About Kendrick Lake Park
Description
Look, I've visited a lot of parks in my day, but Kendrick Lake Park seriously stands out as one of Colorado's hidden gems. What makes it truly special is its stunning xeric garden - hands down one of the most impressive water-wise garden displays you'll find in the Denver metro area. The garden showcases what's possible when you embrace native plants and smart landscaping in our semi-arid climate.
I absolutely love taking my morning walks here around the peaceful reservoir. The paved trail that circles the water gives you these perfect views that seem to change with every visit. During sunrise, when the light hits the water just right, it's pure magic. And let me tell you, the innovative landscaping techniques they've used here are seriously Instagram-worthy.
Key Features
• A remarkable xeric demonstration garden featuring drought-resistant plants and native species
• Serene reservoir with a paved walking trail circling the water
• Modern, well-maintained playground perfect for kiddos
• Large rentable shelter ideal for family gatherings and events
• Beautiful rock gardens with creative hardscaping elements
• Extensive collection of native Colorado plants and flowers
• Multiple benches positioned for optimal lake views
• Wide, accessible pathways suitable for all mobility levels
• Educational signage about water conservation and local flora
• Dedicated parking area with plenty of spaces
Best Time to Visit
In my experience, late spring through early fall really shows off what makes this park special. May and June are particularly magical - that's when most of the xeric plants burst into bloom, creating this incredible tapestry of colors. The mornings tend to be less crowded, and you'll catch the best light for photos too.
Summer weekends can get pretty busy with families enjoying the playground and shelter areas. If you're mainly interested in exploring the gardens, I'd suggest planning your visit for a weekday morning. Fall brings its own charm with changing colors, while winter offers peaceful solitude - though the gardens are obviously less showy during colder months.
How to Get There
The park sits in a residential area of Lakewood, and honestly, it's pretty straightforward to reach. From downtown Denver, you'll want to head west on 6th Avenue. The park's entrance is clearly marked, and there's usually plenty of parking available, even on busy days. If you're taking public transit, several RTD bus routes will get you within walking distance.
Quick tip from someone who's made this trip countless times: If you're using GPS, make sure it's taking you to the main entrance rather than the back side of the park. Trust me, I learned this one the hard way!
Tips for Visiting
After countless visits here, I've picked up some helpful tricks that'll make your experience even better. First off, bring your camera - the xeric garden provides some absolutely incredible photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. The light hitting those yellow plumes of native grasses? Chef's kiss!
Wear comfortable walking shoes because you'll want to do the full loop around the reservoir. It's not a challenging walk, but you'll appreciate good footwear when exploring the garden paths. If you're planning to use the shelter, make sure to reserve it in advance - it's more popular than you might think!
During summer months, bring sunscreen and water. The park has some shaded areas, but the garden areas are mostly in full sun. That's what makes them perfect for xeric plants, but less perfect for unprepared visitors!
For the best experience, I recommend setting aside at least 90 minutes to really take in everything. The garden deserves a slow pace - there's so much detail you might miss if you rush through. Bird enthusiasts should pack binoculars - I've spotted some fascinating water birds around the reservoir during my morning visits.
And here's a pro tip: check out the educational signs throughout the garden. They're actually super interesting and will help you identify plants you might want to add to your own water-wise garden. I've definitely gotten some inspiration for my backyard from visiting here!
Winter visitors shouldn't write this place off either. While the gardens are less dramatic, the park takes on this serene quality that's perfect for peaceful walks. Just bundle up - that Colorado wind can be pretty fierce around the reservoir!
The playground area is fantastic for families with kids, but I'd recommend avoiding peak times (weekend afternoons) if you're mainly interested in the gardens. Early mornings or weekday evenings tend to be quieter and more conducive to really appreciating the landscape design.
Lastly, bring along a sketchbook or journal if you're creatively inclined. There's something about this place that really sparks inspiration - maybe it's the thoughtful design, or perhaps it's just the peaceful atmosphere. Either way, you'll want to capture some of that magic to take home with you.
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