Active Pursuits: Parks & Reserves

Cherry Creek State Park

The 880-acre Cherry Creek Reservoir, created for flood control by the construction of a dam in 1950, is the central attraction of this popular park, which draws 1.5 million visitors each year. Located at the southeast Denver city limits (off Parker Rd. and I-225) about 12 miles from downtown, the park encompasses 3,900 acres of land and 1,000 of water. Watersports include swimming, water-skiing, boating, and fishing. There's a nature trail, dog-training area, model-airplane field with paved runways, jet-ski rental facility, rifle range, pistol range, and trap-shooting area. Ten miles of paved bicycle paths and 10 miles of bridle trails circle the reservoir (horse rentals are available). Rangers offer guided walks on a 1 1/2-mile nature trail, as well as evening campfire programs in an amphitheater. In winter, there's skating, ice fishing, and ice boating. Each of the park's 102 campsites has access to showers, laundry, and a dump station. More than 40 sites have electric hookups, but there are no water hookups. Many lakeshore day-use sites have picnic tables and grills. Admission costs $6 to $7 per vehicle; the camping fee is $10 to $16 daily. Campgrounds are closed from November through March. The entrance is at 4201 S. Parker Rd. in Aurora. Call tel. 303/699-3860 for general information or tel. 800/678-2267 for camping reservations.

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