Cherry Creek Spillway

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Parks

Colorado

Nearby: Crestridge Park Olympic Park

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

The Cherry Creek Spillway is an outdoor recreational area located in Colorado.

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Summary

It is a popular destination for hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking, due to its beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore the extensive trail system, which includes a 3.5-mile loop around Cherry Creek Lake. The spillway also offers a wide range of activities for water enthusiasts, including boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at the Cherry Creek Spillway include the marina, which offers boat rentals and guided tours, and the Cherry Creek State Park, which features camping sites and a swim beach. Other attractions include the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, which is one of the largest malls in the state, and the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, which takes place annually and showcases the work of local artists.

Interesting facts about the Cherry Creek Spillway include that it was originally built in the 1950s to control flooding in the Cherry Creek Basin. Over the years, the area has evolved into a popular recreational destination for locals and tourists alike. Additionally, the spillway is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, coyotes, and mule deer.

The best time of year to visit the Cherry Creek Spillway depends on the activities that visitors are interested in. For hiking and biking, the spring and fall months are ideal due to the cooler temperatures. Summer is the best time for water sports and swimming, as well as attending outdoor events and festivals. Overall, the Cherry Creek Spillway is a must-see destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Colorado.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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