Denver keeps a wonderful secret just southeast of the city: Cherry Creek State Park, a wide-open prairie oasis wrapped around a sparkling reservoir in Arapahoe County. Managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, this beloved state park feels like the countryside — rolling grasslands, wetlands and big Colorado skies — yet it sits minutes from downtown, at 4201 South Parker Road.
The water is the star. Boats, sailboats, paddleboards and kayaks share the reservoir, anglers cast for a quiet morning catch, and a sandy swim beach welcomes families through the summer season. Prefer dry land? The park offers 35 miles of multi-use trails, including 15 paved miles that are perfect for bikes, strollers, runners and horseback riders, with shoreline views almost the whole way.
Wildlife lovers are in for a treat, too. More than 40 mammal species — from mule deer and beavers to playful prairie dogs — roam the park, and well over 150 bird species visit its wetlands and shores, making it a favourite birdwatching stop in every season. There are also picnic areas, a large campground for tents and RVs, a model-airplane field and one of the metro area’s most popular off-leash dog areas.
Open year-round, Cherry Creek State Park is Denver’s happy escape hatch: sunrise over the water, a picnic under the cottonwoods and a sunset walk on the prairie, all in one easy day trip. A parks pass is required for vehicle entry, so check Colorado Parks and Wildlife before you go — and bring the binoculars.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
