Denver's park system was shaped by the City Beautiful movement of the early 1900s, when mayor Robert Speer pushed tree-lined parkways, formal gardens and big public lakes as civic infrastructure. Many of those parks are still the city's best. Later, Denver turned its once-neglected creeks into a network of paved, car-free trails. The result is a city where you can spend a whole day outdoors on foot or by bike without crossing many busy streets.
The big parks
Washington Park
Known locally as Wash Park, this is the favorite neighborhood park of many Denverites. Two lakes, Smith Lake and Grasmere Lake, anchor a long, green space south of downtown with formal flower gardens, including one modeled on George Washington's gardens at Mount Vernon. A gravel outer path and a paved inner road closed to most car traffic form popular loops of a little over two miles each. On weekends you will find volleyball games, paddleboats in summer, runners, picnics and plenty of dogs. The nearby South Pearl and South Gaylord shopping streets are good for lunch.
City Park
Denver's largest traditional park, east of downtown, holds the zoo and the Museum of Nature & Science along with lakes, a historic boathouse and a golf course. The west shore of Ferril Lake gives the famous view: lake in front, downtown skyline in the middle and the Front Range behind. Late afternoon light is best. In summer, free Sunday-evening jazz concerts draw big, relaxed crowds.
Cheesman Park
A broad, open lawn on Capitol Hill with a neoclassical marble pavilion at its east end and a wide view of the mountains to the west. A loop path circles the park. Cheesman sits next to the Denver Botanic Gardens, so it makes an easy pairing.
Sloan's Lake Park
West of downtown, Sloan's Lake is the city's largest lake, ringed by a loop path of a bit over two and a half miles with views of downtown in one direction and the mountains in the other. It is especially good at sunset and popular for paddleboarding in summer.
Confluence Park and Commons Park
Where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River, Confluence Park marks the spot where Denver began. Engineered rapids, a small beach and grassy steps make it a summer hangout, and it is the hub of the trail network. Commons Park, just downstream, offers open lawns and a hill with a skyline view.
The trail network
Denver's paved trails are the best way to see the city at an unhurried pace. They are shared by walkers, runners, cyclists and scooter riders, with underpasses at most major roads.
| Trail | Route | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Creek Trail | Confluence Park southeast along the creek through Cherry Creek and on toward Cherry Creek State Park | A sunken, quiet ride from downtown to shopping and restaurants |
| South Platte River Trail | North and south along the river through the city and suburbs | Long rides; connections to breweries, parks and other trails |
| High Line Canal Trail | About 70 miles along a historic irrigation canal through many metro communities | Shady walks under old cottonwoods; a quieter, more natural feel |
| Bear Creek Trail | West from the South Platte toward Lakewood and Morrison | A long route toward the foothills |
| Sand Creek and Clear Creek trails | Northeast and northwest corridors meeting the South Platte | Connecting rides for experienced cyclists |
A classic downtown loop
- Start at Confluence Park and ride southeast on the Cherry Creek Trail.
- Leave the trail at Cherry Creek North for coffee or lunch, about four miles along.
- Ride on surface streets or bike lanes north and west to Cheesman Park and the Botanic Gardens.
- Continue west through Capitol Hill to Civic Center Park and the State Capitol.
- Return through downtown or along the creek to Confluence Park.
Trail etiquette and safety
- Pass on the left and give a friendly call or bell before passing.
- Keep right and stop off to the side, especially on narrow creek-level sections.
- Watch for flooding. Creek trails can flood after heavy rain or during spring runoff, and some underpasses close. Obey closure signs.
- Sun and water. At 5,280 feet the sun is intense. Carry water and use sunscreen, even on cool days.
- Afternoon storms. Summer storms bring lightning and sudden wind. The National Weather Service advises getting indoors when thunder roars.
- Park hours. City parks close overnight, with hours posted at entrances.
Gardens and green spaces with a fee
Two of Denver's best green spaces charge admission and are worth it. The Denver Botanic Gardens on York Street, next to Cheesman Park, holds dozens of themed gardens with an emphasis on plants of the American West and dry climates. Its Chatfield Farms site in Littleton offers a more rural landscape. Timed tickets are sold online.
Beyond city limits, but close
The City and County of Denver also owns a remarkable string of parks in the mountains west of town, including Red Rocks and a bison herd at Genesee. Read our Denver Mountain Parks guide. For wildlife on the plains, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge northeast of the city has a free wildlife drive and walking trails.
Early mornings in summer are cool, calm and quiet on the trails. Golden hour in the evening is the best time for skyline photos from Ferril Lake in City Park and from the west side of Sloan's Lake.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best park in Denver for visitors?
Washington Park and City Park are the two most rewarding. Washington Park has flower gardens, two lakes and loop paths, while City Park adds the zoo, the Museum of Nature & Science and a classic skyline-and-mountains view across Ferril Lake.
Can you bike from downtown Denver to Cherry Creek?
Yes. The Cherry Creek Trail starts at Confluence Park downtown and runs southeast below street level along the creek, passing the Cherry Creek shopping district a few miles from downtown and continuing toward Cherry Creek State Park.
Are Denver parks safe at night?
Denver parks close overnight under city rules, with hours posted at entrances. During the day the large parks are busy and well used. As in any city, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated stretches of trail after dark.
Where can I rent a bike or scooter in Denver?
Shared e-bikes and e-scooters from private operators are available through their apps around downtown and many neighborhoods, and several bike shops near the trails rent bikes by the day. Ride in bike lanes or on trails, not on crowded sidewalks.
Sources
Checked against official sources in October 2026. Hours, fees, reservation rules and road status change often; the agency or venue linked above is always the final word. See how we research.