a body of water surrounded by lots of trees

Cherry Creek State Park

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

June-October

Entrance Fee

$10 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, 5 AM - 10 PM

About This Location

Cherry Creek State Park is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 337 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

8/24/2026Bear Creek Park (Denver)2 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

8/24/2026yard1 observed

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

Aphelocoma woodhouseii

8/23/2026Elaine T. Valente Open Space1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

8/23/2026Denver City Park1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

8/23/2026Cherry Creek SP1 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

8/23/2026Bear Creek Park (Denver)1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

8/22/2026Lowell Ponds Open Space1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

8/24/2026

American Avocet

68/24/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

28/24/2026

Baird's Sandpiper

8/24/2026

Ring-billed Gull

8/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

8/24/2026

Snowy Egret

8/24/2026

Great Egret

18/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

8/24/2026

American White Pelican

138/24/2026

Osprey

18/24/2026

Swainson's Hawk

18/24/2026

Western Kingbird

18/24/2026

Barn Swallow

8/24/2026

Canada Goose

38/24/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

48/24/2026

Killdeer

58/24/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

28/24/2026

Caspian Tern

18/24/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

28/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cherry Creek State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Cherry Creek State Park for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cherry Creek State Park?
Notable species at Cherry Creek State Park include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, American Coot, Wilson's Snipe, Hooded Merganser, Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, Mallard, Canada Goose, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cherry Creek State Park?
Birding at Cherry Creek State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Cherry Creek State Park?
The entrance fee at Cherry Creek State Park is $10 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, 5 AM - 10 PM.
What amenities are available at Cherry Creek State Park?
Cherry Creek State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.