Get Outdoors in Parker, Colorado
Looking for ways to get outside in Parker, CO? Enjoy our beautiful Colorado weather by exploring Parker’s parks and trails! We at BlockParty Parker have compiled a list of some of our favorite places to get outdoors in our quickly-growing town:
Parks
Parker has done a remarkable job in making sure that its residents have plenty of parkland available for their leisure activities, including 250 acres of developed parks and 950 acres of open space! Different parks offer a variety of amenities, including ball fields, picnic tables, playgrounds, seasonal restrooms, and more.
Here are some of our favorites:
Bar CCC Park
Located east of Cherry Creek, this park offers full access to both Cherry Creek and Sulphur Gulch Trails with trailheads and wide parking spaces. The park also contains a ball field, 2 barbeque grills, 2 bike racks, 2 shade shelters with tables and a port-a-potty, making for a great family-friendly picnic spot. Electricity is available at this park in the pavilion area.
USMC CPL David M. Sonka Dog Park
Dog enthusiasts of Parker can find this park situated south of E-470 along Cherry Creek Trail. The dog park has nearly five acres of off-leash space, plenty of shade, and an agility course. It’s the perfect place to socialize your pup and get out some energy! Plus, there is an adjacent frisbee golf course if you need some activity yourself.
O’Brien Park
One of Parker’s most iconic features, this park sits right at the entrance to Downtown Parker on Mainstreet, marked by a beautiful archway and gazebo. Kids will love the two playgrounds, outdoor pool, and multi-purpose fields, while adults can sit in the shaded pavilion or play in a co-ed softball league at O’Brien’s lighted field.
Trails
The Town of Parker, Colorado, maintains various trails that cover over 27 miles of paved multi-purpose trails, over 6 miles of natural surface equine trails, and a 1.8-mile natural dirt trail. The Cherry Creek Trail moves along Cherry Creek, north and south of Parker, and you’ll find wonderful bike lanes along many of Parker’s wide roads, making nearly all trails easily accessible from your home!
Cherry Creek Trail
Winding over 8 miles through Parker, the Cherry Creek Trail This trail runs North to South from the Cottonwood Park down through Stroh Ranch Soccer Fields. If you’re looking for a longer bike ride, you can take the trail all the way to Cherry Creek Reservoir, which is another 8 miles north of 17 Mile House Farm Park.
The 10-foot wide concrete path is pedestrian friendly as well, and you’ll often find runners, walkers, and canine friends enjoying the trail. Trailheads with restrooms and picnic areas are located at McCabe Meadows park, Bar CCC Park, and Cottonwood Trailhead Park.
Sulfur Gulch Trail
For a walk, run, or bike ride west to Black Bear Golf Club, check out Sulphur Gulch Trail! The 4.5 mile trail connects to the Cherry Creek Trail at Bar CCC Park, and winds its way along the south side of Mainstreet through downtown. On your way through, stop at Swirls Frozen Yogurt or Dough Dreamery for a sweet treat!
Equestrian Trail
Though Parker is rapidly growing, it still maintains its small-town feel and prominent equestrian presence. Horse enthusiasts will love the Parker’s Equestrian Trail, which runs parallel to the Cherry Creek Trail. While the path coincides and crosses with Cherry Creek Trail on occasion, most of the trail is on native ground and is surrounded by local flora and fauna. Find horse trailer parking at the North Pinery Trailhead.
Whether you’re looking for a family picnic spot on a sunny day, or a dog-friendly trail to exercise your furry friend, Parker, Colorado has accessible parks and trails for everyone! What parks or trails would make the top of your list? Let us know in the comments!
