Located in the midst of the Denver metro area in Aurora, Cherry Creek State Park offers a refuge for anyone wishing to go boating, fishing, camping, swimming, biking, hiking, and more. The 4,227-acre park features an 880 surface-area reservoir surrounded by a landscape of gentle, rolling hills and as an added bonus for pet owners, it’s also home to a massive off-leash dog park.

History of the park:

The City of Denver began as settlers established encampments near the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, starting to form what is now downtown Denver. Meanwhile, Aurora was founded as Fletcher in 1890, adopting its current name in 1907.

After a series of floods, dam construction projects, and dam failures on Cherry Creek, the Cherry Creek Dam was constructed between 1946 and 1950.

The then-governor of Colorado requested 10,000 acre-feet of storage for recreation at Cherry Creek Reservoir in 1958. Then, in 1959, a 25-year lease is signed with the Army Corps of Engineers. This made Cherry Creek State Recreation Area (later renamed Cherry Creek State Park) the first of its kind in Colorado.

The park’s first official visitor was welcomed on June 17, 1959, and 168,700 people visited the park in its first year.

Today, the park spans more than 4,000 acres.

What recreation it’s known for:

Cherry Creek State Park is mostly known for its 880-acre reservoir where visitors can boat, fish, jet ski, row, and water ski. Paddleboarding is another popular activity at the park, and it also has a sandy swim beach to soak up the sun.

Popular camping/lodging options:

Cherry Creek State Park offers 133 campsites, including full hook-up and tent sites. There is also an outdoor amphitheater in the campground, and the campground offers shower and laundry facilities, a dump station, and firewood for purchase.

Popular trails:

Cherry Creek Trail – 4.75 miles, paved

Pope Trail – 1.04 miles, non-paved

Cottonwood Creek Trail – 1.88 miles, non-paved

Railroad Bed Trail – 2.11 miles, non-paved

Other things to know:

Cherry Creek State Park enforces a carrying capacity (maximum number of boats and vehicles allowed in the park) due to its convenient location and popularity.

Boaters will need an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, current boat registration and a pre-launch boat inspection at the boat ramp. Vessels and other floating devices that are hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from ANS inspections.

Cherry Creek charges an additional fee, a water quality surcharge, that goes to the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority,. Those funds are used to improve the Cherry Creek basin and reservoir’s water quality.

Where to eat:

Casa Vallarta – serves popular Mexican dishes and is conveniently located.

Twisted Egg – a perfect spot for fueling up before taking your adventure in Cherry Creek.

The Cherry Cricket – in nearby Cherry Creek, this burger spot offers a famous burger experience.

Plan your visit here.

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