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
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
Navigate to:
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:
- March: Closed
- April Hours: Open Friday-Sunday 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- May to September: Open Daily 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- October Hours: Open daily 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- November: Closed for the season
West ramp:
- March Hours: Open daily (as ice allows) 8 a.m to 5 p.m.
- April Hours: Open Daily 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- May to September: Open Daily 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- October Hours: Open daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- November: Open daily 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
See the "Mandatory Boat Inspections for Aquatic Nuisance Species" hours and 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.
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.
Bring the Brochures with You
Fishing Brochure
Read up on the location you want to fish before you head out.
Download the BrochureLand and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the BrochureMandatory 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 and decontaminations are available at both the east and west boat ramps, hours vary depending on time of year. See the Facilities > Boat Ramps section above for Boat Ramp hours.
Mandatory Inspections and SealsWaterflea
Waterfleas have been detected in the reservoir at Cherry Creek. They are tiny aquatic invasive crustaceans that outcompete native fish and clog fishing-rod eyelets. Learn more about waterfleas and how you can help.
Stop the Spread of WaterfleaPaddleboards, Kayaks and Canoes, Inflatable Watercraft
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 paddleboard, kayak, canoe or inflatable watercraft.
Water Activities
Jet skiing
Jet skis allowed. Observe all regulations and no-wake areas.
Paddle Boarding
For information on paddle board rentals, paddle boarding is allowed. 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.
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.