Outdoor Recreation

Whether you’re craving a scenic hike, a peaceful picnic spot or simply a breath of fresh air, south Denver’s open spaces have something for everyone. So, grab your hiking boots and set out to explore the hidden treasures of these open spaces and community parks.

Local Parks & Trails

Bluffs Regional Park Trail
Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders alike will delight in exploring the park’s diverse landscapes and observing the abundant wildlife that call this area home. There’s a 2.7-mile loop trail with panoramic views of the Front Range. With 200 feet of elevation gain at the top of the bluffs, the trail loops back to the trailhead and connects to the East-West Regional Trail. The lot has parking for 56 cars and offers natural-surface trails, picnic shelters and portable restrooms.
10099 Crooked Stick Trail
Lone Tree
303.660.7400
douglas.co.us

Centennial Center Park
Start your day at one of the most exciting playgrounds in the area. Centennial Center Park is home to climbing walls, a treehouse, tunnels, slides and a jungle gym—making it a top pick for the whole family. Plus, the main plaza features a map of the Cherry Creek Watershed and the history of the Cherry Creek Basin, directing visitors to explore the Colorado Statehood Walk or the Viewfinder Walk to learn more about the area’s history.
13050 E. Peakview Ave.
Centennial
303.325.8000
centennialco.gov

George M. Wallace Park
Known as a hidden gem in the Denver Tech Center, this versatile outdoor area offers scenery, running and biking trails, jungle gyms, and even street workout equipment. George M. Wallace founded the DTC and developed this park because he believed that technology and nature could live together.
4505 S. Yosemite St.
Denver
720.913.1311
denvergov.org

High Line Canal Trail
Stretching 71 miles from Aurora to Roxborough State Park, the High Line Canal Trail is owned and operated by Denver Water and offers a scenic route for walkers, runners and cyclists, divided into 27 segments ranging from 2 to 5 miles each. This historic waterway-turned-trail winds its way through neighborhoods, parks and open spaces, providing a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to reconnect with nature without leaving the city.
Parking is available at several points along the way, including Littleton, Centennial and Cherry Hills Village.
720.767.2452
highlinecanal.org

Highland Heritage Regional Park
Fit for you and your canine companion, this park has an off-leash dog area, multiple sports fields, picnic shelters, exercise equipment and playgrounds.
9651 S. Quebec St.
Highlands Ranch
303.660.7400
douglas.co.us

Hildebrand Ranch Park
Guests at Hildebrand Ranch Park relish the varied landscapes, from the flat expanses of the plains to the elevated ridges of the hogback. A nearly 5-mile loop encompasses the expansive Two Brands Trail, offering a spacious setting with gradual inclines beneath the imposing presence of the Dakota, Lyons and Niobrara hogbacks.
9880 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd.
Littleton
303.271.5925
jeffco.us

Ketring Park
At Ketring Park, expect 40 acres of open space for walking, running, biking or any other movement you’re craving. The local park has a central lake lined with trees, immersing visitors in nature. Be sure to check out the Littleton Historical Museum after your stroll.
6028 S. Gallup St.
Littleton
303.953.7625
ssprd.org

Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve
This 56-acre preserve features gentle walking trails that wind through meadows, woodlands and wetlands, providing opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. With its serene ambiance and lush scenery, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely nature walk or a quiet afternoon picnic.
4200 E. Belleview Ave.
Greenwood Village
303.486.5773
greenwoodvillage.com

Redstone Park
Located in the heart of Highlands Ranch, this 53-acre park has multiple sports fields, a skate park, a playground, tennis courts, baseball fields, batting cages, fishing ponds and more. It’s ideal for your next summer hangout with its barbecue grills and picnic tables. Don’t forget to bring your pup as a 6-acre dog park awaits with two water fountains to keep Fido hydrated.
3280 Redstone Park Cir.
Littleton
303.791.2710
highlandsranch.org

South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center
Located at the confluence of the South Platte River and Big Dry Creek, South Platte Park is a hidden oasis in Littleton. Boasting more than 880 acres of wetlands, riparian areas and wildlife habitat, this park offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, kayaking and wildlife viewing. The Carson Nature Center serves as a gateway to the park, offering educational exhibits, guided nature walks and interactive programs for visitors of all ages.
3000 W. Carson Dr.
Littleton
303.730.1022
ssprd.org

Westlands Park
Known as one of the top playground destinations in the metro, Westlands Park features play areas sized for toddlers to teens, plus climbing structures, multi-use playing fields, an interactive water feature open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, a pond, a hike and bike trail, and pickleball and basketball courts. Additionally, the multiple pavilions offer amenities like restrooms, electrical outlets and charcoal grills.
5701 S. Quebec St.
Greenwood Village
303.773.0252
greenwoodvillage.com

STATE PARKS

Chatfield State Park
Spanning more than 5,000 acres along the shores of Chatfield Reservoir, Chatfield State Park offers a wide range of activities, including boating, fishing, camping and horseback riding. Visitors can explore miles of trails that meander through prairies, wetlands and woodlands, providing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
11500 N. Roxborough Park Rd.
Littleton
303.791.7275
cpw.state.co.us

Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with more than 4,000 acres to explore. The sprawling reservoir offers visitors a variety of water activities, including boating, fishing and swimming. The park also has miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, as well as picnicking areas and campgrounds for overnight stays.
4201 S. Parker Rd.
Aurora
303.690.1166
cpw.state.co.us

Roxborough State Park
Tucked away in the foothills southwest of Denver, Roxborough State Park is a true gem for nature lovers. Famous for its towering red sandstone formations and dramatic geological features, this park offers a unique landscape perfect for hiking and photography. The park’s network of trails leads visitors through stunning rock formations, distinct plant communities and a variety of wildlife.
4751 Roxborough Dr.
Littleton
303.973.3959
cpw.state.co.us