Barr Lake State Park

Barr Lake State Park is located on the southeastern fringe of Brighton, CO, and is best know for the pair of Bald Eagles that raise chicks each year. The current lake was created by a dam on the Burlington Canal, which is fed by the South Platte.

In addition to the Bald Eagles, over 300 other species of birds can be spotted on or near the lake, at various times of the year. This makes Barr Lake the preeminent bird watching place in the area, and one of the best in the state.

Barr Lake State Park offers other activities as well. That lake is stocked with channel cat, bass, and trout. There is an 8.8 multi-use (hikers, bicyclists, and horses) trail that circles the lake. Boat are allowed on the lake, but nothing about 10 horsepower. There is a picnic facility and boat ramp at the east end of the lake. Waterfowl hunting is allowed, during season, on Wednesdays and Saturdays from the blinds just north of the dam

Overnight camping is not allowed. The park is open from 5 AM to 10 PM. Dogs are not allowed in the Wildlife Refuge that covers the southern portion of the park. Cost is $6 for a day pass. The lake itself is first and foremost a farmer’s irrigation storage facility, so lake levels greatly vary. It’s location on the Colorado plains also means a lot dry land and drought tolerant foliage away from the lake.