Crown Hill Lake
An easy paved lake loop between Wheat Ridge and Lakewood, with waterbirds and the Front Range out past the water.
About Crown Hill Lake
Crown Hill Lake is the centerpiece of Crown Hill Park, a 242-acre Jefferson County Open Space park in unincorporated Jefferson County between Wheat Ridge and Lakewood. It sits between Kipling and Wadsworth just north of West 26th Avenue, so it's an easy after-work stop from almost anywhere in west metro Denver.
The main Lake Loop is a flat, paved circuit of about 1.3 miles. It's popular with walkers, runners and strollers, and natural-surface paths branch off it toward the wetlands. The northwest corner, home to Kestrel Pond, is a designated Wildlife Sanctuary, and the park has National Urban Wildlife Refuge status.
For a photographer it's a dependable close-to-home spot. You get open water, cattails and cottonwoods, with the foothills on the western skyline. Migrating waterfowl, raptors and the odd coyote round it out.
A 1.3-mile loop in Wheat Ridge, easy enough for any skill level and open April through December. Dogs are welcome on leash, with a handful of other activities available along the way — an easy sunset stop that doesn't require any real hiking commitment.
History
The land was homesteaded by brothers Henry and William Lee in the 1860s, and they farmed it to supply the mining camps up Clear Creek. Henry Lee later sold land to the founders of Crown Hill Cemetery, which still borders the park. In 1972 a high-rise development was proposed for the site. Public opposition helped spur the creation of Jefferson County's Open Space program, and in 1978 Jefferson County, Lakewood and Wheat Ridge jointly bought the land around the lake to create Crown Hill Park.
The lake is fed by a ditch from Clear Creek. The water belongs to Crown Hill Cemetery, which uses it for irrigation, so the water level rises and falls through the year.
Photographing Crown Hill Lake
Best light: Calm mornings are best. The water is often glassy, and the low sun from the east lights the foothills and the cottonwoods along the west shore. On clear evenings the sun drops behind the foothills, so you can shoot silhouettes and color in the sky over the water from the east side. Fall cottonwood color and spring migration are the strongest seasons.
Shots to look for
- From the east shore, frame a wide reflection shot looking west across the lake toward the foothills.
- Use a 100-400mm lens from the paths near the Kestrel Pond wetlands to photograph waterfowl and raptors without entering the sanctuary.
- Shoot low through cattails and reeds as a soft foreground for sunset color.
- In late October, use a short telephoto to compress the golden cottonwoods against blue water.
- Use the fishing pier as a leading line on a still morning.
Photo tips
- Stay on designated trails near the Wildlife Sanctuary. It exists to protect nesting and migrating birds.
- A polarizer helps control glare on the lake, but take it off when you want the full reflection.
- The lake level changes through the year with cemetery irrigation, so late-season shorelines can be muddy or exposed.
- Weekday mornings are much quieter than weekend afternoons on the paved loop.
- Bald eagles and hawks are commonly reported, so keep a long lens ready.
Know before you go
- Swimming, wading, paddleboarding and all watercraft are prohibited on Crown Hill Lake and Kestrel Pond.
- The northwest wetlands are a Wildlife Sanctuary. Follow posted rules and stay on trail.
- Dogs must be leashed, and bikes must follow posted speed limits on the shared paved path.
- Check Jeffco Open Space park regulations for hours and current rules.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Crown Hill Lake loop?
The paved Lake Loop is about 1.3 miles and nearly flat. Most people walk it in 30 minutes or less.
Are dogs allowed at Crown Hill Park?
Yes, on leash. Keep them out of the water, because swimming and wading are prohibited.
Can you fish or boat on Crown Hill Lake?
Fishing is popular, and there's a fishing pier. Boats, paddleboards and swimming are not allowed.
Featured in: Easy Colorado Hikes With Big Views
Combine it with
Clear Creek Trail · Sloan's Lake · Golden
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: jeffco.us · en.wikipedia.org · hikingproject.com · ngazette.com. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.