Barr Lake

Description: Binocular-wielding visitors flock to this 1,900-acre prairie reservoir northeast of Denver. Barr Lake is a birder’s sanctuary, with more than 350 species recorded dating to the 1880s. Of particular interest are the bald eagles that come to roost during winter. Allow the folks at the nature center to suggest a good viewing spot. A couple of short nature trails lead out of the center, and the park’s best offering is the nearly 9-mile loop around the lake that is open to joggers and their dogs as well as bikers and equestrians. Boat motors are limited to 10 horsepower, making the waters calm and ideal for kayakers and sailors.

Activities: Birdwatching; fishing; cross-country skiing/snowshoeing; archery range; limited hunting.

Wildlife: Large variety of birds, including bald eagles, great blue herons, egrets and ospreys, plus deer, coyotes and foxes.

Fun fact: With Barr Lake being a popular pit stop for migrating birds, the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory finds the park to be a more than suitable home. The agency dedicated to bird conservation is headquartered west of the lake.

Address: 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton, 80603

Contact: 303-659-6005, [email protected]

Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; fishing allowed all night

Directions: From Denver, take Interstate 76 east to Exit 22 (Bromley Lane). Continue east on Bromley for about a mile to Picadilly Road, then drive south for about 2 miles to the park entrance.