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Cherry Creek State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 9,683 Google reviews · Running trail in Aurora, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 35 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cherry Creek State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Large park around a reservoir with camping, water sports & many other outdoor leisure activities.
What runners say about Cherry Creek State Park
“It's also perfect for walking or biking, with plenty of well-maintained trails to explore.”
“Cherry Creek Reservoir State Park is a fantastic destination for a scenic drive, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.”
“I leave with sandy shoelaces, one last lungful of pine, and the quiet promise that I’ll be back before the skyline forgets my name.”
What a beautiful state park! The campsites were large with pavement & concrete. Not to mention, each site was so spread apart we felt like we had an actual yard! Great bike paths too. We were so impressed every day with the amount of upkeep the workers were doing in sites as soon as people left.
I needed nature. Indoors for three days, I needed to stretch and move. They say it is good for the parasympathetic nervous system. I don't know about that, but I felt flattened out and stiff. I was not prepared for the gorgeous prairie with the grasses and occasional wetlands populated by birds.
We really loved our stay here! It's hard to wrap your brain around the fact that you are in the middle of a city. Massive amount of beautiful, well cared for nature.
Great views for a morning run! The attendant at the East entrance was very helpful. Gave me a map and gave perfect instructions on how to get to Dixon for the trail. I ended my run by the lake. So peaceful. I’m going back tomorrow for my 8 mile run down Cherry Creek Dam.
Trail conditions & character
“I still measure my weekends by the moment the skyline shrinks in the rear-view and the first glimpse of Cherry Creek’s water blinks back at me like it remembers my name.”
“I leave with sandy shoelaces, one last lungful of pine, and the quiet promise that I’ll be back before the skyline forgets my name.”
“Beautiful place and really nice, paved trail perfect for strollers!”
“I’m going back tomorrow for my 8 mile run down Cherry Creek Dam.”
Plan your run at Cherry Creek State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance35 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecpw.state.co.us
- Phone(303) 690-1166
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Aurora
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Orchard Hills Park
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