Cottonwood Lakes
By Jessica Carcoana · Updated September 2026
Cottonwood Lakes occupies E 130th Avenue to E 133rd Avenue west of Colorado Boulevard, laid out along Dyanna Drive, St Paul Drive and a run of streets named for presidents. County records show 308 houses, most built between 1976 and 1980 with a later group from 1988 to 1994, and the stock sits low, 114 ranches and 96 split levels against 64 two story homes averaging about 1,650 finished square feet. Lots run large for Thornton, a median near 0.21 acre with the top tenth above a quarter acre. The regional Lee Lateral Ditch Trail crosses the neighborhood, and Washington Street is about five minutes west by way of E 132nd Avenue.
At a glance
Community Anchors
- Margaret Carpenter Park (100 acres, lake, boat rentals, amphitheater, carousel, splash pad)
- Trail Winds Park and Open Space (120 acres, skate park, sports fields, disc golf)
- Trail Winds Recreation Center (indoor pool with waterslides, lazy river, fitness center)
- Carpenter Recreation Center (pools, gym, racquetball, running track)
- Community Park (playground, skate park, tennis, city pool)
- Thorncreek Golf Course (18-hole public)
- Heritage Todd Creek Golf Course (18-hole, semi-private)
- Riverdale Regional Park (1,200 acres, lakes, fishing, trails)
- Denver Premium Outlets
- Thornton Town Center (24-acre shopping center)
- Larkridge Shopping Center (Costco, Home Depot)
- Orchard Town Center (Target, REI)
- 140+ miles of trails and 2,500+ acres of parkland
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Where it sits
Inside Thornton. Platted boundary.
Quick answersQuestions about Cottonwood Lakes
Where is Cottonwood Lakes?
Cottonwood Lakes is in Thornton, about 4.7 miles north of the Thornton center. The map on this page shows its platted boundary from county records.
When was Cottonwood Lakes built?
Homes in Cottonwood Lakes were built between 1974 and 1996 (late 20th century / early 21st century). Builders on record include various builders.
What amenities does Cottonwood Lakes have?
Cottonwood Lakes amenities include Lee Lateral Ditch Trail access, mature tree-lined streets, and established suburban feel.
How big are the lots in Cottonwood Lakes?
Typical lots in Cottonwood Lakes run 0.12–0.26 acres.
Which schools are near Cottonwood Lakes?
Schools near Cottonwood Lakes include Adams 12 Five Star Schools and Horizon High School. Verify enrollment eligibility by address.
What is the nearest light-rail station to Cottonwood Lakes?
About how many homes are in Cottonwood Lakes?
County parcel records show about 320 parcels in Cottonwood Lakes.
How high is Cottonwood Lakes?
Cottonwood Lakes sits at about 5,280 feet above sea level.
Parks and Schools
- Lee Lateral Ditch Trail
- Lake Village Park
- Adams 12 Five Star Schools
- Horizon High School
Verify school assignment by address with the district. Attendance boundaries do not follow neighborhood lines.
Commute and Access
- 5 minWashington St
- 10 minI-25
- E 132nd Ave
Transit in Thornton: RTD N Line commuter rail, Original Thornton/88th Station, Thornton Crossroads/104th Station, Eastlake/124th Station (current terminus) · Future N Line extension to 144th/York and North Thornton/Hwy 7 · RTD bus routes along Washington St, 104th Ave, 120th Ave corridors · Flex Ride on-demand transit in select zones
Other Neighborhoods in Thornton
About This Profile
This profile of Cottonwood Lakes was researched in April 2026. It was last reviewed in September 2026. The price range comes from listed and recently sold homes in the neighborhood. Amenity coverage is moderate, and some features rest on a single source. Assessor data moves the core build era to the late 1970s and enlarges typical lots.
Data sourced from direct and indirect online resources. Details are subject to change over time as we continue to research this area.