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    Barr Lake State Park

    3.8 (59 reviews)

    Barr Lake State Park Photos

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    Ayla B.

    Barr Lake is a great spot to get your steps in! We just went in the Fall & this was the perfect time as all of the leaves have changed and it makes for a beautiful setting while you try to spot eagles! I would imagine this spot in the summer to be way too hot as there's little to no coverage from the sun. But, we had a great time! You will get dusty as most of the trail is dirt. Enjoy and happy eagle sighting!

    Barr lake allows boats and fishing!
    Mary C.

    Buy a state park pass for Colorado and check out all of the parks including Barr Lake State Park. Fishing is allowed with a license. A beautiful park with mountain views, a lake, sand, and a cool breeze to make you feel like you're at the beach! There are trails to hike or you can bring your bike and go for a ride! Horses are allowed at this park too! A nature center is on the property for children to learn about wildlife or to have an indoor rest. Bring the picnic basket because there are lots of picnic tables and the views are spectacular!

    Inside of the nature center
    Caroline Y.

    I came today for a quick hike and birding. I was not disappointed! The state park is so beautiful! We saw multiple species of birds, fish jumping out of the water, and a snake slithering in the water. We stopped at the nature center, and there was tons of information on the different species of birds to look for, and a cool couch with a window overlooking multiple birdfeeders. We spent a couple minutes sitting and watching the birds fly by. Kids would love this. It was awesome. The trail is mostly gravel. I was happy to see they were accessible power wheelchairs to rent in the nature center. I'm also very happy to see all of the events that Barr lake hosts. There are sunset/moonlight walks, birding walks, yoga, bike meetups, informational sessions for kids, and so much more. Bikes and horses are allowed on certain parts of the trail. I'll definitely be back, I have my eye on a couple events!

    Peek-a-boo
    Jodi G.

    A change of scenery. We've visited Barr Lake State Park with and without our pooch for a change of scenery and to bird watch/photograph. We've spotted many a bird walking here at different times of day. We were fortunate enough to hear and see two great horned owls hooting near one another in the early evening. We've also seen bald eagles and more common birds including water fowl. Some birds will nest around the state park. If you take your pooch, you are restricted to the area you are allowed to walk. You cannot walk the full perimeter. If you are paying a $10 fee just for the dog walk, it is not worth the visit. If the fee is covered by your state park pass ($29 annual), then it is an ok walk for taking your dog. They claim the walking area as a flat 14er which gave us a chuckle. It is nice to get walking and encourage moving but a 14er is a challenging hike (for most) with 14,000 feet of elevation. The state park can be like a neighborhood get-a-way for a short time. However, please keep your expectations clear knowing you are not in solitude and are able to see and hear vehicles and building structures depending on where you are at the park.

    10.18.22
    Harlee S.

    I wouldn't considered Barr Lake to be one of my favorite state parks in Colorado, but it was nice to visit for an hour or two. There are a couple hiking trails, some with shade cover, some without. Depending on the time of year the lake can either be full or empty since it is used for crop irrigation nearby. I think the nature center is the highlight of the entire state park. They've got some good information inside and a big section geared towards kids. Plus a comfy spot for birdwatching. You cannot camp or swim here, but you can fish, hike, bird watch and go boating. All in all, not my favorite, but it is well kept and great for taking a leisurely walk.

    Carolina H.

    Beautiful trail! So well taken care of and the visitor center is so cool! Part of the trail is currently closed due to eagles nesting so the entire loop isn't accessible. It's currently in and out.

    In entrance to gift shop/ edu center.
    sandy b.

    Loved visiting this fab park. At 7:30 a.m. I was able to learn how experienced banders ( I made that up) place the tiniest bands on birds they catch ( I saw that too). It was an amazing & awesome show. They had 6 people in total, 2 or 3 to gather the tiny birds from the nests then place in pretty printed cotton drawstring bags. 2 people weighed and measured and 2 recoded the details. All this for $6. There is a nice gift shop. The grounds were wonderful to get a bird count with my fellow birder. Go!

    Map of the trails
    Elizabeth H.

    My family and I decided to go on a nice walk with our dogs and children. The was a nice breeze blowing, a little overcast but the temperature was just right for a beautiful Colorado day. The trail a wide dirt trail, the surface hard enough for you to ride your bike on. This park provides miles of trails. The scenery is gorgeous with periodic places to take a rest on a bench and admire your surroundings. I really enjoyed my time here with my family and I am looking forward to coming back to do some more exploring.

    Sonja A.

    Well, despite other reviews, I personally can find many positives to Barr Lake. While one cannot control Mother Nature, you have to commend Colorado State Parks for doing the best for this reservoir. There are several gazebos available for wildlife viewing (one has the most perfect view of a bald eagle nest), walking bridges that are ADA efficient and the trail is every runners dream. Soft, gravel paths to ease up the pavement pounding were much appreciated by my aging knees. Picnic areas were open and this place was perfectly serene. I would come back anytime, any season. $9 daily entrance fee or use your park pass! #AlwaysChooseAdventuresColorado

    Middle of the lake
    Vincent L.

    No water ! Drought and irrigation makes all the lake water disappear. Still a nice place to walk or picnic but fishing or other water activity is gone. Hopefully rainy season will fill the lake back up

    Picture of lake
    Colleen K.

    We had a fantastic time at Barr Lake. Robert, a volunteer, was wonderful. He went above and beyond to help us. We planned to push our mother in her wheelchair on the path. But, Robert saw us and he used a park electric track chair for her on the trail. He spent about two hours with us maneuvering the chair along the trail. He taught us a lot. We saw lots of birds and an eagle. If ever you need him to use the special chair for someone, he said to call the nature center and reserve. It was very nice that our whole family could go "hiking" together. Thank you Robert.

    The lake
    Peter M.

    Nice place for an evening stroll!! I had the opportunity to visit Barr Lake Stae Park while in the area for business. After a big meal at Applebee's, I wanted to go somewhere and walk off my dinner. I noticed this State park on Google Maps and went to check it out. When I arrived I saw birders, boaters, and many many people fishing. There was ample parking and I made my way to the trails and went for a nice sunset walk. The area is very scenic, and at sundown, it was a great place to be. The park was clean and I had no issues with any people there. It was a very nice place to visit.

    Alisa J.

    Great park! I love the scenery of the lake and the trees. There are quite a few birds there and it's fun to look at them. It's very peaceful and walking on the boardwalk is really fun. Go for a great walk and to see and hear the birds!

    Frozen lake

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    Ask the Community - Barr Lake State Park

    Review Highlights - Barr Lake State Park

    There are adult/family events too including day and moonlight hikes & fishing clinics.

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