Sandy beach at Cherry Creek Reservoir popular with swimmers and watersports enthusiasts. Great for families with young children with supervised swimming area and excellent facilities.
Cherry Creek State Park Beach lines the northern shore of Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado, approximately 20 minutes southeast of downtown Denver. The sandy beach is one of the Denver metro area's most popular freshwater destinations, drawing families, watersports enthusiasts, and casual sunbathers throughout the summer season. Cherry Creek Reservoir spans roughly 880 acres, giving swimmers, sailors, and anglers plenty of room to share the water without congestion. The beach area is compact but consistently maintained, with a designated roped swimming zone staffed by lifeguards during summer months. The sandy floor slopes gently into shallow water, making it accessible for young children within the supervised area. Water clarity fluctuates with seasonal conditions but is generally suitable for comfortable swimming. A dedicated dog beach area, located separately from the main swim zone, is a notable draw for pet owners and is one of the few such facilities in the Denver metro region. Cherry Creek Reservoir is well regarded among windsurfers and sailors for its reliable afternoon thermal winds, which sweep across the open park landscape and create consistent conditions for wind-powered sports. Boat rentals and watercraft are available through the park marina during summer months. A paved multi-use trail within the park connects to the Cherry Creek Trail corridor, allowing cyclists to reach central Denver directly from the park entrance. The park's nearly 4,000 acres also include a model airplane flying area, an archery range, and wildlife viewing zones, extending the experience well beyond the beach itself. Entry requires a Colorado State Parks daily vehicle pass or annual pass. Parking is located within easy walking distance of the beach, though lots fill quickly on busy summer weekends. The park has limited public transit access, making a personal vehicle the practical option for most visitors. Restrooms and picnic shelters are distributed throughout the beach area. Park hours run from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round, with supervised swimming available during summer only.
Amenities
- lifeguards
- boat rentals
- swimming area
- restrooms
- picnic areas
- dog beach area
- parking
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, dog-owners, couples, sunbathers
Highlights
- Sandy beach with lifeguard-staffed swim zone on Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, 20 minutes from Denver
- Dedicated dog beach with separate parking, one of the few such facilities in the Denver metro area
- Reliable afternoon thermal winds making the reservoir a Front Range windsurfing and sailing hub
- Paved trail connection to Cherry Creek Trail corridor for cyclists heading toward downtown Denver
- Full-service marina with boat and kayak rentals available during summer months
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 10 a.m. on summer weekends — main parking lots fill by late morning
- Blue-green algae advisories can temporarily close the swimming area; check Colorado Parks and Wildlife alerts before visiting
- The dog beach is in a separate area with its own parking access; consult the park map at the entrance gate to navigate directly
- A Colorado State Parks pass is required; no cash is accepted at automated entry kiosks — use a card or purchase online in advance
- Windsurfers should target afternoons from June through August when thermal winds build reliably across the open reservoir
When to visit
Late June through mid-August offers the warmest water temperatures and full lifeguard coverage. Weekday mornings provide the best combination of manageable crowds and pleasant conditions before afternoon winds intensify.
Frequently asked questions
Are lifeguards on duty at Cherry Creek State Park Beach?
Yes, lifeguards staff the designated swimming area during summer, typically from late May through Labor Day. Swimmers should remain within the roped zone during staffed hours.
Can dogs access Cherry Creek State Park Beach?
Dogs are not permitted on the main swimming beach, but a dedicated dog beach is available in a separate area of the park with its own parking access. Dogs must remain on leash throughout the park.
Is parking readily available at the beach?
Yes, parking lots sit close to both the main beach and the dog beach. On busy summer weekends, lots can fill before noon, so early arrival is strongly advisable.
What water sports are popular at Cherry Creek Reservoir?
Windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all popular. The reservoir's reliable afternoon winds make it a regional hub for wind-powered sports. Boat rentals are available at the marina during summer.
Are there risks of algae closures at Cherry Creek Beach?
Blue-green algae blooms occasionally prompt temporary swimming closures, typically in late summer. Colorado Parks and Wildlife posts current alerts on its website, and checking before a visit is advisable during warm weather.