Cherry Creek State Park: A Natural Gem in Aurora, Colorado

Cherry Creek State Park6.5/10Moderate
Home/Protected Places/Cherry Creek State Park/Cherry Creek State Park: A Natural Gem in Aurora, Colorado

Category

Boating

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Landmark

Nestled in the heart of Aurora, Colorado, Cherry Creek State Park offers a serene escape from the urban bustle, boasting expansive landscapes and outdoor activities. This park is a beloved retreat, embracing a diverse patchwork of grasslands, marshes, and a shimmering reservoir. Its unique appeal lies in the harmonious blend of nature and recreation right in the city's backyard.

Home to a vast reservoir, Cherry Creek State Park is a haven for water enthusiasts, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The gently rolling terrain surrounding the reservoir is laced with extensive hiking and biking trails, inviting exploration at every turn. The park's rich biodiversity makes it an excellent spot for bird-watching, with many native species thriving in its protected habitats.

Established as a state park in 1959, this treasured local destination also holds historical significance, serving as a critical area for Native American tribes and early settlers. Today, the park remains a dynamic gateway for both recreation and cultural appreciation. Visitors find themselves drawn not only to its natural beauty but also to its role as a key habitat preservation area within the bustling Denver-Aurora metropolitan region.

Photo Gallery

Cherry Creek State Park: A Natural Gem in Aurora, Colorado - Cherry Creek State Park

Cherry Creek State Park: A Natural Gem in Aurora, Colorado - Cherry Creek State Park

Cherry Creek State Park: A Natural Gem in Aurora, Colorado - Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Park: A Natural Gem in Aurora, Colorado - Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Park: A Natural Gem in Aurora, Colorado - Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Park: A Natural Gem in Aurora, Colorado - Cherry Creek State Park

Cherry Creek State Park: A Natural Gem in Aurora, Colorado

Adventure Guide to Cherry Creek State Park

Boating and Fishing on Cherry Creek Reservoir

  • Special Features: Expansive waters perfect for sailing, kayaking, and fishing.
  • Key Features: Boat ramps, fishing docks, and kayak rentals.
  • Local Insights: Local anglers love the bass, trout, and walleye fishing here.
  • Visitor Tips:
    • Best Times to Visit: Spring to early fall.
    • What to Bring: Fishing gear, sunscreen, life jackets.
    • Getting There: Easily accessible via E. Belleview Avenue, about a 30-minute drive from Denver.

Hiking and Biking Trails

  • Special Features: Over 12 miles of multi-use trails.
  • Key Features: Scenic routes through grasslands and along the reservoir, perfect for all skill levels.
  • Visitor Tips:
    • Best Times to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.
    • What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, water, sunglasses.

Wildlife & Bird Watching

  • Special Features: Home to diverse wildlife, particularly local and migratory birds.
  • Key Features: Viewing areas and interpretive signs.
  • Visitor Tips:
    • Best Times to Visit: Spring and fall for migratory birds.
    • What to Bring: Binoculars, camera, field guide.

Reviews

Location

Cherry Creek State Park: A Natural Gem in Aurora, Colorado in Cherry Creek State Park

Coordinates: 39.6260, -104.8425

Ratings

Overall

6.5/10User rating

Photography

6.0/10Scenic value

Featured Activities

Primary Activity

Boating

Also Great For

Fishing
Hiking
Biking
Bird Watching

Essential Information

Best Time to Visit

Spring and Fall

Nearby City

Aurora, Colorado

Visitor Type

Family-Friendly

Protected Areas

Cherry Creek State Park

Accessibility

Connectivity

Cell service available

Weather Considerations

Temperature

Varies by season, check forecast

Precipitation

Best to visit in dry conditions

Experience Level

Moderate

Experience Needed: This natural landmark is recommended for those with some outdoor experience. Good for regular hikers.