Cherry Creek State Park
One of the crown jewels of Denver area reservoirs, Cherry Creek is famed among birders in the state both as a rarity magnet and an all-round good birding location. The reservoir typically remains ice-free throughout the winter and is known for its birding from late summer through spring.
There are a number of good locations to observe birds around the reservoir from various viewpoints onto the lake; as a general rule, the southern parts of the lake are better for shorebird species (especially when the water is low), while areas closer to the dam tend to have more diving ducks. Gulls congregate around the marina and swim beach during colder months, and birds like loons and grebes are most often seen in the middle of the reservoir. In summer months, the extensive cottonwood forest along Cherry Creek is home to breeding species such as Yellow-breasted Chat and Yellow Warbler. Check for raptors, sparrows, flocks of Horned Lark, and the occasional longspur in the open prairie habitats on the western part of the park. A State Parks pass is required for entry.
County: Arapahoe
Attractions: Horseback riding, Model airfield, Shooting sports, Dog off leash area.
Directions: Cherry Creek has two entrances, the main entrance on the eastern side of the lake and a smaller entrance on the western side. For the east entrance: take Parker Rd. (exit 4) south from I-225 for almost 2 miles to Lehigh Ave. Go east on Lehigh Ave. to the entrance station. For the west entrance: take Yosemite St. south from I-225 (exit 1) for half a mile to Union Ave. Take Union Avenue east for less than 1/2 mile to Dayton St. Turn right then an immediate left into the western entrance to the park.
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Ownership: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Admission: State Parks Pass. Additional fee for camping and dog off leash area.
Restrictions: Please obey all rules and regulations
Parking: Varied
Lodging: Camping in the park,hotels in Aurora or nearby suburbs of Denver
Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: Handicap access to some trails and most facilities
Latitude: 39.639917
Longitude: -104.831765
Amenities
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Drinking Fountain | Yes |
| Gravel Trails | Yes |
| Paved Trails | Yes |
| Platform/Blind | Yes |
| Boardwalk | Yes |
| Concession | Yes |
| Visitor Center | Yes |
| Gift Shop | Yes |
| Primitive | No |
| Camping | Yes |
| Picnic | Yes |
| Hunting | No |
| Fishing | Yes |