Barr Lake State Park
A peaceful prairie-lake escape near Denver where quiet shorelines, birding blinds, and wide open skies meet easy paths, calm water, and abundant wildlife.
Type of Area
State Park
Address
Key Features
Park Size
2,715 acres
Highest Point
5,170 ft (1,575 m)
Major Wildlife
Bald Eagles; Waterfowl; Shorebirds; Hundreds of Recorded Bird Species
Miles of Trail
About 12 miles of trails, including a lake-circling loop
Popular Activities
Birding; Hiking; Biking; Horseback Riding; Fishing; Seasonal Boating in the Recreation Zone
Scenic Views
Lakeshore Wildlife Refuge with Boardwalks and Viewing Stations; Birding Observatory Areas; Broad Prairie Vistas Across the Reservoir
WiFi Access
Full Access
Best Time to Visit
Winter for nesting and over-wintering eagles; spring and fall for peak migration birding
Overview
Big sky, quiet water, and easy paths create a calm prairie escape where cottonwoods, marsh edges, and a protected refuge bring close birding, relaxed strolls, and wide open views together.
Maps
Maps
Trail-ready and visitor-friendly: grab the official map, explore easy loops and lakeside boardwalks, and navigate straight to the Nature Center for eagle viewing, rentals, and ranger tips.
Entrances & Fees
Park Entrances
Barr Lake State Park has two main entrances: a Main Entrance on the southeast side that provides access to the Nature Center, and a Northern Entrance which leads to the Bird Conservancy of Rockies Environmental Learning Center
Fees & Passes
Barr Lake State Park offers simple options for every visit, from an easy day pass to great-value annual and resident discounts, plus special lifetime access for eligible Coloradans.
Accessibility & Seasonal Info
Accessibility
Gentle paths, a lakeside boardwalk, and a welcoming nature center make this prairie-lake haven easy to enjoy with accessible facilities, relaxed routes, and bird-watching views built for everyone.
Seasonal Access & Weather
Sunlit shorelines, winter eagle skies, and easy lakeside paths make each season its own kind of magic, with simple updates that keep outings smooth and wildlife protected.
Seasonal Closures
Seasonal Closures
Quiet refuge waters, raptor roosts, and easy lakeshore trails shape the seasons here, with simple, well-marked rules and occasional short-term closures that keep wildlife first and visits smooth.
History & Culture
History & Culture
Where prairie meets water, Barr Lake tells a living story of bison trails, Indigenous traditions, iron rails, and a modern refuge where cottonwoods, great blue herons, and migrating eagles return year after year.
Geology & Ecology
Geology & Ecology
Big-sky vistas, glassy water, golden prairie, and soaring bald eagles, Barr Lake is Denver’s plains-side birding oasis where easy trails and tranquil wetlands invite unhurried discovery.
Regulations & Considerations
Regulations & Considerations
Big-sky prairie, mirror-calm water, and front-row raptor watching; Barr Lake blends easy trails, lakeside picnics, and top-tier birding just outside Denver.