Cherry Creek State Park

State Park in Aurora, CO

Hours:

Campground Office: Monday through Sunday: Daily, 12 p.m. to 7 p.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

Contact:

303-690-1166

[email protected]

Surrounded by the Denver metro area, Cherry Creek offers a recreational oasis amid the hectic urban world. Almost any day, the park’s 35 miles of multiuse trails, including 15 miles of paved trails, are abuzz with walkers, hikers, bikers, and families on outings. In winter, there might be snowshoers or cross-country skiers. The cool waters of Cherry Creek Reservoir attract water skiers, anglers and boaters of all kinds.

Cherry Creek State Park

State Park in Aurora, CO

Surrounded by the Denver metro area, Cherry Creek offers a recreational oasis amid the hectic urban world. Almost any day, the park’s 35 miles of multiuse trails, including 15 miles of paved trails, are abuzz with walkers, hikers, bikers, and families on outings. In winter, there might be snowshoers or cross-country skiers. The cool waters of Cherry Creek Reservoir attract water skiers, anglers and boaters of all kinds.

Hours:

Campground Office: Monday through Sunday: Daily, 12 p.m. to 7 p.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

Contact:

303-690-1166

[email protected]

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Sailboats on the water

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. 

    East ramp: 

    • October Hours: Open daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    • November Hours: Open daily 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    West ramp: 

    • October Hours: Open Friday, Saturday and Sundays ONLY, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    • November: CLOSED for the season 

    Aquatic Nuisance Species inspections and decontaminations are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

    The Pelican Bay Marina at C​herry 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. 

    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 April 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.

      Bring the Brochures with You

      Aquatic Nuisance Species at Cherry Creek

      To boat on the reservoir, a pre-launch boat inspection for aquatic nuisance species (ANS), an ANS stamp and a current boat registration are required. Waterflea has been detected in the reservoir at Cherry Creek. 

      Inspections icon

      Inspection Hours

      Aquatic Nuisance Species inspection sand decontaminations are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

      Water Activities

      Jet skiing

      Jet skiing

      Jet skis allowed. Observe all regulations and no-wake areas.

      Paddle boards and kayaks on the shore

      Paddle Boarding

      For information on paddle board rentals, paddle boarding is allowed. Rent one from the Pelican Bay Marina.

      Boat icon

      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.

       Two sailboats on the water

      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

      Waterskiing

      Ski counter clockwise north of the ski line.

      Two people windsurfing

      Windsurfing

      Lake Loop is a good launching point.

      An aerial view of the park shoreline and part of the reservoir

      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.