State Park Finder
Birdsong is in the air — and there's no better place to experience it than at our state parks. From forest trails to wetlands and open meadows, our state parks provide vital habitat for hundreds of bird species. Birding is an easy and rewarding way to explore the outdoors. Grab a friend, step outside and see who's flying through your local park. You might be surprised by what you find just above the trail.
State Park Finder
Birdsong is in the air — and there's no better place to experience it than at our state parks. From forest trails to wetlands and open meadows, our state parks provide vital habitat for hundreds of bird species. Birding is an easy and rewarding way to explore the outdoors. Grab a friend, step outside and see who's flying through your local park. You might be surprised by what you find just above the trail.
Birding at Colorado State Parks
St. Vrain
At St. Vrain State Park you can combine two passions - fishing and birdwatching! In the spring, you can easily record a wide variety of sightings, including ospreys, red-winged blackbirds, great blue herons and bald eagles. With 689 acres of land and 228 acres of water among several ponds, there are exceptional birding opportunities.
Crawford
Crawford State Park’s 6,600 ft. elevation and 400-acre reservoir offers its visitors many leisure time activities in scenic mountainous terrain. A variety of waterfowl, from western grebes to graceful Canada geese, may be seen, either stopping off during migrations or nesting. You can hike from the visitor center to the west shore day use area for a total of 3.5 miles while looking for birds - or there are six starting points around the park to make shorter hikes along this trail.
Barr Lake
Barr Lake State Park is a bird watcher’s paradise. Over 371 species of birds have been seen at the park. An expansive boardwalk with beautiful gazebos and benches offer unparalleled wildlife viewing. Prominent species include eagles, pelicans, double-crested cormorants, blue herons and grebes.
Highline Lake
Highline Lake State Park is surrounded by high-altitude desert and has been named an Important Birding Area by the National Audubon Society. Migrating birds often stop to rest at Highline Lake, while some spend the entire winter season here. Waterfowl are abundant year-round. Watchable Wildlife Kiosks can be found on either side of the lake and there are numerous trails and loops rich with wildlife and birds.
Lathrop
At Lathrop State Park, a pinyon-juniper woodland, diverse wetland, shoreline and aquatic plant communities, as well as many migratory birds and several species of raptors, piñon and scrub jays, await the nature enthusiast. Join the park for a BYOB Birding (Bring Your Own Binoculars) fun and relaxing event on March 28.
Special Edition
Colorado Outdoors Magazine
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2026 Preference Point Issue — View the contents.
Big-game preference points for planning your 2026-2027 hunt, plus herd counts and much more! Get your copy today!
A great gift
At Home in Nature - The History of Colorado's State Parks
Order online or stop by your favorite park to pick up a copy!
The story of how Colorado's state parks came to be, featuring breathtaking photography and the voices of the staff and stewards of these magnificent public lands. The book delves into the rich history of Colorado's state parks, from their inception to the present day, and is a must-read for anyone interested in the state's natural and cultural heritage.
Colorado's Ultimate Road Trip
Colorado State Parks Passport
Visit a state park or hatchery and ask for your free passport. Ask any state park or hatchery staff to stamp your passport. Collect all 57 (42 parks, 15 hatcheries) stamps and receive a completion prize.