Picnics

Picnics are ideal for family occasions, corporate picnics, or small community gatherings. Permits are required for exclusive use.  Picnic sites are for private, by invitation gatherings only. Public events such as runs/walks, festivals, fundraising, promotional activities, concerts, and other community events are strictly prohibited. Please consult with the Parks Permit Office Staff for further information to ensure compliance.

2023 picnic site reservations will open Wednesday, February 8 at 8:00 a.m. For details on fees, picnic site capacities, and more, please view the Picnic Site Inventory List and the 2023 Picnic Site Closure List.

Picnic Season:

  • Urban Parks: April 15 – October 15
    Available Park Hours: 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. (some exceptions apply, see inventory list)
  • Mountain Parks: May 1 – September 30
    Available Park Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (some exceptions apply, see inventory list)

 

How to request a permit:

Step 1.1.) Review Site Information

Step 2.2.) Submit Reservation Request

Step 3.3.) Wait for Notification

After your reservation request has been submitted and payment made, an email notification will be sent to you, indicating your request is either:

  • Approved: Please have your permit available to you at all times during your picnic and review park rules and regulations (available on your permit). Permit cancelations or change requests can be made by contacting the Parks Permit Office. Please reference your permit number (ex: R12345) when calling or emailing.
  • Denied/Canceled: Please contact the Parks Permit Office to be refunded

Advance Reservation Requirements

Urban Parks

All urban park picnic sites require reservations to be made at least 24 hours in advance, with the EXCEPTION of Ruby Hill picnic sites 2, 3 and 4 which require 72 hours notice. 

Mountain Parks

Reservation requirements as follows:

  • 24 hours in advance: Corwina, Morrison, Red Rocks Parks
  • 48 hours in advance: Bergen, Dedisse, Fillius, Lookout Mountain Parks
  • 72 hours in advance: Daniels, Echo Lake, Genesee, Newton Parks

Questions & Technical Support

Please be sure to read and follow the instructions on how to reserve a picnic site online(PDF, 1MB). Email park.permits@denvergov.org with further questions. 

Picnic permit checklist:

Do Don't
 Use grills 12 inches off the ground Food trucks prohibited
 Use small bluetooth speaker No bands or large sound systems
Have attendees bring their own beer, wine or champagne Alcohol sale or service prohibited; no glass or kegs
 Use up to two 10' x 10' pop-up tents No event infrastructure allowed
 Follow all park rules Inflatables strictly prohibited
 Stay within picnic site boundary Don't exceed your picnic site's capacity

Do I need a permit?

Not all gatherings require a permit. Use of a picnic site without a permit must follow casual park use guidelines:

  • Maximum of 25 attendees in your group
  • Do not interfere with any permits in progress or other casual park users
  • No infrastructure (canopies, tables, chairs, sound systems, decorations, food trucks, etc.) Camp style chairs are allowed
  • No commercial activity, marketing, sales, advertising, etc.
  • No selling or serving alcohol (consumption by person/household only) Beer, wine and champagne only; no glass, no kegs
  • Follow all other park use rules

Other Picnic Information

General Permit Information

Important Notes:

  • Only one (1) permit is booked per picnic site, per day (some exceptions apply, see inventory list(PDF, 135KB))
  • Picnic sites are for private, by invitation gatherings only. Public events such as runs/walks, festivals, fundraising, promotional activities, concerts, and other community events are strictly prohibited. Find more information about public events or inquire with staff to be directed to the correct permit application
  • Site maps with boundaries can be found by clicking a park’s name on the Picnic Inventory List. Please ensure your picnic’s activities stay within these boundaries
  • If you are in need of an athletic field for sports play/activities in addition to a picnic site, please contact the Parks Permit Office
  • Restroom access is not guaranteed; please do not contact the Parks Permit Office to inquire about status.
    Maintenance requests can be submitted at denvergov.org/pocketgov or by calling 311 City Services (720.913.1311)
  • Failure to obtain the appropriate permit, violation of park use rules, or not remaining within the picnic site boundaries, can result in revocation of the permit and/or a fine

Mountain Park Permit Information

Insurance Requirements:

Insurance is required for mountain park picnic site reservations with more than 100 attendees. Parks Permit Office Staff will provide more details if applicable.

Holiday Closures:

Corwina Park and Lookout Mountain Park are unavailable for permitting on Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day.

Fire Bans and Restrictions:

FIRE RESTRICTIONS are in effect. No open fires or charcoal grills are allowed. ONLY GAS GRILLS ARE ALLOWED.

Additional fire restrictions (if enacted) would restrict all open flames and use of gas grills. For current fire bans and restrictions in place, visit denvergov.org/mountainparks.

Fire guidelines:

  • No fires or charcoal grills allowed
  • No fires allowed in shelter fireplaces
  • No ground fires allowed
  • Only gas grills with an on/off switch or shut off are allowed. Gas grills must be placed at least twelve (12) inches off the ground and not on picnic tables or benches
Parking:

Parking is limited at many picnic sites and only allowed in designated areas, please ensure there is sufficient parking at your picnic site for your group size. Surrounding meadows are not to be used as overflow parking.

Set up at Picnic Sites:

Affixing décor or other items to trees or structures is prohibited.

Picnic Site Access:

Entry gates will be opened or lock combinations will be provided. Call Mountain Park Staff for combinations at 720-913-0900.

**Download the full Mountain Parks Picnic Site Information sheet(PDF, 121KB)

For additional questions about picnic sites in Denver Mountain Parks, please call 720-913-0900.

Cancelation Policy

Permit change requests can be made by contacting the Parks Permit Office. Please reference your permit number (ex: R12345) when calling or emailing.

Contact the Parks Permit Office by phone: 720-913-0700 (press 6 to leave a message) or email: Park.Permits@denvergov.org.

 

 

 

 

 

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Contact Us

Parks Permit Office:
6820 E. 12th Ave
Denver, CO 80220

Office Hours:

  • Mon & Fri:
    Available via phone and email
     8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Tues, Weds, Thurs:
    Open for in-person appointments
    8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Email: park.permits@denvergov.org
Phone: 720-913-0700
(press 6 to leave a message)

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