Boating

Barr Lake offers 1,950 surface acres of quiet, calm water. The lake is divided into northern and southern sections by a line of buoys. The southern half of the lake is a dedicated wildlife refuge. To protect wildlife and wildlife habitat, boating and fishing are not permitted south of the buoy line.

The northern half of the lake is open to several water sports including boating, canoeing, and sailboarding. Only sailboats, hand-propelled craft, and boats with electric trolling motors or gasoline motors of 10 horsepower or less are permitted on Barr Lake. Boats are allowed only on the north half of the lake.

A boat ramp is located on the east side of the lake and accessed through the main entrance. For the safety of park visitors, swimming, wading, and diving are prohibited.

Barr Lake is owned by Farmers Reservoir and Irrigation Company and is used as irrigation storage. Because of this, Barr Lake’s water levels can fluctuate throughout the summer months. Barr Lake is a relatively shallow body of water with high nutrient levels and often experiences blue-green algae blooms during the hot summer months from mid-July through September. You may contact the park office for current conditions at (303) 659-6005.

(Updated: 5/30/2025 2:00 PM)