Washington Park

What’s not to love about a big pretty park? It’s plenty large, good for picnicking and watching the geese. My dog loves coming here for walks and we love drinking rose and relaxing in the park.

Being a Colorado native and having lived all over including the trendiest hoods, my viewpoint is slightly jaded, but Wash Park is much more «people’s hype» than it is «Denver’s best park» by look, size, and activities. Yes, their are nicer neighborhoods surrounding the park *not Cherry Hills nice* but upper middle-​class nice therefore the energy here is exciting.
However, past all the superficial exterior stuff that many out-of-stater’s & new transplants get drunk on, there are better (not trendier) parks surrounding Denver:
1. Sloan’s Lake — both mtn and city views from the expansive 3+mile lake park and lots of festival activities in the summer
2. Crown Hill — gorgeous mtn views, non-​crowded, quiet setting, and beautiful large lake
I’m sure many prefer the look&feel of Wash Park based on demographics, but if you prefer stepping beyond cultural biases then get out of The Jones crowd and check out why Colorado’s really spectacular: nature.

What is NOT to like about Wash Park? Fresh air, lakes, ponds, geese, tennis, volley ball, a rec center, paddle boats, paddle boards, a play ground, picnic tables, squirrels, dogs, bikes (Ok, I could see how someone would remove a star for the jerky bike riders) — a great place overall to be outside spring, summer, winter, fall. Enjoy!

This park is the city of Denver’s gem. This 2.5 mile total length around park gives you a decent example of the Denver vibe. Denverites walk, jog, play tennis, volleyball, and hang out here on the fair weather days. Beautiful homes line the perimeter of the parks residential streets (those spoiled homeowners). The southeast edge of the park offers a gorgeous view of the mountains while the northeast offers a beautiful man made lake. The western side of the park has seasonal botanical gardens. Head over to Wash park and enjoy the serene atmosphere!

Washington Park is one of the largest inner city parks that I’ve ever been too. So much to do and see. run, walk, jog, bike and so much more. Plenty of open area to do sports, relax or people watch. Since this park was created in 1899, its fun to look at all the turn of the century houses and other architecture that line the streets surrounding the park.

My fave urban park in Denver. Great neighborhood to grow up in as well, although it’s a little too hip these days. No room for average blue collar families these days, I guess.

Fabulous park in the city! Great for walking, running, going for a bike ride, playing yard games with the family, or a picnic. I’ll make the drive to Wash Park because it’s very scenic and it’s never too crowded (or it hasn’t been when I’ve gone).

Washington Park, or as it’s more commonly known as Wash Park, is a very nice, large city park.
My husband and I walk here, either by ourselves, or with our two furry kids (our two dogs), throughout the Colorado seasons. We love walking around the lake, and seeing other people out and about, enjoying the lake, the trees, the flowers, the Colorado sunshine.
Wash Park is a «standard» in Denver. People know «Wash Park,» and it’s reputation is well deserved. The city keeps it clean, and well maintained. It’s beautiful and just a nice place to just «be,» to relax. Have a picnic, take a walk, whatever you need.
You see families, couples, and singles, walking, jogging, riding bikes, around the park. There is plenty of parking both inside and outside the park. There are lots of entrances, so that makes it easy too. It’s easy enough to get to the park, from wherever you are in Denver.
Try it, you’ll like it. Go, relax, and just «be.»

Great place to exercise. I drive all the way from Aurora to come here. Great view and also a great place to walk your dog and people watch. There is always some type of event going on.

Wash Park is the mecca of all parks in Denver. When I moved to Denver about 8 years ago, it quickly became my favorite park to run in. The outer loop is about 2.5 miles around (though it’s a bit less now that they’ve done some renovations and made changes to the trail through the years), and you’re sure to be entertained the whole time. Walkers, runners, and everyone else will be out in abundance when the weather is nice. The trail is busy with numerous people and their dogs, but I’ve never had a negative experience. People smile and leave room for everyone to use the trail simultaneously.
If you are willing to brave it and be there on a beautiful summer day, do it. I say «brave it» because the crowds come out in hordes. Wash Park used to be the «it» park for volleyball, but I have heard that you now need a permit. I have not substantiated that claim, so take it as you may. Your large groups can plan on BBQing, laying in the sun, drinking (no glass), and enjoying the variety of people watching. If you’re driving over, parking is a pain. My tip would be to park a few blocks away and be better for it. Make sure you have friends to help carry things to/​from your car, and it’s not a problem.
There are beautiful flowers, benches to sit on, some lakes/​ponds that provide rentals, and an abundance of happy people. I have never rented anything at the park, but you can see people enjoying themselves on paddle boats, bikes, and other modes of transportation. You can also fish – or at least I see people doing that! Dogs need to be on a leash at all times – just do it.
The park isn’t just for nice days. One of my all time favorites is pulling out the snowshoes on a wintery day and walking around the winter wonderland. Bundle up, take a hot toddy, and bask in the emptiness of the park.

This park is incredibly spacious and has two parts to it: a lake side and a vast green side.
You can run, bike, walk, have a picnic/​barbecue, play tennis/​volleyball/​soccer, and whatever your heart desires — truly! This is a wonderful, grand ‘ol park with a lot of green. Really, one of the better ones I’ve visited in Colorado!
The last time I was here, there was a wedding reception going on as the sun was setting and reflected over the vast lake. That’s pretty dreamy/​romantic/​magical/​all-​things-​mystical-​and-​beautiful.

One of my Favorite Parks!!! It’s always Poppin’ at Washington Park!
For those with Kiddos: You have two different playgrounds. One for the littler tikes (with sand) and a few baby swings. And then the Wooden one for the bigger kids (but the little ones can still play here too) with bark on the ground. There’s so much grassy areas to kick a ball around or play tag. Plus you have the paved sidewalks for the little ones to ride their bikes! There also tons of families here.
For us Adults: I must say that there is so much motivation! How could you not want to exercise and get active?! So many people running, walking, and biking! And I dunno what it is, but there are a lot of good looking people out and about getting their sweat on! I’m happily married, but heck, it’s a lot better to run/​jog when you are surrounded by beautiful, active people! It sure motivates me to run! I’ve ran here numerous times to train for several races. And it’s not just the people rock, but the scenery. You have lush grass, green trees, and the way the sky reflects on the water. So beautiful! And, when it snows, or it gets rather chilly, there’s something about being out there still with all the other crazy people keeping active and fit! If you aren’t a runner, there are other ways to keep active. Lots of people walking their dogs, plenty of tennis courts, basketball courts, and lots of volleyball courts that people set up! You have no excuse to get fit and active here!
Oh another great thing is that there is so much room to set up your own get together with friends. Plenty of picnic areas. Bring your own grill, and maybe a table or canopy and a few camp chairs. But really a blanket under some shade will do.
Washington Park is great for all ages! Keep active, get your sweat on, and enjoy the scenery!!!

Update for my review from a fellow Unilocaler. «They never ended up charging anyone to play volleyball. Last summer they did a first come first served volleyball permit system to limit the number of nets, but I think they abandoned that too this year.»
Good move, Wash Park.

I love this park… there’s so many people with so much motivation so many little things to do lots of people all the time. you can rent bikes paddle boats you can also rent the big gazebo. for any function

Huge green space! Saw people jogging, biking, playing frisbee… Came here mainly to catch the sunset, which was really cool over the pond! It was Valentine’s Day and there were a couple couples having picnics by the pond — but that didn’t seem like the ideal spot to me? With the geese droppings… Must still be romantic, though! Close to the city and I imagine it’s a popular spot.

There is something for everyone at this park. From volleyball to 5k’s to a lazy afternoon on the lake Washington Park is as good as it gets.
I lived pretty far South from Wash Park in high school, and my friends and I would constantly take trips North simply to go to this park. They have a fantastic, beautiful loop for bikers, runners, dog walkers, and nature junkies.
Now I live down the street, and am a frequent visitor. This park is my dream park. It really doesn’t get any better than this. I can’t wait for many more years of Washington Park visits to come.

I just ran through Wash Park and it put me in such a good mood. I always leave Wash Park in a good mood.
Today I saw this:
Runners
Bikers
Walkers
Volley Ball
Tennis
People Doing Random Exercises
A Charity Run of Some Sort
A Lady Teaching a Little One How to Ride a Bike
Dogs
Geese
Squirrels
More Dogs
Sparkling Open Water
Beautiful Sunshine
And you almost always see these things in Wash Park on any given weekend. Even during the winter. I love how Wash Park has connectivity with Cherry Creek and other trails/​parks in the area.
Wash Park itself is pretty big, appx. 160 acres, and the outer perimeter trail is about 2.5 miles, so a nice walk/​run on its own or a great part of a longer run/​walk. Lots of open space for sports, fun, etc… And its not too far from restaurants and such.
I’m not an expert on City management on Denver Parks. However… the limitation on booze in the Park is a good move. There are plenty of establishments in Denver for people to get their drinky on, keep the park classy, drunk-​free and kid-​friendly. I really appreciate how (most of the) people driving at the cross-​walked streets actually stop at the cross walks. That’s a rare thing in Denver.
People who visit Denver routinely comment on how great the system of parks is. Wash Park is one of the highlights of the greater Denver Park system and I like it.

It’s been a long time since we’ve been to Wash Park. I used to love coming here when I lived near the city a long time ago. It’s also a special place where I had my first kiss with my husband. It is a pretty romantic place to come and stroll around. Recently we came on Christmas day and there was snow on the ground and people jogging about it. It was frigid cold outside and quite a different experience. We were traveling with our dogs and our mountain dogs aren’t quite used to leashes. Wash Park has a ton of geese and luckily my husband had my 95 pound lab as he attempted to run and chase geese with my husband behind in tow. There are a lot of squirrels too and our dogs were not happy that they were on leashes. It’s a park in the city so you have to pick up after your pets — luckily they have bags. I’m not a fan of picking up poo but hey it’s city living. Also I got a ton of goose poop on my boot. It wasn’t quite the romantic trip to Wash Park this time.
Summer is much different from winter. In the summer the lush green grass is filled with picnics, volley ball games and frisbee players. They even have BBQ’s too.
Wash Park is a beautiful park and city folks are lucky to have a place with jogging trails, open space, and green grass to play in. Since moving to the mountains I have been spoiled with open space and places to let dogs run free but I was grateful to have a place to take our dogs near Downtown. There aren’t many open spaces down the hill and Wash Park is the best park to visit in a busy city.

We visited this park on our last day in Denver and I somewhat wish we found it sooner. A beautiful park with an abundance of activities, Washington Park has something for everyone – even a nice waterfront area with kayak and canoe rentals. I imagine this is one of the parks that captures the beauty and essence of Denver and it’s definitely a worthwhile visit.

I can’t think of any reason to dislike you wash park. I come on Saturday and play volleyball. Friendly people offer me beer. People drive around on a golf cart and give out free cold water and sunscreen. And they’re nice too.
What people probably don’t like about you is the angry people who live around the perimeter. Oh yeah, we hear about you neighbors — complaining to the city, too many people, too many cars, too much fun being had. So, why again did you buy a really overpriced house across the street?
You watch us. I know you. Let’s all make peace people.
Neighbors, come find me. I name is Justin and we’ll settle this over a nice cold beer on a nice sunny day.