Park Activities
Archery
Archery range open sunrise to sunset; the range is FREE to use. A park pass is required for entry into the park. There are 12 lanes from 10-100 yards and one Broadhead lane. Our 3D range is open for the season. Standard practice tips only, no broadheads allowed. Crossbows only allowed on the static range, on user-supplied targets only.
(Updated: 4/30/2023 10:40 AM)
Biking
The 8.8-mile Perimeter Trail is open to hikers, horseback riders, and bicyclists and follows the perimeter of the lake. The road across the top of the dam (Dam Crest Trail) is open to hikers and bicycles except on Wednesdays and Saturdays from October through February 16th due to hunting. Bicyclists are encouraged to use bikes with thorn-proof tires because the trails are not paved and thorns are prevalent. Check Barr Lake’s Trails page for additional information.
(Updated: 4/11/2018 3:14 PM)
Birding
A bird watcher’s paradise, Barr Lake State Park offers an expansive boardwalk with beautiful gazebos and benches for unparalleled wildlife viewing. The refuge is a large section of the lake that is off-limits for boats and watersports, so all kinds of wildlife have space and peace to thrive. Prominent species there include eagles, pelicans, double-crested cormorants, blue herons, and grebes. The park-facilitated osprey nest offers an amazing glimpse at the beginning of the magnificent birds’ life cycle.
Stop by the nature center to see all our feathered friends at our bird feeders.
(Updated: 9/9/2019 11:36 AM)
Boating
MAIN BOAT RAMP
The boat ramp will open April 1st, 2024 to hand launch (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards) and all boats under 10 horsepower. Please check all regulations concerning registrations and ANS before coming to the lake.
(Updated: 4/28/2024 10:09 AM)
Camping
While there is no camping allowed at Barr Lake State Park, there are several Colorado State Parks within an hour to an hour and a half drive from Barr Lake. Visit Barr Lake’s Camping page for additional information.
(Updated: 4/11/2018 3:14 PM)
Cross-country Skiing
Cross-country skiing can be great at Barr Lake when conditions allow.
(Updated: 10/15/2016 5:36 PM)
Dog-friendly
Dogs are allowed in the park as long as:
- They are on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times.
- Their waste is properly disposed of.
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. Please be considerate when approaching horses on the trails. Don’t forget pets get thirsty too. If walking the trails with your pet, don’t forget to take some water for them.
(Updated: 9/9/2019 11:47 AM)
Education Programs
Public programs are offered year-round. Come in and sign up to receive our newsletter - the Oasis. Field trips to our park are always welcome! Call (303) 659-6005 to schedule a program for your group today.
(Updated: 9/9/2019 11:49 AM)
Fishing
Multiple warm water species call Barr Lake home, including walleye, wipers, bass, perch, and carp. Trout are stocked and can usually be caught through mid-summer. The new ADA accessible fishing pier opened at the end of May 2019, giving people of all abilities the chance to catch that BIG fish.
Fishing is not allowed in the wildlife refuge area or in the irrigation canals surrounding the lake.
Stop by the Nature Center or ask at the entrance gate for a current copy of fishing regulations and a fishing license.
(Updated: 6/5/2020 10:37 AM)
Hiking
Our main trail, the Perimeter Trail, is open to hikers, horseback riders, and bicyclists and follows the perimeter of the lake for an 8.8-mile loop. There are shorter walks along the various boardwalks that extend over the lake during the spring. An easy 1.3-mile walk from the Nature Center brings you to the Gazebo Boardwalk, where you can get an excellent view of the eagle’s nest and the rookery using a spotting scope. The road across the top of the dam (Dam Crest Trail) is open to hikers and bicyclists except on Wednesdays and Saturdays from October through February due to hunting. Visit Barr Lake’s Trails page for additional information and seasonal closures.
(Updated: 4/11/2018 3:15 PM)
Horseback Riding
An 8.8-mile loop trail for hikers, horseback riders, and bicyclists follows the perimeter of the lake. Horses are not permitted on the boardwalks or the Dam Crest Trail - the road on top of the dam. Horseback riders can use the lower trail below the dam.
The Equestrian Playground is available.
(Updated: 4/28/2024 10:10 AM)
Hunting
Barr Lake is open to waterfowl, goose, and dove hunting during regulation seasons (See regulation brochure for season dates). Hunting in the park is only available on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Check out our hunting page for more information.
(Updated: 9/9/2019 11:55 AM)
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is allowed when conditions allow.
(Updated: 3/31/2019 8:24 AM)
OHV Riding
OHV Riding is prohibited in the Park, however, the Nature Center sells OHV Registrations and Renewals to visitors who want to ride their OHVs on public trails and other areas where OHV Riding is permitted.
(Updated: 6/5/2020 10:40 AM)
Paddle Boarding
Paddleboards are allowed on the north half of the lake and can hand launch from the boat ramp area. The water will open on April 1 for all water sports for the season.
All paddleboards are required by law to have a properly fitting USCG approved lifejacket on board for each person! We strongly encourage you to wear your lifejacket while on the water!
(Updated: 3/10/2024 11:13 AM)
Picnicking
Picnic tables are located throughout the park to enjoy your BBQ along with family and friends. While enjoying your picnic you will be able to view the variety of birds and other wildlife that call Barr Lake home. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For larger groups, our Meadowlark Pavilion can be reserved by calling the park at (303) 659-6005.
(Updated: 6/5/2020 10:44 AM)
Sailboarding
Strong spring winds can make Barr Lake a great lake to sailboard in May and June.
(Updated: 4/11/2018 3:16 PM)
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is prohibited in the Park, however, the Nature Center sells Snowmobile Registrations and Renewals to visitors who want to ride their Snowmobiles on public trails and other areas where Snowmobiling is permitted.
(Updated: 10/15/2023 1:44 PM)
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is allowed with appropriate conditions.
(Updated: 4/11/2018 3:16 PM)
Swimming
No swimming or wading allowed.
(Updated: 4/1/2018 1:15 PM)