Barr Lake State Park

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Quick Facts

Barr Lake State Park

Colorado

(303) 659-6005

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

There's something for every type of outdoor enthusiast at Barr Lake State Park! Bicyclists of all ages and abilities, nature hikers and horseback riders enjoy the level 8.8-mile multi-use trail that circles the lake, passing by several wildlife viewing stations and the park's wildlife refuge. More than 350 species of birds have been spotted in the park. Numerous bald eagles winter at Barr Lake and one pair stays to nest and raise its young every year. Barr Lake's Nature Center has displays about the park's wildlife and you can have your questions answered by a naturalist. Visit Division of Wildflife for more information. Fishing enthusiasts and boaters, including kayakers and canoeists enjoy the lake's calm waters: Powerboats are limited to electric trolling or gasoline motors 10 horsepower or less. Channel catfish, small and large-mouthbass, rainbow trout, walleye, bluegill, wiper and tiger muskie are among the species that inhabit the waters of Barr Lake. Get Colorado boating registration and regulation information.

Map of Barr Lake (CO)

Latitude, Longitude: 39.945158, -104.754022

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Activities

  • Boating

    Barr Lake offers 1,950 surface acres of quiet, calm water. The southern half of the lake is a dedicated wildlife refuge: Boating and fishing are not permitted south of the buoy line. The northern half of the lake is open to several water sports including boating, canoeing and sailboarding. Only sailboats, hand-propelled craft, and boats with electric trolling motors or gasoline motors of 10 horsepower or less are permitted on Barr Lake.

  • Bicycling

    An 8.8-mile trail for hikers, horseback riders and bicyclists follows the perimeter of the lake. The road across the top of the dam (Crest Trail) is open to bicycles. Bicyclists are encouraged to use bikes with thorn-proof tires because the trails are not paved and thorns are prevalent.

  • Camping

    While there are no campsites at Barr Lake State Park, there are several Colorado State Parks within an hour to an hour and a half drive from Barr Lake.

  • Fishing

    Channel catfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, rainbow trout, walleye, bluegill, wiper and tiger muskie are among the species Colorado Division of Wildlife has stocked at Barr Lake.

  • Hiking

    An 8.8-mile trail for hikers, horseback riders and bicyclists follows the perimeter of the lake. There are shorter walks to the various boardwalks that extend over the lake. An easy 1.3-mile walk from the Nature Center brings you to the Gazebo Boardwalk, where you can get an excellent view of the rookery using a spotting scope. The road across the top of the dam (Crest Trail) is open to hikers.

  • Historic Sites

    At the Barr Lake Nature Center, visitors can see displays about the park's wildlife and have their questions answered by a naturalist. The Nature Center is located near the south parking lot.

  • Horseback Riding

    An 8.8-mile trail for hikers, horseback riders and bicyclists follows the perimeter of the lake. The road across the top of the dam (Crest Trail) is not open to horses. Horseback riders can use the lower trail below the dam.

  • Hunting

    Waterfowl hunting is permitted during legal hunting seasons on Wednesdays and Saturdays and is restricted to blinds north of dam. Reservations are required.

  • Picnicking

    Picnic tables are grouped into three different sites; one group by the boat ramp, one group by the nature center and one group halfway between the other two. Available on a firstcome, first-served basis or an area can be reserved by calling the park.

  • Winter Sports

    Popular winter sports include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.

Seasonality/Weather

Office Hours : Nature Center is open Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, and Sunday untill 11 a.m . Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Park Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., fishing is allowed past 10 p.m.

Directions

Driving

From Denver Take I-76 northeast, exit on Bromley Lane. Go east to Picadilly Road, then south to the park entrance. From E-470 From E-470 exit 34, 120th Ave. Go east to Tower Rd. Turn Left onto Tower Rd. and follow pavement to Picadilly Rd. Make a left on Picadilly. Park entrance is about a mile ahead on the left.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(303) 659-6005

Links