Water Activities
ANS Stamp Required
All motorboats and sailboats must have an ANS Stamp prior to launching in Colorado.
Boat owners are required to purchase the ANS Stamp and operators must retain proof of purchase (electronic or printed receipt) on their person, the motorboat or sailboat, when operating the vessel (C.R.S. 33-10.5-104.5).
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Motorboats and Sailboats from Colorado - $25.00
- Colorado residents will purchase the ANS stamp at the time of registration.
- Residents with motorboats or sailboats documented by the U.S. Coast Guard or otherwise exempt from in-state registration can purchase the ANS stamp online at cpwshop.com, or at any CPW office or sales location beginning January 1.
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Motorboats and Sailboats from Another State - $50.00
- Non-residents can purchase their ANS stamp online at cpwshop.com or at any CPW office or sales location beginning January 1.
Funding contributes to the prevention and management of ANS in the state. Thank you for protecting our waters and contributing to conservation in Colorado!
Boating
The reservoir is open for boating and offers all types of water recreation. Boat rentals and equipment are available at the marina.
Mandatory Boat Inspections: To boat on the reservoir, an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, current boat registration and a pre-launch boat inspection at the boat ramp is required. Vessels and other floating devices that are both hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from mandatory ANS inspections.
The best way to have fun on your boat is the safe way. Always wear a life jacket, and make sure you have all the required safety equipment on board.
Fishing
Fishing is good to fair for many species.
Jet Skiing
Jet skis are allowed. Observe all regulations and no-wake areas.
Rowing
Mile High Rowing Club is a non-profit youth rowing program for ages 13-18. They offer Fall and Spring Rowing and a Winter training program as well. Learn-To-Row Summer Camps are available for new rowers. For more information or to sign up please visit Mile High Rowing Website.
Sailboarding
Sailboarding (windsurfing) is allowed. Lake Loop is a good launching point.
Sailing
Cherry Creek Reservoir is one of Community Sailing of Colorado’s (CSC) flagship locations, where they teach a variety of sailing programs such as youth summer camps, adult classes, adaptive sailing, free outreach events and a junior race team.
Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding is a popular water activity at Cherry Creek. Visitors can rent a paddle board through the marina. For information on paddle board rentals, contact Pelican Bay Marina.
Water Skiing
Water skiing is allowed. Ski counter-clockwise north of the ski line.
Swimming
Swimming
Open seasonally in the summer, the sandy beach with a roped-off swimming area is a great place for water play. There is a bathhouse with restrooms located at the beach for convenience. The swim beach is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Colorado State Park swim beaches do not have lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk. Children must be supervised by adults at all times. Please don’t take glass, charcoal grills, and pets on the beach. And please keep the beach clean by “packing out what you pack in.”
Always shower after swimming to help avoid the possibility of “Swimmer’s Itch”. For more information visit the Center for Disease Control.
(Updated: 5/28/2025 12:00 PM)
Special Services
The Community Sailing Program of Colorado: (303) 757-7718
The Cherry Creek Reservoir is one of Community Sailing of Colorado’s (CSC) flagship locations where they teach a variety of sailing programs such as youth summer camps, adult classes, adaptive sailing, free outreach events, and a junior race team.
The Pelican Bay at Cherry Creek provides boat and jet ski rentals from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They also offer boat slip rental, wedding, and corporate events, a pub, and a wharf.