Arapahoe: Trails, Water and History

Cherry Creek State Park covers 4,200 acres around a reservoir with 880 acres of water. Of its 35-mile trail network, 15 miles are paved. The park also features natural areas, lakes, educational programs and historic sites—different things to consider when planning your time in Arapahoe.

Trails, Water and Wildlife Watching

The trail distances give a sense of different scales: the High Line Canal offers a 71-mile recreational trail, Cherry Creek State Park has 35 miles of multi-use trails, and the trail at Quincy Reservoir is 3.5 miles long. These figures refer to different trails and facilities.

Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park has loops with unpaved surfaces for walking, jogging and observing nature. The natural area includes wetland and upland habitats that provide a home for numerous birds, reptiles, amphibians and many mammal species. A section of Cherry Creek flows through the area, which is also part of the Cherry Creek Regional Trail. The paved trails in Cherry Creek State Park and the unpaved loops in the Ecological Park therefore differ in the surface described.

Quincy Reservoir has a 3.5-mile trail. In summer, visitors can spot hawks, great blue herons and American white pelicans, among other birds. The Tollgate Creek Trail runs north from Quincy Reservoir and connects with the High Line Canal Trail at DeLaney Farm. Three different aspects offer a point of reference at Quincy Reservoir: the 3.5-mile trail, summer birdwatching and the Tollgate Creek Trail connection to the High Line Canal Trail at DeLaney Farm.

The High Line Canal is a free recreational trail. Kayaking is available year-round at Aurora Reservoir; since availability may change, it is best to check before your visit. Five lakes in South Platte Park offer opportunities for fishing for largemouth bass and trout.

Senac Creek Nature Center shares facilities with Aurora Reservoir. These include an accessible fishing pier. Individual facilities may be affected by maintenance; check the pier’s condition before your visit. Interactive and changing exhibits at the Nature Center teach visitors about Aurora’s ecosystems, food chains and the importance of water to natural and human communities.

Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch also combines nature experiences with learning: visitors can meet ambassador animals, and there are dog-friendly trails. The trail at Star K Ranch/SCRG offers opportunities to spot deer, red-tailed hawks and great horned owls.

Historic Sites and Educational Programs

In the 1860s, 17 Mile House served as a stopping place for pioneers traveling the Cherokee and Smoky Hill wagon roads. Today, the site, designated a County Heritage Area, includes a historic house, a red barn, a grain silo, a milk house, a shelter and two windmills. It also includes 32 acres of open space. The site brings together both history and several different buildings and outdoor areas.

Free open-house events open to the public are scheduled at 17 Mile House Farm Park from April through November 2026. Due to limited capacity, registration is strongly recommended. Check the dates before you travel to make sure your plans fit the event schedule.

At the Plains Conservation Center, replicas of a homestead village and a tipi camp illustrate life for pioneers and Indigenous Plains peoples in the late 19th century. Wagon tours include wildlife viewing and stops at sod houses and a Cheyenne camp. Dates and schedules may change; check the available tour dates in advance.

South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center offer school visits, classes and nature programs year-round. Together with the exhibits at Senac Creek Nature Center, they offer a range of educational programs about ecosystems, water and nature. Those more interested in historic ways of life will find their own points of connection at 17 Mile House and the Plains Conservation Center.

Discover more destinations: Englewood, Littleton, Glendale, Cherry Hills Village, Centennial, Castlewood, Greenwood Village, Sheridan, Aurora.

For the broader travel overview: Colorado.