Rising Sun Kids

Just went here with my 3 yr old. We played in the sand, waded in the water, and I went for a long walk around the entire park. There's a very small playground at the farthest beach. Lots of toilets all around the park. Beautiful place and really nice, paved trail perfect for strollers! Will be back soon!

I still measure my weekends by the moment the skyline shrinks in the rear-view and the first glimpse of Cherry Creek’s water blinks back at me like it remembers my name. I roll through the east entrance—windows down, bike rack rattling a little hello—and the ranger hands me a map with the same grin I get every time, as if she’s in on the secret that this is my reset button, not just a park. The paved trail peels away from the lot and I swear it’s been combed overnight; no stray bottle, no rogue wrapper—just the smell of sun-warmed cottonwoods and the distant hush of lapping water. I pedal south, past the mile-marker where I once surprised a mule deer chewing dandelions like they were bubble-gum. She didn’t flinch; we just shared the morning for a breath, then moved on. By the time I hit the dam I’ve shed the city’s static—no honk, no ping, no endless scroll. I lock the bike, scramble down the riprap, and let my sneakers dangle above the mirror-blue skin of the reservoir. Somewhere out there, a paddle-boarder drifts in slow motion and a red-tailed hawk stitches the sky. I breathe in until my ribs feel roomy, then exhale the week in one long, grateful sigh. Later I’ll grill near site 137, the one that backs up to the cottonwood with the heart-shaped scar. My dog will circle the picnic table like it’s a campfire story waiting to happen, and when the sun drops behind the ridge, the water turns molten copper and I’ll wonder—again—how this place is still only twenty minutes from downtown Denver. Cherry Creek isn’t just my favorite park; it’s the mute button on life’s remote, the stretch of trail that keeps my pulse from flat-lining, the lake that reflects a better version of me. I leave with sandy shoelaces, one last lungful of pine, and the quiet promise that I’ll be back before the skyline forgets my name.

My wife and nephew and I went hiking here and really enjoyed it! The entrance to this place is close to main roads but felt like we were in a remote wilderness area after only a few minutes of walking on the trail! Beautiful, lush green woods shade much of the trails, and a lovely wooden bridge crosses a placid creek and offers a peaceful and serene scene surrounded by colorful natural foliage that is easily accessible. Trail quality: Trails are excellent, some dirt with minimal elevation changes and few signs of erosion, and some concrete pathways closer to the restrooms, about a mile from the entrance, where paths diverge away from the wooded areas. There are clearly marked maps at the entrance to the trail system from the roadside parking lot as well as paper maps available at one centralized map close to the restrooms. Clothing/equipment recommendations: We did not need hiking boots and were fine wearing tennis shoes for this hike/walk. Bring water and sun protection (sunscreen/hat) if you plan to hike extensively, as parts of the trail system is unshaded. Summary: Highly recommend for a short, low-intensity day hike that requires little preparation or equipment.

Cherry Creek State Park is a hidden gem. Beautiful well maintained trails both on and off pavement. Plenty of shade, plenty of places to picnic, and the highlight for me as a professional photographer...OMG where do I begin? Eagles, Heron, Pelicans, Ducks, Geese, Seagulls, Sandpipers, Cormorant, and the list goes on an on and on! Plenty of human animals too! Hoping this remains a hidden gem, but if you are reading this, consider yourself an insider. But...as an insider you now owe it to your self to go and enjoy! #timetoyellcut!

Went paddle boarding here with some girlfriends. We had a great time! Easy to find parking and a great beach to launch off of at the swim beach. There are nice bathrooms near by and even a spot to rinse off your feet by the bathrooms.