Picnicking

The snow-fed waters of South Boulder Creek wind through the canyon and under an old forest canopy at the picnic area. Picnic sites, with tables and grills, dot the banks of South Boulder Creek, with restrooms and drinking water nearby. We have 10 picnic sites available on a first-come, first-served basis only - there are no reservations. The sites range in size from 1 - 4 picnic tables and they have a set capacity of 8 people per table (i.e. site capacity is limited to 8 - 32 people depending on the number of tables provided). Portable grills are prohibited outside the Picnic Area High-Use Pads. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.

Updated: 8/22/2026 3:05 PM MT

Picnic Areas Fill Quickly

On weekends and holidays from May through September the picnic area reaches capacity early. The picnic area usually reaches capacity by noon on Saturdays and by 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. on Sundays. On summer holidays, the picnic area can be full as early as 9:00 a.m. Vehicles then are only allowed as far up the canyon as parking is available. Parking can’t be saved; it is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.

Visitors will not be allowed to drop off people or barbecue supplies in the picnic grounds when the picnic area is full - no exceptions. Shortly after the Picnic Area reaches capacity, the entire Park usually reaches capacity. Most vehicles are then turned away as there is no way to accommodate a waiting line for vehicles entering the Park. Parking along the dirt road east of the Park entrance is limited to town residents and pool customers. Violators may be towed.

Spring and autumn are wonderful times to experience Eldorado Canyon’s natural scenery, and it is much less busy.