Denver is a city packed full of opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors. The rugged Rocky Mountains, paired with plenty of sunshine, make Denver the perfect place for the outdoor enthusiast. While thousands of hiking trails are nestled in the mountainside, only a short drive away, residents and visitors don’t need to travel far to enjoy the beauty of nature. Within Denver and its surrounding neighborhoods are hundreds of beautiful parks.
If you’re looking for the best public parks to visit in Denver, we developed a list of the top spots to visit. From incredible views and the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic, these seven parks are great examples of why spending time outside is a top choice for Denverites. Grab your family and friends, or take a solo stroll and explore these amazing spaces.
1. Washington Park
One of the most popular parks for Denver residents is Washington Park — or Wash Park, as the locals call it. A 155-acre oasis of beauty and recreation, Wash Park features lakes, flower gardens, and ample green space.
While simply soaking up the Colorado sun is a prime activity in and of itself, the following are all popular activities for Washington Park visitors:
- Rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the lakes.
- Hike or bike the expansive trails.
- Play a game of volleyball or basketball at the park’s courts.
- Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy one of the many pavilions and benches.
2. Confluence Park
Confluence Park is located at the joining of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River. One of Denver’s finest urban parks, the park holds a particular historical significance as it marks its birthplace. In 1858, gold was discovered at the confluence of the two rivers; the rest is history.
Confluence Park is situated on the edge of Lower Downtown (LoDo), making it easy to access when exploring the city. From the park, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the city’s skyline and a variety of outdoor activities, such as the following popular picks:
- For the truly adventurous, kayak through the park’s whitewater chutes.
- Fish the rivers for trout and bass.
- Bike the trails to soak in the views of the river and city.
3. City Park
Immerse yourself in nature with a visit to City Park. This 330-acre urban park is located in east-central Denver and is the city’s largest municipal park. While you stroll the park’s many trails, there's plenty to do and see, and it’s particularly popular for families. Need ideas for your visit? Try some of the following popular activities:
- Rent a paddleboard and explore Ferril and Duck Lakes.
- Toss horseshoes at the park’s pits.
- Play a game of tennis or throw the ball on the football field.
- Visit the Denver Zoo or the Denver Museum of Nature & Science — conveniently located within the park.
4. Sloan’s Lake Park
Head west of downtown, and you’ll reach Sloan’s Lake Park, an oasis and respite for those wishing to escape the bustle of the city. The park is beloved for the stunning views it offers of the lake, as well as the mountains beyond. It’s the perfect location for a peaceful stroll, or plan one of these fun outdoor activities:
- Go birdwatching and see how many species you can spot.
- Enjoy a quiet day kayaking or paddleboarding across the lake.
- Attend one of the park’s numerous festivals, such as the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival or Denver Sloan’s Lake Art & Music Festival.
- Admire the views while relaxing on a lakeside bench.
5. Cheesman Park
East of Capitol Hill is the 80-acre oasis, Cheesman Park. Winding paths and shady trees create a peaceful respite for those who visit. The marble Cheesman Memorial rests above a beautiful grassy open space, the perfect place to unwind after a busy day. What was once the city’s first cemetery is now a popular place for the living. During your visit, you might enjoy one of the following favorites:
- Book a ghost tour through the park and learn about the area's unique history.
- Stroll through the gardens or plop down in the grass for a picnic.
- Enjoy a vigorous run along the pathways as you soak in the area's sights.
6. Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Park is located in Denver’s backyard and sprawls over 8,000 acres. Lush greenery and abundant wildlife make this park popular for Denverites who want a quick getaway into the wild. The Cherry Creek Reservoir makes the park popular with watersport enthusiasts, and outdoor activity options abound. Try out a few of the following during your visit:
- Hike the trails and keep your eyes out for deer, coyotes, foxes, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, and birds.
- Rent a boat and spend a day speeding across the waters.
- Book a campsite and enjoy an evening under the stars.
- Bring along the dogs and let them run free at the 125-acre off-leash dog area.
7. Genessee Park
If you’re up for a short drive out of town, head into the foothills to visit Genessee Park. This park is Denver’s largest mountain park and boasts an extensive trail system and ample wildlife. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the Rockies without necessitating a long drive up I-70. Make a day of it and try the following activities:
- Bring along your mountain bike and ride the trails.
- Book a horseback riding tour to see miles of untouched landscape.
- Visit the grave of Buffalo Bill and learn about the area’s history.
- Spot the bison that graze on the park’s hills.
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Denver today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool, and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars, and entertainment tickets.