Veteran's Day Office Closure
Colorado Parks and Wildlife offices will be closed for Veteran's Day, Wednesday, November 11.
Barr Lake State Park
State Park in Brighton, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Nature Center: Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Monday)
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10-$15
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
13401 Picadilly Road
Brighton, CO 80603
United States
Barr Lake State Park
State Park in Brighton, CO
Hours:
Park: Daily 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Nature Center: Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Monday)
Entrance Fees:
Daily Vehicle Pass: $10-$15
Individual Daily Pass: $4
Animals Permitted:
- Leashed Dogs
- Service Animals
- Horses
Park Address:
13401 Picadilly Road
Brighton, CO 80603
United States
Boating Closure and Toxic Algae Bloom -
Due to low reservoir levels, Barr Lake is CLOSED to all boating, including hand-launched vessels like paddleboards, effective as of 8/3 at 7 p.m. for the remainder of the 2026 season. Additionally, the reservoir is now on red alert due to high concentrations of toxic algae which can be harmful to humans and pets. Visitors should avoid contact with the water and take precautions to prevent exposure.
Children and parents enjoying Mud Day at Barr Lake
Activities and Trails
What to Do at Barr Lake
Just 20 minutes northeast of Denver, you'll find Barr Lake State Park. The park offers a variety of activities throughout the year beside 1,950 acres of peaceful water and a fishing pier that's ADA accessible.
Visitors with disabilities can explore designated trails in the park using a Track Chair. See below for more information and to make reservations.
Activities
- Archery
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Cross-country Skiing
- Eagle Express Tours
- Education Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding: Equestrian Playground
- Hunting: Waterfowl, Goose, Dove
- Ice Fishing
- Paddle Boarding
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Sailboarding
- Snowshoeing
- Track Chair (all-terrain wheelchairs)
- Wildlife Viewing
Best of Barr Lake
Explore Nature
The park's main attraction is its abundant opportunities to explore nature and view wildlife. Visitors with disabilities can also enjoy the trails with an all-terrain motorized wheelchair through the Track Chair program.
Archery Range
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.
Boating
Only sailboats, hand-propelled craft, and boats with electric trolling motors or gasoline motors 10 horsepower or less are permitted on Barr Lake. Boats are allowed only on the north half of the lake. The Barr Lake boat ramp is located on the east side of the lake and accessed through the main entrance.
Fishing
Great fishing, close to Denver and Boulder. The lake is stocked with channel catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, walleye, bluegill, wiper, and tiger muskie. Fishing is not allowed in the wildlife refuge area, or in the irrigation canals surrounding the lake. Fishing is allowed from the shore or from a boat on the north side of the lake. ADA-accessible fishing piers are available.
Upcoming Events
Nov
11
Free Park Entry for Veterans and Active Military
Nov 11, 2026 · 8:00am - Nov 11, 2026 · 10:00pm
As a thank you to United States military members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers veterans, active-duty military and National...
Nov
11
Free Park Entry for Veterans and Active Military
Nov 11, 2026 · 8:00am - Nov 11, 2026 · 10:00pm
As a thank you to United States military members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers veterans, active-duty military and National...
Nov
14
Guided Bird Walk at Barr Lake State Park
Nov 14, 2026 · 9:00am - Nov 14, 2026 · 10:30am
Barr Lake State Park
Join volunteer naturalists Candice and Tim for a guided walk in the park!
Nov
14
Guided Bird Walk at Barr Lake State Park
Nov 14, 2026 · 9:00am - Nov 14, 2026 · 10:30am
Barr Lake State Park
Join volunteer naturalists Candice and Tim for a guided walk in the park!
Nov
19
Toddler Story Time
Nov 19, 2026 · 10:00am - Nov 19, 2026 · 11:00am
Barr Lake State Park
Toddler Story Time at Barr Lake. Bring your preschooler to the Nature Center and listen to stories about the natural world while...
Nov
19
Toddler Story Time
Nov 19, 2026 · 10:00am - Nov 19, 2026 · 11:00am
Barr Lake State Park
Toddler Story Time at Barr Lake. Bring your preschooler to the Nature Center and listen to stories about the natural world while...
Nov
11
Free Park Entry for Veterans and Active Military
Nov 11, 2026 · 8:00am - Nov 11, 2026 · 10:00pm
As a thank you to United States military members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers veterans, active-duty military and National...
Nov
11
Free Park Entry for Veterans and Active Military
Nov 11, 2026 · 8:00am - Nov 11, 2026 · 10:00pm
As a thank you to United States military members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers veterans, active-duty military and National...
Nov
14
Guided Bird Walk at Barr Lake State Park
Nov 14, 2026 · 9:00am - Nov 14, 2026 · 10:30am
Barr Lake State Park
Join volunteer naturalists Candice and Tim for a guided walk in the park!
Nov
14
Guided Bird Walk at Barr Lake State Park
Nov 14, 2026 · 9:00am - Nov 14, 2026 · 10:30am
Barr Lake State Park
Join volunteer naturalists Candice and Tim for a guided walk in the park!
Nov
19
Toddler Story Time
Nov 19, 2026 · 10:00am - Nov 19, 2026 · 11:00am
Barr Lake State Park
Toddler Story Time at Barr Lake. Bring your preschooler to the Nature Center and listen to stories about the natural world while...
Nov
19
Toddler Story Time
Nov 19, 2026 · 10:00am - Nov 19, 2026 · 11:00am
Barr Lake State Park
Toddler Story Time at Barr Lake. Bring your preschooler to the Nature Center and listen to stories about the natural world while...
Three men with fishing poles on a small boat in Barr Lake
Activity
Explore the Lake
A major prairie reservoir of over 1,950 acres forms the heart of this 2,715-acre park. The lake is lined with cottonwoods, marshes and aquatic plants.
Lake Facilities
Facilities
Due to low reservoir levels, Barr Lake State Park CLOSED boat ramps on Friday, July 10 at 9 p.m. through the rest of the 2026 boating season. As of August 3 at 7pm, NO hand launched vessels are allowed as the reservoir is now on red alert due to high concentrations of toxic algae which can be harmful to humans and pets. Visitors should avoid contact with the water and take precautions to prevent exposure.
While the park started the season close to full capacity, the depleted snowpack run-off and drawing down by water rights holders have decreased reservoir levels to the point where boats will be unable to launch from the boat ramp. Read the news release.
The boat ramp is located on the east side of the reservoir.
The lake is owned and managed by Farmer’s Reservoir and Irrigation Company and the water is primarily used for agricultural irrigation and delivery to downstream users, which directly influences lake levels.
We encourage visitors to plan ahead and check for updates throughout the season.
See the "Mandatory Boat Inspections for Aquatic Nuisance Species" information lower on the page.
ADA-accessible fishing piers are available. Call the park at 303-659-6005 for more information.
Water Safety
Colorado Water is Cold Water
Colorado waters are classified as "cold water" (anything under 70 degrees) for most of the year. Swimming in cold water risks cold water shock, which can lead to drowning even for strong, experienced swimmers.
Life Jackets Save Lives
The majority of swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking fatalities occur when people are not wearing a life jacket. By keeping you above water, life jackets can be a last line of defense that prevents a bad situation from getting far worse. Colorado law requires that all water vessels have appropriately sized life jackets readily accessible for every person on board.
Boating and Fishing
Boating
Boating is limited to the north side of the lake only. The south side is closed to all boating as it is designated as a wildlife refuge.
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and check for updates throughout the season, as the season progresses, lake levels can become low, causing the lake to be closed to boating activities. See more under Boat Ramp above.
Allowed watercraft:
- Hand-launched boats (kayaks, paddle boards, etc.)
- Sailboats
- Motorized boats with a motor of 10 horsepower or less
- All other watercraft are prohibited
All motorized boats are required to undergo an Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspection prior to launching.
Fishing
Channel catfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, rainbow trout, walleye, bluegill and wiper are among the species that have been stocked at Barr Lake by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. A valid Colorado fishing license is required.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is allowed when conditions permit. Please use caution when ice fishing. Have proper safety equipment and follow safety guidelines. For tips, tactics and safety information, see the Ice Fishing page.
Fish Species and Bag Limits
See the Fishing Atlas for fishable species at this location and the Fishing Brochure (PDF) for daily bag limits.
Clean Your Gear: Fishing
Help Protect Colorado Waters
Clean Your Gear
Cleaning your gear before and after use helps protect our water from aquatic nuisance species. Check out these videos to learn how to clean your fishing gear.
Mandatory Boat Inspections for ANS at Barr
To boat on the reservoir, an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, current boat registration and a pre-launch boat inspection at the boat ramp is required.
Vessels and other floating devices that are both hand-launched and human-powered are exempt from mandatory ANS inspections. Although, the public is strongly encouraged to self-inspect their watercrafts, boots, waders, and fishing equipment by making sure that all equipment is clean, drained, and dry. For instructions, see Clean Your Gear.
Learn more about aquatic nuisance species.
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are aquatic plants and animals that invade lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams, including zebra mussels, quagga mussels, New Zealand mudsnails, Asian carp, rusty crayfish and more.
Stop the Spread of ANSOh, SHELL NO
Be a Pain in the ANS
Colorado’s chile crop could be impacted by Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS). Take action when you clean, drain and dry your water gear.
Bring the Brochures with You
Fishing Brochure
Read up on the location you want to fish before you head out.
Download the Brochure
Land and Water Regulations Brochure
Have a question about regulations? Check the brochure.
Download the BrochureHiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding
Trails
Barr Lakes offers great trail opportunities for visitors wanting to hike, bike or ride their horse. Be sure to read the Trail Restrictions.
Colorado Trail Explorer (CoTrex) Map
Lake Perimeter Trail
9 miles, dirt mainly
Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding
Leashed dogs
Prairie Welcome Trail
1.1 miles, dirt and paved
Hiking, biking, horseback riding
Leashed dogs
Niedrach Nature Trail
1/2 mile, unpaved
Hiking, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing
No dogs
Wildlife Observation Trail
789 feet, boardwalk
Hiking and Nordic skiing
Leashed dogs
Wildlife Viewing Gazebo Trail
983 feet
Hiking, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing
No dogs
Lake Perimeter Trail
9 miles, dirt mainly
Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding
Leashed dogs
Prairie Welcome Trail
1.1 miles, dirt and paved
Hiking, biking, horseback riding
Leashed dogs
Niedrach Nature Trail
1/2 mile, unpaved
Hiking, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing
No dogs
Wildlife Observation Trail
789 feet, boardwalk
Hiking and Nordic skiing
Leashed dogs
Wildlife Viewing Gazebo Trail
983 feet
Hiking, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing
No dogs
Closures
Trails and recreation at Barr Lake State Park will be impacted as the five-year dam rehabilitation project resumed mid-July. Sections of the Lake Loop trail will be closed weekdays due to dam construction through the fall season, with the trail reopening on weekends.
Currently the section of Lake Loop trail between the south entrance of Niedrach trail to Mile Marker #2, just East of the Rookery Gazebo offshoot trail, is closed.
See Map and News release for more information.
Restrictions
Horses
The road across the top of the dam (Crest Trail) is open to hikers and bicycles, but not to horses. Horseback riders can use the lower trail below the dam. Bicycles and horses are permitted on the main trails, but not on the boardwalks.
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed in the wildlife refuge area. Please plan ahead, and do not bring them on hikes that include this protected section of the park.
Safety during Hunting Season
Most of Colorado's outdoors is multi-use and intended to be shared. Hunters and nonhunters should show respect and courtesy to all users engaged in outdoor recreation.
- Learn where and when hunting is taking place. Stay out of designated hunt areas.
- Stay on designated trails. Enjoying activities only on designated trails will reduce the likelihood of entering designated hunt areas.
- Make yourself easily visible by wearing bright clothing. Choose colors that stand out, like bright, fluorescent red, orange or green.
- For protection, it is recommended to keep your dog on a leash. Tie a brightly-colored bandana around your dog’s neck or purchase a blaze orange dog vest to make your dog more visible.
- Make noise. Alert hunters to your presence by whistling, singing or carrying on a conversation as you walk.
- If you hear shooting, raise your voice and let hunters know you are in the vicinity.
- Be courteous. Once a hunter is aware of your presence, don’t make unnecessary noise that disturbs wildlife. Avoid conflict. Please note it is illegal to intentionally interfere with hunters.
All-Terrain Motorized Wheelchair
Track Chair Program
The Track Chair Program allows wheelchair users and those with varied mobility the opportunity to explore hiking trails and experience the outdoors in an accessible way. A park volunteer will also be on the hike and will have the ability to control the chair with an attendant control should the need arise.
Outings range from 2-3 hours on average, depending on the participants desires. Scheduling is flexible and not limited to weekdays. At this time, use of the track chair is free of charge. A park pass is required on all vehicles entering the park.
To reserve a track chair, please email [email protected] or call us at 303-659-6005.
Dove and Waterfowl
Hunting
Hunting is limited to dove and waterfowl only. All hunters must check in before starting and check out after finishing at the hunting kiosk located at the east entrance. Hunters must carry their valid small-game hunting license with their current HIP number on the license.
Waterfowl hunting is permitted only during the legal, regular waterfowl seasons and on Wednesdays and Saturdays only, from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset. Waterfowl hunting is restricted to blinds located north of the dam, and registration is required. Contact the park office for current hunting restrictions and information. No other hunting or trapping is allowed in the park. One specially designed blind is available for hunters with disabilities.
Waterfowl Hunting Rules
- Fires are prohibited, but propane heaters are permitted in of alcohol or a controlled substance.
- Dogs must be under control and on a six-foot leash, except when actively retrieving.
- Only shotguns loaded with steel shot can be used to hunt waterfowl. Lead shot is prohibited.
- Shotguns must be unloaded while walking to and from the blinds, and bags are encouraged.
- Obtain permission before entering private property to retrieve downed game.
For information on hunting boundaries please review the brochure and map available at the Visitor Center.
Dove hunting is only on Sunday and Monday in September only. Hunters must stay within 10 yards of the station marker. Hunters may walk up to 50 yards from their assigned post to retrieve a downed bird.
Dove Hunting Rules
- Hunters retrieving a downed bird must leave their unloaded firearm at the marker location. Hunters must wear a fluorescent orange hat or vest when in the field retrieving downed birds. The vest or hat can be removed while at the marker post.
- Only three hunters are allowed at each station. This includes children.
- Hunters must walk to and from their blinds along the marked or mowed access path only.
- Please pickup all of your shot shell hulls before leaving the hunt location.
- Shotguns cannot be larger than 12 gauge.
- Hunters must use 7.5 or smaller shot.
- Shotguns cannot be capable of holding more than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber combined.
- Hunters must clear all gear, decoys and harvested birds from the station marker area within 30 minutes of closing time for both the morning and afternoon hunting periods.
For information on hunting boundaries please review the map.
Make a Reservation
Each hunter may reserve only one station per hunting day. Vacated and reserved stations that are unoccupied by 7 a.m. are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a station has been reserved or occupied by a hunter, no one else may check in to that blind until it is vacated and checked out. Visit the hunting reservation page or call 1-800-244-5613 for more information or to reserve a hunting blind. Reservations may be made 14 days in advance, Monday through Friday.
During waterfowl and dove season, hunters can reserve blinds north of the Barr Lake dam by visiting the hunting reservation page or calling 1-800-244-5613.