Colorado Parks and Wildlife (2024)

Park Activities

  • John Martin Reservoir
  • Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
  • Barr Lake
  • Boyd Lake
  • Castlewood Canyon
  • Chatfield
  • Cherry Creek
    • Camping
    • Dog Off-Leash Area
    • Fees
    • Jobs
    • Local Attractions/Links
    • Maps and Directions
    • Nature
    • Park ActivitiesCurrently selected
    • Water Activities
    • Park Conditions
    • Park Facilities
    • Publications
    • Trails
    • Volunteer
    • Friends of Colorado State Parks
  • Cheyenne Mountain
  • Crawford
  • Eldorado Canyon
  • Eleven Mile
  • Elkhead Reservoir
  • Fishers Peak
  • Golden Gate Canyon
  • Harvey Gap
  • Highline Lake
  • Jackson Lake
  • James M. Robb Colorado River
  • Lake Pueblo
  • Lathrop

Park Activities

  • Biking

    Trail Rules and Etiquette

    For the safety and enjoyment of all users, please follow trail rules and etiquette:

    Conditions may vary depending upon the trail. Please practice courtesy towards other users.

    Give plenty of warning to pedestrians and others.

    Bikes must follow all traffic laws and yield right-of-way to slower and equestrian traffic.

    Please share the trail with other users and obey all traffic laws.

    • Speed limit: (as conditions allow—slow down if necessary!)
    • Yield when entering the trail
    • Yield to pedestrians
    • Do not stop in travel lanes
    • Stay to the right; announce to pass on the left
    • Turn lights on after sundown
    • Always wear a helmet!
    • Never Scare Animals! Give them enough room and time to adjust to you.
    • Do not occupy more than half the width of the trail, either single-vehicle or side-by-side
    • Call 911 for any emergencies
    • To report any other concerns emaildnr_cherrycreek.park@state.co.us

    12 miles of paved trails, 35 total miles of multi-use trails. Please use proper trail etiquette:bikers yield to hikers, all yield to horses.

    Bicycles are legally considered "vehicles" on Colorado's roadways, so be sure you know the rules of the road, and be respectful of all road users.

    For more information on biking safely, please take a moment to look over theColorado Department of Transportation's Bicycle/Pedestrian manual.​

    (Updated: 4/26/2023 4:26 PM)


  • Birding

    The uniqueecosystem in the park attracts various raptor species including bald eagle, red-tailed hawk​​, northern harrier and ferruginous hawk.

    The wetlands area on the south end of the reservoir provides many opportunities to view songbirds, as well as waterfowl and shorebirds.

    ​Please remember to give plenty of space to any nesting activity ​that you observe, and come stop by the office to check in onour wildlife observation log!

    (Updated: 10/7/2019 4:21 PM)


  • Boating

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife (1)

    The lake is open for boating March1- November 30.

    Please keep a lookout for possible floating debris, and always be aware that unmarked hazards may exist. If debris or hazards are discovered please notify park staff.

    The best way to have fun on your boat is the safe way—know your safety equipment requirements and boating regulations.

    ​For boat rentals and slips, see thePelican Bay at Cherry Creek Marina website​.​

    For more details on boating at Cherry Creek State Park, check out the Park Conditions​page.

    For more information, seein the state of Colorado,see the main Boating page​.

    (Updated: 2/28/2024 12:36 PM)


  • Camping

    Limited winter camping: November 1 - March 31.​

    During this time period only Abilene Loop and Coyote Loop​will be open and the Dump station will be closed.

    All Campground opportunities available: April 1 - October 31

    Reservations can be made 6 months in advance for any reservable sites.​

    ​Cherry Creek Campground has 135 newly renovated sites. Full hook-up sites and basic tent sites reservable by calling1-800-244-5613. Open year-round.Reserve Now.​

    For additional general camping information, see the Cherry Creek camping page.

    (Updated: 1/26/2024 8:57 AM)


  • Cross-country Skiing

    Permitted on our trails with appropriate snow conditions.

    (Updated: 12/3/2014 11:42 AM)


  • Dog-friendly

    ​​Dogs are welcome in thecampgroundsand on sometrails at Cherry Creek.

    Please clean up after them and keep them on a six-foot or shorter leash except in our designated off-leash area.

    NOTE:Dogs are not allowed within the wetlands of the park.

    (Updated: 4/6/2022 1:44 PM)


  • Education Programs

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife (2)

    Call 303-690-1166 X6571for program dates and inf​​​​ormation or to schedule programs.

    (Updated: 12/24/2019 9:24 AM)


  • Fishing

    ​​Colorado Parks and Wildlife (3)

    ​Popular with local fishermen for close-to-home quality fishing from shore or boat. Always stay at least 60 feet away from the front of the Tower structure. Ice​​​ fishing is allowedwhen conditions permit. See theConditionspagefor current information.

    Find more information, seeColorado Parks and Wildlife's main Fishing page.

    (Updated: 4/15/2022 11:29 AM)


  • Group Camping

    There are three Group Campsites in the Campground. Call Reserve America at 1-800-244-5613, or onlinefor reservations. See details under Group Facilities​.

    (Updated: 4/26/2023 4:31 PM)


  • Group Picnicking

    See details on the Group Picnickingpage​.​

    (Updated: 10/6/2021 2:06 PM)


  • Hiking

    12 miles of multi-use trails. Easy rolling terrain. For more information, visit the Trails page​.

    (Updated: 12/3/2014 11:46 AM)


  • Horseback Riding

    The 12 Mile Stables at Cherry Creek arenow open. The stables offerhorse rentals, hay rides, day camps, riding lessons, and horse boarding. Please call 1-888-61-HORSES or visit http://horser​entalsdenver.com.

    (Updated: 10/26/2015 9:17 AM)


  • Ice Skating

    Ice skating (at your own risk) when conditions allow.

    (Updated: 4/26/2023 3:12 PM)


  • Jet Skiing

    For ​Jet Ski rentals, see the Pelican Bay at Cherry Creek Marina Website.​

    (Updated: 4/26/2023 3:13 PM)


  • Model Airplane Flying

    ​Located on the west side of the park, the Model Airplane Field (also known as "Suhaka Field"), has two paved runways (NS 400 feet long, EW 275 feet long), paved taxiways and a pit area, as well as a separate flying field dedicated to rotorcraft. The elevation at Suhaka field is 5,700 feet.

    AboutSuhaka Field

    Both electric and gas/glow aircraft are flown at Suhaka Field. Beginners are always welcome, and instructor pilots are available for flight training at no additional charge.

    Suhaka Field is operated by the Denver R/C Eagles Flying Club, a group of about 115 members.

    ​You do not need to be a member of the Club to fly at the facility, however you do need to follow all the club rules, including the requirementthat all pilots display a current Academy of Model Aeronautics membership.

    Club activities cover nearly every phase of R/C aircraft building and flying, and include access to special club events. Club members have diverse interests in scale war birds, aerobatics, helicopters, quad copters, and ducted fan jets.​

    For more information, please visitthe Denver R/C Eagles Flying Clubwebsite​.

    (Updated: 10/26/2015 9:07 AM)


  • Paddle Boarding

    ​For information on paddle board rentals, see the Pelican Bay at Cherry Creek Marina website.​

    (Updated: 4/26/2023 3:05 PM)


  • Picnicking

    Public picnic tables around the lake on a first come - first serve basis. Group sites must be reserved in advanced. See Group Picnic Areas​for details.

    (Updated: 6/1/2018 9:51 AM)


  • Sailing

    The Cherry Creek Reservoir is one of Community Sailing of Colorado's (CSC) flagship locationswhere we teach a variety of sailing programs such as youth summer camps, adult classes, adaptive sailing, free outreach events, and even coach a junior race team.

    (303) 757-7718​

    (Updated: 4/26/2023 4:32 PM)


  • Sledding

    Sledding is allowed if conditions permit. There must be sufficient snow cover to prevent resource damage. There is no designated sledding area.

    (Updated: 12/3/2014 11:45 AM)


  • Snowshoeing

    Permitted on our trails with appropriate snow conditions.

    (Updated: 3/30/2015 9:05 AM)


  • Snowtubing

    Tubing is allowed when conditions permit.

    (Updated: 12/3/2014 11:44 AM)


  • Swimming

    Swimming area will open May 25, 2024for the season.

    (Updated: 5/24/2024 3:48 PM)


  • Volleyball

    Poles are installed. Bring your own net and ball.

    (Updated: 12/3/2014 11:44 AM)


  • Water Skiing

    Ski counter-clockwise north of the Ski Line (when lake is open to boating). For more information, visit the Water Activities page.

    (Updated: 5/29/2014 9:50 AM)


  • Winter Camping

    Reservations may be made at full hook up and basic sites year-round by calling 1-800-244-5613, or visitReserve Now​

    (Updated: 4/26/2023 4:33 PM)


Colorado Parks and Wildlife (2024)

FAQs

Does Colorado Parks and Wildlife drug test? ›

Additional Requirements

Possess and maintain a valid State of Colorado driver's license at time of hire. Submit to a drug screening.

Who funds Colorado Parks and Wildlife? ›

CPW employs a user-pays model of funding in which hunting and fishing licenses, federal excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment, motorized recreation vehicle registrations, and park-generated pass revenue comprise the majority of CPW's proceeds.

What is the fine for killing a wolf in Colorado? ›

What are the penalties for killing a gray wolf in Colorado? The gray wolf in Colorado is protected by the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and state law. Unlawful take penalties can vary and can include fines up to $100,000, jail time and loss of hunting privileges.

Is Colorado Parks and Wildlife a government agency? ›

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is an enterprise agency that receives no general fund revenue. The state legislature has final authority over agency spending. Commission members are unpaid volunteers who represent the geographic and stakeholder diversity of Colorado.

How much do game wardens make in Colorado? ›

As of Jul 1, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Fish And Game Warden in Colorado is $24.54 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $30.84 and as low as $5.56, the majority of Fish And Game Warden salaries currently range between $21.25 (25th percentile) to $29.33 (75th percentile) in Colorado.

How hard is it to become a game warden in Colorado? ›

Colorado Game Warden Training

Aspiring Colorado Fish and Game Wardens will need to undergo a training course that is a minimum of 540 hours. Training contains coursework the following areas: Firearms security, training, and use. Assertive driving maneuvers.

Who runs Colorado Parks and Wildlife? ›

Jeff Davis, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director ​

How much money does Colorado make from hunting? ›

The Colorado Wildlife Council says hunting is a $843 million industry in Colorado. And, combined with fishing, hunters contribute $3.25 billion and 25,000 jobs to the state economy.

Why work for Colorado Parks and Wildlife? ›

​​Discover the Benefits of Your Dream Job. ​We're committed to rewarding the dedicated, professional employees who make a difference for parks and wildlife every day. Permanent employees receive a Total Compensation Package. Balance your work and personal life – personalize your benefits package.

What is the 10j rule in Colorado? ›

Section 10(j) in the ESA allows the federal government to designate a population of a listed species — like gray wolves — as experimental if they are set to be released into natural habitat outside their current range, like Colorado in this case.

Can I shoot animals on my property in Colorado? ›

It is okay to “trap, kill, or otherwise dispose of bears, mountain lions, or dogs” without a permit if they are causing imminent damage or injury to people, property, vehicles, livestock.

Are there mountain lions in Colorado? ›

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​What We Know About Mountain Lions. ​Much of Colorado, including the Front Range, is home to mountain lions. These powerful predators, also known as cougars, panthers, and pumas, are a crucial part of the state's ecosystem, preying on deer.

What is test 50 in Colorado? ›

The Colorado Hunter Education Test-Out Exam is a 50-question, timed exam. The exam is $29.50. You have one opportunity to pass the exam with 90% or better in 30 minutes or less.

What is the mascot of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife? ›

COLORADO (KRDO) -- Colorado Parks and Wildlife's mascot Elbert, a bighorn sheep, is reminding Coloradans to stay diligent about ice safety.

Are dogs allowed in Colorado state parks? ›

Two of our State Parks include off-leash areas for dogs (DOLAs)! Cherry Creek and Chatfield State Parks both offer fenced-in areas where dogs are allowed without leashes. They include miles of trails and even water for dogs to play in! Take a day to let your pup explore, meet some fellow canines, and run free safely.

Do Colorado State employees get drug tested? ›

Employees (see exception below) may use marijuana in their personal time but are prohibited from working while under the influence of any substance, including marijuana. A drug test will be administered to all new employees; employees must successfully pass. Random drug screening will occur throughout employment.

Can you refuse a drug test in Colorado? ›

(5) 382.21: No driver shall refuse to submit to any required alcohol or controlled substances test.

How much does the Colorado Division of wildlife pay? ›

Wildlife Officer Salary in Colorado
Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
Top Earners$72,953$6,079
75th Percentile$42,360$3,530
Average$42,475$3,539
25th Percentile$32,476$2,706

Do you have to take a drug test for workers comp in Colorado? ›

Do you have to take a drug test for workers' comp in Colorado? While a drug test isn't required outright like in other states, employers in Colorado can require an injured worker to undergo a post-accident drug test under any circ*mstance, provided the employer has a written drug policy.

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