Denver Metro Area’s Top 8 Parks!

The city of Denver has almost 20,000 acres of urban parks, as well as mountain parks. You could say that we take pride in our ability to provide access to the outdoors.

Confluence Park

Confluence Park sits where the Cherry Creek and the South Platte River meet. Whether you are in the mood for spectating or joking in the fun, you will find one of the more exhilarating whitewater kayaking courses in the city. Beautiful paths that hug the river, perfect for cycling, running and walking. During the summer, it is the home of a free summer concert series - perfect for those hot nights where all you want to do it dip your toes in the cool water.

Washington Park

“Wash Park”, as the locals call it, is the home of two lakes - fit for fishing and boat rentals in the warmer months. The Park boasts beautiful flower gardens, as well as grassy fields perfect for your favorite sports! There are two large playgrounds, patiently awaiting your next family outing - and the perfect spot to sit and watch the many families of ducks and ducklings that call the park their home.

Sloan’s Lake Park

Sloan’s Lake is the largest lake in the city of Denver, and we think it has some of the best views of the Front Range as well as the Denver Skyline. This 177-acre park has a path system that goes around the entirety of the lake, making this the perfect place go bike, walk, rollerblade, or walk your furry friend! Sloan’s Lake Park is also the home of Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, the celebration of Asian American culture and tradition.

Cherry Creek State Park

Cherry Creek State Park wraps around a 880 surface acre reservoir, which is perfect for boating, fishing, and paddle boarding! There are many hiking, and biking trails as well as areas designated for camping in both the summer and winter months. There are also a wide range of facilities in the park that are available for group rentals!

Genesee Park

Being Denver’s largest mountain park at 2,413 acres- Genesee Park has many different things to offer. The park is in two parts, being cut by I-70. Our favorite thing about this park is that it is home to the first buffalo and elk herds reestablished in Colorado in 1914.

City Park

What once was 320 acres of prairie land, is now home to The Denver Zoo, an 18-hole gold course, and Denver Museum of Nature & Science. City Park’s central location is the perfect mixture of woods and wide open space. City Park’s historic glass houses have been located and maintained in the park since 1895! The City Park greenhouses are now used to grow over 330,000 plants and flowers for Denver’s flowerbeds.

Cheeseman Park

Cheeseman Park is an arborists dream, housing 1,880 trees from 57 different species in its bounds. The park is filled with joggers, bicyclists and walkers, enjoying the paths throughout. Having an interesting past, the park was formerly Park Hill Cemetery - it was transformed by the city in 1907, as the the location was decided to be a prime spot in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.

Skyline Park

This one-acre linear gemstone was the central feature of the Skyline Urban Renewal District - a plan that was conceived in the 1950’s as an urban retreat and gateway to downtown. During the winter months, the park is home to Denver’s greatest ice skating rink and the Skyline Beer Garden!

In total, the city and county of Denver have more than two hundred parks, totaling over five thousand acres. The city of Denver promotes endless opportunities for urban recreation, providing easily accessible outdoor activities for all who live in and around the city.

Lauren Hoffman