The Denver Parks and Recreation Department, one of the nation’s largest park systems, maintains more than 350 parks and pathways throughout the metro area. Interactive programs and educational resources are the focus of 29 recreation centers located within Denver parks, with learning opportunities for every age group.

Denver is unique in that it also owns an extensive mountain parks system. The city owns 14,000 acres of mountain parks and 2,500 acres of natural areas. Denver’s mountain parks system has extensive trails for hiking and biking, plus picnic areas and other facilities open to the public. The following are just some of the area’s premier parks:

Aurora Reservoir

5800 S. Powhaton Road
Aurora, 80013
303-690-1286
www.auroragov.org

More than 820 acres of water offer great fishing, sailing, swimming, and other water activities. Gas-powered watercraft is banned. A park pass is required for park entry.

Bluff Lake Nature Center

7350 E. 29th Ave., Suite 300
Denver, 80238
303-468-3240
www.blufflakenaturecenter.org

Part of the former Stapleton International Airport, Bluff Lake opened to the public in 1997 as a 123-acre wildlife refuge. Bluff Lake links parks and habitat along the Sand Creek corridor.

Chatfield State Park

11500 N. Roxborough Park Road
Littleton, 80125
303-791-7275
www.parks.state.co.us

Chatfield offers water sports, fishing, hiking, birding and horseback riding opportunities. Overnight campsites are available by reservation. Chatfield also has a marina and a hot-air balloon launch area.

Cherry Creek Reservoir State Park

4201 S. Parker Road
Aurora, 80014
303-699-3860
www.parks.state.co.us

Bicyclists, hikers and water lovers alike enjoy this natural area with its camping space and marina.

City Park

17th Avenue and York Street

City Park’s lush 314 acres includes a lake, playgrounds, tennis courts and gardens. The east end of the park is home to the Denver Zoo and the Museum of Nature and Science. City Park hosts a summer concert series, Run for the Zoo and the Black Arts Festival.

Civic Center Park

Broadway and Colfax Avenue

Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead Jr., Civic Center Park is located in the heart of downtown Denver. The State Capitol is to the east, the City and County Building is to the west, and other civic institutions surround the park. Many major public events are held at the park annually.

Cook Park

South Monaco Parkway and
East Mexico Avenue

Amenities at this popular park include an outdoor pool; rugby, soccer and softball fields; a children’s playground, and a recreation center.

Highline Canal Trail

This popular hiking, biking and horseback riding trail begins at a diversion dam on the South Platte River and runs 68 miles east-northeast through Douglas, Arapahoe and Denver counties. The trail ends at First Creek in the Green Valley Ranch area just northeast of Denver.

Roxborough State Park

4751 Roxborough Drive
Littleton, 80125
303-973-3959
www.parks.state.co.us

Famous for its natural rock formations, Roxborough offers hiking, cross-country skiing, birding, and sightseeing – in addition to a variety of educational programs.

Washington Park

S. Downing Street and E. Louisiana Avenue

A popular recreational site, amenities include fishing, picnic areas, tennis courts, a soccer field, half basketball court, flower gardens, a pool, horseshoe pit, lawn bowling/ croquet and a walking/biking path. The City Ditch, a national historic landmark, also flows through the park, providing irrigation.