Sign In
Donate Calendar Contact Us Accessibility Military Benefits
Barr Lake
Barr Lake

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​There’s something for every type of outdoors person - from the fishing enthusiast and boater to the naturalist - at Barr Lake State Park, a short drive northeast of the Denver area.

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. 

Fishing enthusiasts and boaters, including kayakers and canoeists, enjoy the lake's calm waters as powerboats are limited to electric trolling or gasoline motors 10 horsepower or less. Channel catfish, small and large-mouth bass, 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.

 A group of school children and their chaperones pose next to a sign about the 7 leave no trace principles.

Remember to Leave No Trace

Always remember the 7 Leave No Trace principles. Please stay on designated trails and be courteous to all. #CareForColorado

​Make it an Event!

Groups of outdoor lovers can now make their next outing an event at Barr Lake’s new Meadowlark Picnic Pavilion, which can handle 100 people and has easy access to the trails.

Boardwalk

Boardwalk
​









The Barr Lake boardwalk is situated over the park’s beautiful wildlife reserve, where green tree canopies and glittering waters overwhelm the senses. Its level wooden surface makes it easily traversable for young children, and any wildlife enthusiast who prefers a smooth path! 


Featuring gazebos and benches overlooking the quiet lake, the boardwalk offers the perfect perch for birdwatching and ​​​​photography. Although the walk is peaceful, there’s never a dull moment if you’re paying attention: splashing carp, diving grebes and hundreds of bird species offer endless entertainment. Gather educational materials online or at the nature center, or ask a park naturalist about all you see!​

​Get on board!

The Eagle Express—a motorized 13 passenger cart—takes bird watchers on naturalist-guided tours on Barr Lake’s trails weekends from mid-May through September.​


Barr Lake Accessible Fishing Pier

Accessible Fishing Pier

Barr Lake features an ADA accessible fishing pier, which gives people of all abilities the chance to catch that BIG fish. Thank you to our sponsors for making this project happen- Adams County Open Space, Cabelas, Colorado State Foundation and Friends of Barr Lake.


Archery Range

Archers sillouette with 3D target animal

Located just 20 minutes northeast of Denver, Barr Lake offers 12 shooting lanes with heavy-duty targets. The targets vary from 10 to 100 yards, giving novice and advance shooters alike the opportunity to develop their skills. Only field or target-tips are permitted, but hunters who are prepping for the big-game seasons may shoot broadheads in designated lanes. Shooters may also provide their own targets on broadhead and “open”  lanes.

Try our new 3-D target course! Bull elk, dinos​​aurs and epic sunsets are just a few of the attractions you’ll find at Barr Lake State Park’s archery range. Barr Lake is the latest state park to offer archery to its visitors as part of an ongoing effort by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop more public shooting ranges across the state.​

For more information, read Colorado State Parks ​​​Raises The ‘Barr’ For Archers​.​