Cheesman Park
Denver, CO
A green oasis east of busy Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park’s 80 acres (32 hectares) consist of grassy lawns, a Greek-style marble pavilion, and winding paths popular among joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers. If you don’t stumble upon one of the many community events held at the park throughout the year, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy among the playgrounds, picnic tables, and views of the surrounding mountains.
The basics
With the Denver Botanic Gardens to the west and plenty of restaurants and breweries on the surrounding streets, Cheesman Park is an easy stop on a self-guided tour of central Denver. Guided bike tours often lap around the green space while showing you the city’s buzziest neighborhoods and historical highlights, and the supposedly haunted park is also a popular site for ghost tours due to its past as a cemetery.
Things to know before you go
- There’s a public restroom on the east side of the park near the marble pavilion.
- Dogs are allowed in the park, and you’re likely to find many of them enjoying the green space both on- and off-leash.
- It takes about 30 minutes to make a loop around the park’s walking path.
- Bikes are not permitted on certain paths: signage indicates pedestrian-only trails.
- Shade becomes sparse as you venture deeper into Cheesman Park, so bring sun protection.
How to get there
Cheesman Park is easy to reach by public transportation, with several nearby bus stops on 8th and 12th streets—use the RTD app to plan your best route. If you’re driving, street parking around Cheesman Park is free, though it can be challenging to find spaces on weekends.
When to get there
Cheesman Park’s official hours are daily from 5am to 11pm. To enjoy the space in its full green glory, your best bet is to visit between April and June or September and October, when daytime temperatures hover in the 60s and 70s. However, the park’s variety of trees also guarantees some lovely fall foliage.
A fixture of Denver’s LGBTQ+ community
Denver’s first Pride event—a picnic—was held at Cheesman Park in 1974, and the site continues to be a vital meeting place for the LGBTQ+ community today. The city’s annual Pride parade starts at the park, while groups often schedule run clubs, yoga classes, and other LGBTQ+ happenings here throughout the year.
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