Rooted in Nature.
Driven by Community.

A Birding Hotspot for Generations

Barr Lake State Park is one of Colorado’s premier birding destinations, offering year-round opportunities to view more than 350 species of migratory and resident birds—including bald eagles, waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds—across diverse riparian and wetland habitats.

Wander Where Nature Leads

Barr Lake State Park offers easy, flat hiking and nature trails featuring a peaceful boardwalk over the wildlife refuge with shaded gazebos and benches that provide the ideal vantage points for soaking in the surrounding natural beauty.

Don’t Forget Your Life Jacket

Self-serve kayak and paddleboard rentals are at Barr Lake State Park—just scan the QR code or use the mobile app to launch directly from the shoreline with no reservations required, and enjoy the water from sunup to sundown, seven days a week.

Making Barr Lake More Accessible

The Barr Lake Track Chair Program provides accessible outdoor recreation for people of all abilities using specially designed Action Trackchairs® that can be reserved by sending an email below or calling Barr Lake State Park at (303) 659-6005.

Discover, Touch & Explore

Barr Lake State Park’s Nature Center offers a fun, educational experience for all ages with interactive exhibits, a hands-on touch table featuring animal bones and furs, informative displays, a gift shop stocked with Barr Lake swag, and the chance to meet Neville, the resident hog-nosed snake.

Shoot Your Shot at the Range

Barr Lake State Park’s archery range features 12 shooting lanes with distances from 10 to 100 yards, designated areas for field, target, and broadhead shooting, and a 3-D course with interactive targets ideal for novices and experienced archers.

Cast Your Line in the Lake

Barr Lake State Park offers convenient, accessible fishing just outside Denver and Boulder, with opportunities to catch channel catfish, bass, trout, walleye, bluegill, wiper, and tiger muskie from shore or boat on the north side of the lake, as well as an ADA-accessible fishing pier.

Respect the Hunt. Prioritize Safety.

Hunting at Barr Lake State Park is limited to dove and waterfowl, and requires hunters to check in and out at the east entrance kiosk while carrying a valid small-game license with a current HIP number.

Find Your Rhythm on the Reservoir

Barr Lake State Park allows sailboats, hand-propelled craft, and boats with electric trolling motors or gasoline motors 10 horsepower or less on the north half of the lake, with access provided via the boat ramp on the east side through the main park entrance.

Explore the Lake on Horseback

Horseback riding at Barr Lake State Park is permitted on the flat, scenic 8.8-mile gravel perimeter trail, where equestrians can enjoy lake and wildlife views with convenient access and horse trailer parking available near the boat and trailer lot.

April 18, 2026 | 8 am – 12 pm

Celebrate Earth Day at Barr Lake! Free trail cleanup, eco-friendly activities, and family fun at this community event in Brighton, CO.

April 25, 2026 | 9:30 –11 am

Join us for a special event on our dedication of the "Bergman Barn." The Bergman's, who built this barn in the early 1900's, cared for the land for three generations. Barr Lake State Park restored the barn to honor their story.

June 2026

Create a welcoming haven for local birds in this hands-on backyard bird feeder workshop, where you’ll build your own feeder and learn simple tips to attract and support feathered visitors year-round.

Details coming soon.

October 3, 2026

Celebrate the season at Barr Lake’s Annual Harvest Festival with live music, local food vendors, artisan goods, wagon rides, and family-friendly fun—including visits with goats—bringing the community together for a festive day on the prairie.