Confluence Park

Where Denver Began

Confluence Park sits at the exact spot where Denver's story started back in 1858 - right where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River. This 18-acre space sits in downtown Denver, blending natural beauty with city convenience and offering a break from the urban environment.

Evening view of the park with Speer Boulevard bridge on the right

Photo: Jimmy Baikovicius (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Splash, Play, Paddle

The park's kayak chute is a definite highlight - a man-made rapids course where adventurous souls navigate the rushing waters in kayaks or inner tubes. Nearby, a sandy beach area invites you to kick off your shoes and pretend you're not in a landlocked state.

On hot summer days, the shallow areas where the two waterways meet become nature's splash pad. Families wade in the cool water while ducks and geese waddle nearby, however keep in mind water quality can fluctuate throughout the season.

Rushing waters of South Platte River at dusk

Photo: Jimmy Baikovicius (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Trail Central

If you're into exploring on wheels or foot, this is an excellent spot. Confluence Park is where two of Denver's major trails meet - the Cherry Creek Trail and South Platte River Trail. These paved paths make it easy to venture further into the city or escape from it, depending on your mood. Many visitors grab rental bikes or scooters nearby to extend their journey along these scenic routes.

The park grounds visible beyond the river

Photo: Payton Chung (CC BY-SA 2.0)

A Park Reborn

Since its initial development in the 1970s, Confluence Park has undergone several makeovers, with the most significant refresh completed in 2017. These updates have enhanced riverfront access, improved water quality, and created more community gathering spaces.

The park's position next to Denver's Lower Downtown (LoDo) district has sparked urban renewal throughout the area. Today, it's surrounded by a vibrant mix of residential lofts, offices, eateries, and shops - including the flagship REI store housed in the beautifully repurposed historic Denver Tramway Power Company building.

Concrete walkways along the river

Photo: vxla (CC BY 2.0)

The Practical Stuff

Grassy areas great for picnicking dot the landscape, including a sizable hill offering impressive views of both the river and Denver's skyline. Public restrooms are available within the park, but some visitors opt for the facilities at nearby businesses like REI or Starbucks.

The park welcomes visitors from 5AM to 11PM daily, with peak crowds showing up during daylight hours on weekends and throughout summer when water activities are in full swing.

The park is located at the confluence of South Platte River and Cherry Creek

Photo: Jesse James (CC BY 2.0)

Four-Legged Friends Welcome

Dog lovers, rejoice! The paved walking paths and open grassy areas provide plenty of space for leashed pups to explore. You'll see plenty of locals walking their four-legged companions here, however do remember that keeping dogs leashed is part of the park rules.

Community Connections

During the year, the park hosts various events including concerts, festivals, and educational programs about local ecology and history.

Confluence Park is both a recreational space and a historical site - showing where Denver began as a mining camp before growing into the city it is today.