Cherry Creek State Park
State Park in Aurora, CO
Hours:
Visitor Center/Campground Office: Jan 1 to Apr 30, Monday-Friday, 9a.m.-5p.m.; May 1 to Sept 30, Monday-Friday, 8a.m.-8p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Dog Off-leash Daily Pass: $3
Daily Water Basin Authority: $1
Annual Water Basin Authority: $3
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
4201 South Parker Road
Aurora, CO 80014
United States
Cherry Creek State Park
State Park in Aurora, CO
Hours:
Visitor Center/Campground Office: Jan 1 to Apr 30, Monday-Friday, 9a.m.-5p.m.; May 1 to Sept 30, Monday-Friday, 8a.m.-8p.m.
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10
Dog Off-leash Daily Pass: $3
Daily Water Basin Authority: $1
Annual Water Basin Authority: $3
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
4201 South Parker Road
Aurora, CO 80014
United States
Navigate to:
Arapahoe County: Stage 2 Fire Restrictions -
Fire restrictions are currently in place with no open burning, no fireworks and no charcoal grills within the park. Propane grills and propane firepits are allowed. Read more.
A picture-perfect evening for sailing on Cherry Creek Reservoir
Park Highlight
Cherry Creek Reservoir
The park's main attraction is the 850 surface-acre reservoir offering all types of water recreation, and boating and equipment rentals at the marina.
Reservoir Facilities
Facilities
Public boat launching ramps are conveniently located near the east and west park entrances. Hours are as follows:
March 1 - 31
- East Ramp: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- West Ramp: CLOSED
April 1 - 30
- East Ramp: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
- West Ramp: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Only
May 1 - September 30
- East and West Ramps: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
October 1 - 30
- East Ramp: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
- West Ramp: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Only
November 1 - 30 (or first ice)
- East Ramp: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- West Ramp: CLOSED
Boat ramp access may be subject to change with our low water levels. Please ask park staff upon your arrival for the most up to date information.
Low water levels may present unmarked hazards. Use caution while boating and boat at your own risk.
See the "Mandatory Boat Inspections for Aquatic Nuisance Species" information lower on the page.
The Pelican Bay Marina at Cherry Creek provides boat, boat slip and jet ski rentals from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They also offer wedding and corporate events, a pub and a wharf. Visit the marina website or call 303-741-2995 with any questions.
The park is a gathering spot for families to soak up that Colorado sun — with a sandy beach and roped-off swimming area. The swim beach is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. There is a bathhouse with restrooms located at the beach for convenience.
Colorado Water is Cold Water
Colorado waters are classified as "cold water" (anything under 70 degrees) for most of the year. Swimming in cold water risks cold water shock, which can lead to drowning even for strong, experienced swimmers. An unexpected fall into cold water can cause an involuntary gasp reflex (which can cause you to breathe in water). Cold water shock can also cause rapid heart rate and hyperventilation (excessive breathing). If you experience cold water shock, quickly regain control of your breathing and get into the HELP position (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) by crossing your arms across your chest and pulling your knees up to your chest, as if hugging yourself, to retain body heat.
Deadly Combos
Alcohol and Water
Alcohol use is the leading factor in recreational boating deaths. The intense sunlight and heat you experience when boating can amplify the effects of beer, wine and hard liquor. Your balance, vision, alertness, reaction time and coordination can change more intensely than you’re used to. One drink on the water is equivalent to three drinks on land.
Alcohol can also increase the dangers of cold water immersion.
Wind and Water
Weather can change very quickly in Colorado. Most summer storms arise in the afternoon, and they can come in fast and furiously, generally from the west.
Be mindful of the clouds and wind. Don't wait until the weather is on top of you before seeking safety. Wind is the main cause of paddlers falling in the water. Once in the water, the wind can blow your craft away from you, and if the waves become intense, it becomes difficult to swim.
Remember that after you get out of the water, wind chill can cause you to lose heat very quickly.
Life Jackets and Water
The majority of water-related fatalities happen when people are swimming in cold water or paddleboarding or kayaking while not wearing a life jacket. Colorado law requires that all water vessels have appropriately sized life jackets readily accessible for every person on board.
Weight and Water
Don't go over the maximum capacity or weight on boats, kayaks or stand up paddleboards. They can capsize or sink. Remember that coolers can change the total weight and weight distribution on your vessel.
Swimming and Drop Offs
The bottoms of lakes are inconsistent. “Drop offs” are spots in lakes, reservoirs, streams and rivers with sudden changes in depth. These abrupt changes can be risky and catch swimmers off guard.
Swimming and Water Depth
Most reservoirs average 40-100 feet deep, making them unsuitable for those with limited swimming abilities.
Swimming and Unmarked Hazards
Lower water levels this summer can expose unmarked hazards that swimmers would usually not expect. Hazards could include trees, rocks, etc.
Boating and Fishing
Carrying Capacity
Due to Cherry Creek State Park’s convenient location, it experiences high use on summer weekends and holidays. A carrying capacity (the maximum number of boats and vehicles allowed in the park) is enforced to protect park users, prevent resource damage and provide an enjoyable experience for visitors.
Boating
The lake is open for boating Marc h 1 until November 30, depending on ice conditions. Please keep a lookout for possible floating debris, and always be aware that unmarked hazards may exist. If debris or hazards are discovered, please notify park staff.
Fishing
Popular with local anglers for close-to-home, quality fishing from shore or boat. The Tower Loop area near the dam is a popular spot, as well as the quiet south end of the reservoir. Always stay at least 60 feet away from the front of the tower structure.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is allowed when conditions permit. Please use caution when ice fishing. Have proper safety equipment and follow safety guidelines.
Fish Species and Bag Limits
See the Fishing Atlas for fishable species at this location and the Fishing Brochure (PDF) for daily bag limits.
Fishing Awards and Records for Cherry Creek
State record walleye have been caught at the reservoir. Visit the Fishing Awards and Records page for more records.
Clean Your Gear: Fishing
Help Protect Colorado Waters
Clean Your Gear
Cleaning your gear before and after use helps protect our water from aquatic nuisance species. Check out these videos to learn how to clean your fishing gear.
Water Activities
Jet Skiing
Jet skis allowed. Observe all regulations and no-wake areas.
Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is allowed and you can rent one from the Pelican Bay Marina.
Rowing
Mile High Rowing Club is a non-profit youth rowing program for ages 13–18. We offer Fall and Spring Rowing, and a Winter Training Program as well. Learn-To-Row Summer Camps are available for new rowers.
Sailing
Cherry Creek Reservoir is one of Community Sailing of Colorado's (CSC) flagship locations, where we teach a variety of sailing programs such as youth summer camps, adult classes, adaptive sailing, free outreach events and a junior race team.
Waterskiing
Ski counter clockwise north of the ski line.
Windsurfing
Lake Loop is a good launching point.
Mandatory Boat Inspections for ANS at Cherry Creek
To boat on the reservoir, an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, current boat registration and a pre-launch boat inspection at the boat ramp is required.
Vessels and other floating devices that are both hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from mandatory ANS inspections.
Learn more about aquatic nuisance species, as well as clean, drain, dry and decontaminations.
Inspection Hours
Aquatic Nuisance Species inspections are available at both the East and West Boat Ramp (when the West Ramp is open). See Facilities > Boat Ramps above for detailed hours (and opening/closures) per month.
Boat ramp access may be subject to change with our low water levels. Please ask park staff upon your arrival for the most up to date information.
Decontaminations are available at the Administrative Office from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Decontaminations are not performed at this location past 8 p.m. to respect the surrounding neighborhoods.
Decontaminations are available anytime at the West Boat Ramp for as long as the West Boat Inspection Station is open.
Eurasian watermilfoil
Eurasian watermilfoil has been detected in the reservoir at Cherry Creek.
It is an aquatic noxious weed that forms dense mats which restrict swimming, fishing, and boating. The mats shade and choke out native aquatic plants that are needed by aquatic fish and animals for shelter, habitat and food. The decaying plants foul beaches and decrease oxygen levels in the water, destroying habitat and food needed by fish and birds.
Oh, SHELL NO
Be a Pain in the ANS
Recreation in Colorado’s water could be impacted by the spread of invasive species in the water. Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are invasive species that damage bodies of water. This can have huge impacts on many of the industries and products we all know and love: wine, corn, beer, peaches, drinking water, outdoor recreation and many more. If you’re recreating in the water, you can be a Pain in the ANS — and stop the spread of invasive species.
Bring the Brochures with You
Fishing Brochure
Read up on the location you want to fish before you head out.
Download the Brochure Land and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the Brochure
Fee
Water Quality Surcharge
Cherry Creek charges an additional fee, which goes to the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority. The funds are used to improve the water quality in the Cherry Creek basin and reservoir.