For years – literally years – I’ve hoped to stay at Cherry Creek State Park in Colorado with our dogs. The problem is, I’m not alone. Over 1.5 million people visit this park annually! Without reservations made far in advance, the best you’ll probably be able to do is string together a few nights in the campground. We got lucky and were able to plan an extended stay with Ty and Buster.
Cherry Creek State Park
One of the things I love best about our mobile lifestyle is that it demands very little planning ahead. Traveling without looking too far down the road allows us adjust on the fly. We can stay longer than we thought we might, or take off in a previously unanticipated direction. The spontaneity is part of the fun, but it can also be a source disappointment.
Located just 14 miles from downtown Denver, a stay at Cherry Creek requires planning. This 4,200-acre park is an island of serenity surrounded by all the activity and energy of a major metropolitan area. With 133 campsites available year-round, this easily stands out as one of the nicest places we’ve parked the RV in all the time we’ve been traveling. The campsites are spacious and superbly outfitted with concrete pads, gravel patios, picnic tables, and fire rings.
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Things to Do At Cherry Creek State Park with Dogs
Cherry Creek Reservoir
The centerpiece of the park is the 850-acre Cherry Creek reservoir, popular for birding, boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing. The swimming beach is off limits for dogs, but at the marina across the dam from the campground you can rent stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, and fishing boats. There are also more than 25 miles of dog friendly trails in and around the park, some offering fantastic views of the reservoir.
Off Leash Dog Area
For those with a bit more energy to burn, a $2 daily entrance fee gets you access to the park’s 100+ acre off-leash dog area, complete with a walking trail and waste stations.
Picnic Areas
And pups looking to spend the day lounging by the lake will find several picnic areas with lake views. There are also grills and plenty of perfectly-spaced trees for hanging hammocks!
Pet Friendly Day Trips from Cherry Creek State Park
Garden of the Gods
There are a couple of places nearby that would be a shame to miss while you’re in the area. The first is Garden of the Gods, a free city park in Colorado Springs, just an hour south of Cherry Creek.
Encompassing 1,350 acres, and pierced by huge red sandstone rock formations, all 15 miles of trails are open to leashed pets. The main loop through the park is paved and easy walking for dogs and people of all skill levels. And several trails offer great views of Pikes Peak!
READ MORE ⇒ 7 Essentials for Desert Hiking With Dogs
Hiking Red Rocks
Just 40 minutes up the road from Cherry Creek is an awe-inspiring combination of natural beauty and man-made ingenuity. Red Rocks Amphitheater is a concert venue built into the red sandstone outcroppings where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains.
Many people come here to exercise on the stadium seating, running the rows, climbing the tiers, or practicing yoga with an incredible view. It’s an interesting spectacle, but with 868 acres to explore, we suggest you have a peek at the stage and then take your pooch and hit the trail!
Be Aware of Breed Discrimination
Laws that discriminate against particular breeds of dogs equate to race discrimination and are completely unacceptable. There is no evidence that breed specific laws are effective in preventing dog bites. But there is plenty of evidence that they have resulted in the senseless killing of thousands of homeless animals and beloved pets.
READ MORE ⇒ Tips for Traveling with Pitbulls
Unfortunately, Denver and the city of Aurora, which borders Cherry Creek State Park, both impose bans against pitbulls and pitbull mixes. However, Cherry Creek State Park itself is unincorporated, and pit bulls are welcome within the state park boundaries. All breeds of dogs are also welcome at Garden of the Gods. However, Red Rocks falls within the borders of the city of Denver. Anyone traveling with a pitbull should avoid that hike.
We hope our visit to Cherry Creek State Park with the dogs inspires you to explore someplace new with your pets!
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I’m planning a trip to Denver. I saw the Cherry Creek off leash park! It looks beautiful. My dog(2) is very playful and is still being trained! She loves playing with other dogs. I’m very nervous because I worry about the possible of another dog attacking her! What happens if that does occur? Is it the risk one takes and it would be my responsibility for the unprovoked attack?
Hello D! Thanks so much for your note. Cherry Creek is a wonderful dog park and I’m sure you and your pup will enjoy it. As you said, attacks can happen at any dog park. But in my experience, it’s less likely in a large dog park like Cherry Creek. There is so much space for dogs to run and play that those who might not enjoy a rambunctious pup can avoid her. To help avoid an unfortunate situation, do some research on dog body language so that you can interpret the signals other dogs are sending, in case your adolescent pup misses them. And, if she’s still working on a solid recall, take a toy that she LOVES and keep it in your pocket. If you see her getting too far away or approaching a dog that isn’t interested in playing, you can use the toy to get her attention.
I hope that helps and that you have a wonderful time together. Waggin’ trails!
Good to know, Isabel! Thanks for sharing – we’ll check that out the next time we’re in the area.
Cherry Creek is a great dog park but if you want to take the dogs swimming, Chatfield State Park’s dog area is so much better.
Your dogs are leading charmed lives, Alexandra – how fantastic to live so close to Cherry Creek that you can visit it regularly! And, I’m not surprised that you’ve not had any trouble at that particular off-leash park. Many dog parks are quite small relative to the number of dogs that are there. Cherry Creek is so large that all the dogs have plenty of space. Enjoy!
We live nearby and love taking the dogs there for walking and playing. Dogs aren’t allowed in the reservoir, it’s true, but in the off-leash dog park there is a wonderful creek with easy access for humans and dogs. Our heeler loves the creek, and it’s a great way to wear him out!I know dog parks have a bad reputation in some circles but we’ve never had any issues.