Lake with Farmhouse at sunrise

Cherry Creek Reservoir Vacation Rentals

Swim the cool, clear water with your family and boat from Cherry Creek Marina inside Cherry Creek State Park.

Denver's Best Backyard Lake

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Cherry Creek Reservoir

Why Rent On Cherry Creek Reservoir

Cherry Creek Reservoir sits inside Cherry Creek State Park just minutes from downtown Denver, an 880-acre lake formed by a massive 14,300-foot earthen dam that serves both flood control and as one of the metro area’s most beloved recreational destinations. The lake offers swimming, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding with Front Range mountain views that remind you Colorado’s urban lake life is genuinely extraordinary. Trails for hiking and biking encircle the water, equestrian and off-leash dog areas add unusual flexibility, and the combination of urban access and outdoor quality makes Cherry Creek one of America’s finest metro-adjacent recreation lakes.

Aurora and Greenwood Village Rentals Near the Lake

Vacation rentals and homes in the Aurora and Greenwood Village communities surrounding Cherry Creek State Park give families a comfortable, well-positioned base for lake days combined with easy access to Denver’s full cultural and dining resources. A rental with a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and outdoor space gives your group a private home in a family-friendly Denver suburb, with the reservoir walkable or a short drive from many properties. For visitors to Denver who want an outdoor lake component to their city visit, a rental near Cherry Creek is the most satisfying possible arrangement.

Swim, Kayak, Fish, and Fly Remote-Control Aircraft

Swimming at Cherry Creek’s designated beach area is a summer staple for Denver-area families, with the warm, shallow nearshore water ideal for younger swimmers. Walleye, trout, and crappie are consistent catches for anglers working the lake’s coves and points. The unique recreational mix at Cherry Creek extends beyond standard lake activities: the nearby shooting range and the radio-controlled aircraft flying area add distinctive options that draw guests specifically for those activities. The Pelican Point overlook is the finest lakeside sunset viewing spot in the Denver metro area.

The Full Denver Experience from a Lake Base

Cherry Creek Reservoir’s proximity to downtown Denver, just 20-30 minutes by car, gives families staying in the area access to the full cultural circuit of a major American city. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Botanic Gardens, and the restaurants and breweries of the RiNo and Capitol Hill neighborhoods are all easily reached from a rental near the lake. For families visiting Colorado who want the outdoor experience and the city experience simultaneously, Cherry Creek Reservoir provides the ideal geographic midpoint.

Off-Leash Dogs and Equestrian Trails

Cherry Creek State Park’s off-leash dog areas are among the most popular in the Denver metro, and the equestrian trail system is one of the few remaining in an urban Colorado park. Pet-friendly vacation rentals near the reservoir make the off-leash areas immediately accessible to traveling families with dogs, who appreciate the scale and the well-maintained natural terrain. Cherry Creek Reservoir is where Denver’s outdoor quality of life is most concentrated and most accessible, and a rental in the surrounding community gives families the right base for experiencing the city and the outdoors in genuine balance.

Best time to go
Embrace the enchanting allure of Cherry Creek Reservoir in late spring—May to early June. With sun-drenched days, gentle breezes, and vibrant wildflowers, indulge in serene kayaking, picnicking by the serene shores, and basking in the soft hum of nature, all before the summer crowds arrive.
Water Quality
The water at Cherry Creek Reservoir is typically azure to cerulean, reflecting the clear skies above. However, recent blue-green algae blooms have led to temporary closures due to elevated toxin levels.
Surface area (mi)
2.13
Max depth (ft)
46
Elevation (ft)
5551.18
Shoreline length (mi)
8

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Waterskiing
  • Wakeboarding
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Jet Skiing
  • Ice Skating
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Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Cherry Creek Reservoir has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, there are restrictions on swimming in Cherry Creek Reservoir. Swimming and wading are not allowed in the West Shades area or near the marina due to a toxic blue-green algae bloom. The east swim beach remains open, but water quality issues can lead to temporary closures.

  • Cherry Creek Reservoir is a popular destination because it offers various water activities. Visitors can boat, fish, jet ski, row, and water ski on the 850 surface-acre reservoir. The reservoir also has a sandy beach and a roped-off swimming area, along with boat and equipment rentals available at the marina.

  • Fishing in Cherry Creek Reservoir has specific regulations. Ice fishing is prohibited, and there are restrictions on the size of northern pike that can be taken, with no more than one northern pike greater than 34 inches in length allowed per day. Additionally, it is unlawful to possess filleted or cleaned fish in a boat on the lake.

  • The swim beach at Cherry Creek Reservoir is best for families. It has a broad, sandy area, picnic tables, and a playground structure for children. The beach also includes a bathhouse with restrooms and is a gathering spot for families to enjoy the sun and water.

  • Towns near Cherry Creek Reservoir include Aurora, Centennial, and Greenwood Village. These towns are located in Arapahoe County, close to the reservoir which is part of Cherry Creek State Park. The park is minutes from downtown Denver, making these towns conveniently situated for recreational activities.