy docks for non-motorized and motorized watercraft. Fees apply at many parks; annual launch permits available.
- Swimming Areas / Beaches
Designated swim zones with seasonal lifeguard coverage. Daily water quality reports are posted at the entrance and online.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Shooting Center
- Model Airfield
- Horse Stable
Required Permits
Park Entrance PassRequired
A current Colorado State Parks pass or Cherry Creek Water Basin sticker is required for vehicles entering Cherry Creek State Park. Daily and annual park passes are available. The Cherry Creek Water Basin fee is also required for all vehicles entering the park. A current Colorado State Parks pass or Cherry Creek Water Basin sticker is required for vehicles entering Cherry Creek State Park. Daily and annual park passes are available. The Cherry Creek Water Basin fee is also required for all vehicles entering the park.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Stay on designated trails and follow posted park and boating regulations.
- Swimming is permitted only in the designated swim beach area, and there are no lifeguards, so children require adult supervision.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Dirt Trail (Railroad Bed)
Gravel Trail (Cottonwood Creek)
Pipeline Trail
Gravel Trail (Butterfly Hill/Vista)
Dirt Trail (Wetland Loop)
Dirt Trail (South Connector)
Gravel Trail (Belleview Pond Spur)
Parker Rd Trail
Dirt Trail (Windmill Creek Loop)
Gravel Trail (12 Mile)
Gravel Trail (Beaver Pond)
Gravel Trail (Pope)
Gravel Trail (Daytson)
Paved Trail (Cherry Creek)
Gravel Trail (Dam)
Paved Trail (Smoky Hill)
Paved Trail (Campground)
Paved (Cherry Creek Trail)
Nearby Viewpoints
Model Airfield
Airfield
0.1 mi
Picnic Area
0.6 mi
Shooting Center
Dot
0.6 mi
Picnic Area
0.9 mi
Picnic Area
1.1 mi
Picnic Area
1.2 mi
Picnic Area
1.3 mi
Swimming Beach
Swimming
1.4 mi
Picnic Area
1.4 mi
Picnic Area
1.5 mi
Picnic Area
1.8 mi
Picnic Area
1.8 mi
Campground
RV Campground
1.9 mi
Horse Stable
Horseback Riding
2.0 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Cherry Creek State Park?
Cherry Creek State Park is open every day from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Cherry Creek State Park?
Cherry Creek State Park is a 4,200-acre recreation area in the Denver metropolitan area centered around an approximately 850-acre reservoir. The park offers boating, fishing, camping, bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, picnicking, nature study, and winter recreation.
Where is Cherry Creek State Park located?
Cherry Creek State Park is located in Aurora, Colorado, United States.
How many trails are there at Cherry Creek State Park?
Cherry Creek State Park has 18 mapped trails covering 27 miles in total. The longest is Paved (Cherry Creek Trail) at 5 miles.
What is there to see at Cherry Creek State Park?
Places to see at Cherry Creek State Park include Horse Stable, Model Airfield, Shooting Center and Swimming Beach.
What facilities are available at Cherry Creek State Park?
Facilities at Cherry Creek State Park include Boat Launches / Marina, Campgrounds, Horse Stable, Model Airfield, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets, Shooting Center and 1 more.
Is there parking at Cherry Creek State Park?
Yes, Cherry Creek State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Cherry Creek State Park?
Yes, Cherry Creek State Park has 1 campsite marked on its map: Campground.
How can I contact Cherry Creek State Park?
You can contact Cherry Creek State Park by email at cherry.creek.park@state.co.us or by phone at 3036901166.
What safety tips should visitors to Cherry Creek State Park know?
Stay on designated trails and follow posted park and boating regulations. Swimming is permitted only in the designated swim beach area, and there are no lifeguards, so children require adult supervision. Use appropriate boating safety equipment and follow all Colorado boating regulations. Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspections are mandatory before launching boats. Keep a safe distance from wildlife and never feed wildlife. Camp only in designated campgrounds
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