Best lakes around Cherry Creek are centered around Cherry Creek Lake, also known as Cherry Creek Reservoir, located at the southeast edge of Denver and south of Aurora, Colorado. This body of water is the centerpiece of Cherry Creek State Park, a significant outdoor destination. The area features a natural prairie landscape with views of the city and the Front Range mountains, providing a recreational hub for various activities. It was formed by the Cherry Creek Dam in 1950 for…
Last updated: August 14, 2026
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Explore the beauty of the Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve, with soft-surface trails winding through diverse habitats like grasslands, wetlands, and wooded areas. The preserve has views of the Rocky Mountains and opportunities for birdwatching and other wildlife viewing. To protect the ecosystem, visitors must stay on designated trails.
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This 59-acre preserve located along the High Line Canal is a great place for bird and wildlife watching and a scenic setting to run in.
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Cherry Creek State Park, in Denver, Colorado is a large, popular park right in the heart of the city. There is an 880-acre reservoir where you can boat, fish, paddleboard, and swim. The park has over 35 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and the popular Cherry Creek Trail runs right through it, connecting the park with other locations and trails in the area. Facilities include multiple parking areas and trailheads, picnic areas, restrooms, a marina, and an off-leash dog area.
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Cherry Creek Reservoir is an 880-acre reservoir and a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. The surrounding park features hiking and biking trails, campgrounds, and an off-leash dog area. There are different entry and use fees in the park, and recently there have been some temporary closures of certain roads due to flooding, so be sure to look up the latest info before planning a trip.
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This 40-mile trail extends through Denver, offering a mostly paved and well-maintained route. This section passes along Cherry Creek and Lollipop Lake, providing views of the water, and glimpses of the Front Range can be seen along the way.
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At this point you can experience the vastness of Cherry Creek Park. This wilderness area is especially remarkable that it is located in the city. The park is a refuge site for many wildlife species. In parallel, many outdoor activities are possible in some dedicated areas such as camping, fishing, hiking, or animal observation.
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At this point you can experience the vastness of Cherry Creek Park. This wilderness area is especially remarkable that it is located in the city. The park is a refuge site for many wildlife species. In parallel, many outdoor activities are possible in some dedicated areas such as camping, fishing, hiking, or animal observation.
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Welcome ! You are at the gates of a natural park in which you'll find an 880 surface acre reservoir. It's perfect for nature lovers.
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Cherry Creek Lake, also known as Cherry Creek Reservoir, is a hub for various recreational activities. You can enjoy water sports like boating, jet skiing, sailing, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and water skiing. There's also a designated swimming area, and it's a popular spot for fishing. On land, the surrounding park offers extensive multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Yes, anglers are drawn to Cherry Creek Lake for its well-stocked waters. Common catches include rainbow trout, black crappie, and walleye. During winter months, ice fishing is also a popular activity.
The area offers a variety of trails. For instance, the Cherry Creek Trail – South Section is a 40-mile paved path offering views of the water and glimpses of the Front Range. The Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve features soft-surface trails winding through diverse habitats, ideal for wildlife viewing. For easy hikes, you can explore routes like the Cherry Creek, Dayton, and Pope Trail Loop or the Cottonwood Creek and Cherry Creek Loop, which are part of the easy hikes around Cherry Creek guide.
Absolutely. Cherry Creek Lake itself is very family-friendly, with a designated swimming area and various water activities. The surrounding Cherry Creek State Park offers camping, and many trails, including sections of the Cherry Creek Trail – South Section, are suitable for families. The Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve is also a great spot for families to observe wildlife.
Yes, Cherry Creek State Park features a large off-leash dog park, though it requires an extra fee. Many of the multi-use trails around the reservoir are also dog-friendly, but always check specific trail regulations and leash requirements before your visit.
Beyond typical lake activities, Cherry Creek State Park provides unique amenities such as a large off-leash dog park, an archery/rifle range, a horse stable, and a model airplane airfield. It also offers 135 campsites, many with full hookups.
The natural prairie landscape and wetlands around Cherry Creek Lake are excellent for wildlife viewing. At Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve, you can often observe Herons, Ducks, Frogs, and Turtles. The Cottonwood Creek Wetlands are particularly known for attracting diverse bird species, including migratory birds like the White-faced Ibis during wet springs.
Yes, Cherry Creek State Park has entry and use fees. It's advisable to check the latest information on the official Colorado State Parks website before planning your trip, as fees and potential temporary closures can occur.
There are several popular cycling routes around Cherry Creek. You can find options like the Cherry Creek Trail – Cherry Creek Park loop or the South Platte River – View from Chatfield Dam loop. For more details and route options, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Cherry Creek guide.
Cherry Creek State Park is a year-round destination. Summer is ideal for water activities like swimming and boating. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and wildlife viewing. Even in winter, activities like ice fishing and some camping loops remain open, providing a different experience.
The Cherry Creek Trail – South Section is a mostly paved and well-maintained path, making it suitable for wheelchairs. Many of the main trails within Cherry Creek State Park are multi-use and designed to be accessible, but it's always best to check specific trail conditions for the most current accessibility information.
Cherry Creek State Park is conveniently located near the Denver metropolitan area, including Aurora. This means there are numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants available in the surrounding towns and neighborhoods, just a short drive from the park entrances.


Still not found your perfect lake around Cherry Creek? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.