Sloan's Lake Park

Park Overview

Situated on the northwest side of Denver, Colorado, Sloan's Lake Park is the city's second-largest green space, covering 290 acres. At its heart lies Sloan's Lake itself - a massive 177-acre body of water that holds the title of Denver's largest lake.

Interestingly, the lake has quite the origin story. Back in 1861, a homesteader named Thomas Sloan was simply trying to dig a well on his property when he accidentally created what would become this beloved lake.

Scenic Views and Activities

The park features excellent views of both the Rocky Mountains and the Denver skyline. Sunset is particularly beautiful, when city lights reflect across the water's surface.

A 2.6-mile paved trail wraps around the lake, excellent for your morning jog or evening stroll. The spacious grassy areas make ideal spots to throw down a blanket and enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic. For cyclists still finding their balance (or parents teaching little ones), there's a closed road section that provides a safe, traffic-free zone to practice those riding skills.

Dragon boat paddlers on Sloan Lake

Photo: Jesse Avilés (CC BY 2.0)

Recreation and Amenities

The park has several play spaces. Recently renovated playgrounds dot both the north and south sides, with the south side playground featuring a junior skate park and popular zip line for kids.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the tennis courts and basketball courts, while skateboarders can show off their skills at the dedicated skate park. Across the grounds, you'll come across plenty of picnic tables - many with built-in BBQ grills - making it easy to turn a casual outing into a proper feast with friends and family.

Want to experience the lake from a different perspective? Boat rentals and a boat launch let you get out on the water. During summer months, the lake comes alive with kayakers and paddleboarders gliding across its surface.

Reeds frame the waters of Sloan's Lake during the Dragon Boat Festival

Photo: Kari (CC BY 2.0)

Wildlife

The park also functions as an urban wildlife habitat. Bird enthusiasts should keep their binoculars handy for sightings of majestic white pelicans, mallard ducks, Canada geese, cormorants, blue-winged teal, and western grebes. Listen carefully and you might hear the distinctive call of red-winged blackbirds among the reeds.

Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck catching black crappie, carp, and trout (the latter stocked by Colorado Parks and Wildlife). Early morning or evening tends to offer the best fishing opportunities. Sharp-eyed visitors might also spot muskrats going about their business along the shoreline.

Events and Community

The park's social calendar peaks with the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival - a vibrant two-day summer celebration of Asian American culture. The sight of colorful dragon boats racing across the lake draws thousands of spectators and participants alike.

In recent years, the neighborhood surrounding Sloan's Lake has seen considerable development, with new homes and businesses bringing fresh energy to the area. Despite these changes, the park continues to provide a natural space within Denver's urban environment.

Visiting Information

You can enjoy the park daily from 5AM to 11PM. Finding parking is relatively easy, with several lots surrounding the lake (except on the west side) and street parking in the area. While permanent restroom facilities operate seasonally, portable toilets are available year-round for when nature calls.

Dog owners, your furry friends are welcome, however you'll need to keep them leashed at all times per city rules. If you're visiting with kids, the multiple playgrounds cater to different age groups, and the bicycle pump track is particularly popular with younger riders looking to burn off some energy.