Cherry Creek Ecological Park

Natural Haven

Found in Centennial, Colorado, Cherry Creek Ecological Park spans 75 acres of open space that feels worlds away from city life. This tranquil retreat balances educational opportunities with recreational activities, all while focusing on ecological preservation. Open from 6 AM to 10 PM daily, it's an excellent place to escape the urban hustle and reconnect with nature.

Diverse Landscape

The heart of the park is undoubtedly Cherry Creek itself, which meanders through the middle of the property for about 5,100 feet. This waterway manages storm water, creates wildlife habitats, and improves water quality.

You might not realize it while walking through today, but the area has undergone significant restoration. Urbanization had previously caused stream erosion and vegetation loss, but dedicated restoration projects have revitalized the ecosystem, bringing back the native plants and animals that once called this region home.

Trail Network

Exploring the park is a breeze thanks to its network of well-maintained trails that wind through various ecosystems. You'll come across a mix of paved paths, natural surface trails, and elevated boardwalks that help protect the more sensitive habitats.

Feel like a longer adventure? The trails connect to the larger Cherry Creek Regional Trail, opening up over 15 miles of connected pathways. Whether you're walking, jogging, or cycling, these trails offer extended journeys through some of the area's most beautiful natural scenery.

Water Features

The creek area features a natural shallow water play space with flat rocks for sitting and shallow water where kids can splash around during hot Colorado summers.

The creek provides relief on warm days, though be aware that water levels can rise after rainfall. You'll often see families with nets and buckets hunting for tadpoles and crawdads - a simple activity that children seem to love.

Educational Features

The park doesn't just show you nature - it helps you understand it. Interpretive signs across the grounds explain the local ecosystem and wildlife. An outdoor classroom area and a covered gazebo serve as spaces for organized nature programs or self-guided learning.

There's also a cultural dimension to the park's educational offerings, with displays honoring the indigenous people who originally inhabited this land. You can see examples of traditional teepees and demonstrations of early cabin construction techniques that tell the story of the area's rich human history.

Wildlife Viewing

If you're hoping to spot local wildlife, you've come to the right place. The restored stream corridor and expanded riparian areas have created thriving habitats that attract a diverse range of animals. Bring your binoculars - this is a prime spot for bird watching and nature photography.

On any given day, you might encounter numerous bird species within the park, while the water features naturally attract ducks and other aquatic birds. Nature photographers will find plenty of opportunities to capture wildlife in their natural element.

Amenities

The park offers practical amenities to make your visit comfortable. Picnic tables are thoughtfully placed throughout the grounds, some offering particularly lovely views. For a special outdoor dining experience, check out the picnic area near the small bridge on the north end of the park.

You'll come across restrooms near the parking lot entrance, and benches placed strategically along the trails whenever you need a rest. Bringing your four-legged friend? The park welcomes dogs, but they must stay leashed at all times. Waste bag stations are conveniently located within the grounds.

Sustainable Design

Cherry Creek Ecological Park incorporates sustainable design elements. The stream reclamation project includes grade control structures to stabilize eroding channels, bioengineered bank protection, and secondary channels that enhance flood capacity while expanding the riparian corridor.

This approach to ecological preservation makes the park both a recreational space and an environmental resource for the community.