Barr Lake State Park
Regulations & Considerations
Park Rules
- Day-use only: Barr Lake is a daytime destination with year-round recreation, lakeside picnic areas, and a nature center. Gate hours vary seasonally; check posted hours at arrival.
- Stay on designated routes: Hike, bike, or run only on marked trails and boardwalks. Obey all signs and seasonal closures, especially near nesting and roosting areas.
- Wildlife Refuge etiquette: The southern half of Barr Lake functions as a protected Wildlife Refuge with designated overlooks and viewing blinds, please use these facilities to minimize disturbance.
- Boating & fishing: Water access and angling opportunities are concentrated on the northern half of the lake. Follow all posted watercraft, life-jacket, and fishing regulations.
- Pets: Keep pets leashed and under control at all times. For wildlife protection, some signed areas do not allow pets, always follow on-site instructions.
- Bicycles & e-devices: Ride only on designated multi-use segments of the trail system and yield to pedestrians and wildlife.
- Drones & collecting: Do not launch drones, collect natural/cultural items, or harass wildlife.
- Permits: A valid Colorado Parks & Wildlife pass is required for all vehicles entering the park (see “Fees & Passes” in your guide). Separate permits may be required for group events or special uses.
Wildlife Cautions
- Give raptors extra room: Barr Lake is famous for bald eagles and migrating hawks. Use established overlooks and viewing blinds, keep voices low, and never approach nests or perch trees.
- Ground-nesters & waterfowl: Shorelines and marsh edges host sensitive nests, stay on trail, leash pets, and avoid tall-grass shortcuts.
- Snakes & small mammals: Prairie rattlesnakes and non-venomous species may bask near trails; watch where you place hands/feet and give all wildlife space. Coyotes, foxes, deer, and elk can be encountered, observe quietly and never feed wildlife.
- General rule of thumb: if an animal changes its behavior because of you, you’re too close. Back away and use binoculars or a telephoto lens.
Fire Restrictions
- No campfires: Barr Lake is a day-use park without campgrounds; open fires are not part of the visitor experience.
- Cooking only in approved devices: Use park-provided grills or personal gas/charcoal grills only in designated picnic areas and only when local restrictions allow.
- Know before you go: Fire danger can change quickly on the plains; follow any county or park fire bans posted at the entrance or announced by rangers. Completely extinguish coals and pack out cold ash if instructed.