Barr Lake
A prairie reservoir northeast of Denver with nesting bald eagles, a busy bird rookery and huge sunsets.
About Barr Lake
Barr Lake State Park surrounds a large plains reservoir near Brighton in Adams County, about a half hour northeast of downtown Denver. The reservoir covers more than 1,900 acres within a 2,715-acre park, and an 8.8-mile trail circles the shoreline.
The southern half of the lake is a wildlife refuge, and that's what makes Barr Lake special: more than 350 bird species have been recorded here, including wintering bald eagles and a pair that nests at the water's edge. A boardwalk near the nature center leads to a gazebo overlooking the park's rookery.
For landscape photographers, the flat horizon and open water mean wide skies, dramatic plains storms, and long reflections at sunrise and sunset with the Front Range on the western skyline.
A short drive northeast of Denver, with something for the fishing crowd, boaters, and naturalists alike at Barr Lake State Park. The lake draws a reliable population of waterfowl, so a longer lens pays off here even if you came mainly for the landscape.
History
Cheyenne and Arapaho people hunted bison, elk and pronghorn in this area before settlement. The railroad arrived in 1883, and the lake is named for a railroad official named Barr. In 1908 a dam joined two smaller reservoirs into today's Barr Lake, which was used to irrigate nearby farms, including sugar beets, and is still fed by the Burlington Ditch from the South Platte.
Barr Lake State Park opened to the public in 1977. Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is headquartered in the park, and bird records here go back to the 1880s.
Photographing Barr Lake
Best light: Sunset is the signature: the sun drops toward the Front Range across the water, lighting up clouds over the plains. Winter (roughly November through March) is prime for bald eagles, while spring and early summer bring nesting activity at the rookery.
Shots to look for
- Sunset over the lake with the Front Range silhouetted on the western horizon
- Rookery activity from the Gazebo Boardwalk with a 400-600mm lens
- Bald eagles perched in shoreline cottonwoods in winter, shot with a long telephoto
- Shoreline reeds and cottonwoods as foreground for a wide sunrise over the water
- Plains thunderstorms and shelf clouds building over the water in summer
Photo tips
- Leave pets at home if birding is your goal; dogs flush wildlife
- Bring your longest lens and a gimbal or beanbag for wildlife
- Mosquitoes can be intense near the water in summer; pack repellent
- Respect closures in the refuge and around nesting areas
- Check the nature center for recent eagle and rookery sightings
Know before you go
- The southern half of the reservoir is a wildlife refuge with restricted use
- Boating can be closed in low-water years; check CPW for current status
- Toxic algae advisories occur; avoid water contact when posted
- Sections of the lake loop may close for construction or nesting; check current trail status
Prints from Barr Lake
Every photo is available as a print on metal, canvas, wood or fine art paper.
Frequently asked questions
When can you see bald eagles at Barr Lake?
Many bald eagles winter at Barr Lake, and a pair nests at the park, so winter and early spring are excellent. Ask at the nature center for current sightings.
How long is the trail around Barr Lake?
The loop around the lake is about 8.8 miles and mostly flat.
Are dogs allowed at Barr Lake?
Yes, on leash. If you're there to watch birds, CPW suggests leaving pets at home.
Featured in: Photography Spots Near Denver · Where to Photograph Wildlife in Colorado
Combine it with
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge · Brighton · Eastern Plains · Golden Ponds
More Colorado spots
Mount Massive · Central City Masonic Cemetery · Three Mile Creek
Sources & further reading: cpw.state.co.us · en.wikipedia.org · coloradovirtuallibrary.org. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.