City: Denver, CO

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (303) 659-6005

Address: 13401 Picadilly Rd.

Description: Barr Lake is a 2,700-acre state park surrounding a 1,900-acre prairie reservoir. Decades ago the reservoir used to be something of a sewage dump, and people would roll up their car windows when they drove past it on I-76. But that was long ago. Today it’s a charming and tranquil place with more than 300 species of birds. It’s the area’s best place to watch eagles that hunt around the lake and nest in the trees at the lake’s southern half, which is designated as a wildlife refuge (no pets allowed in this area). It’s also the biggest lake in the Denver area, where you can canoe, kayak, or otherwise go boating without being buzzed by personal watercraft, powerboats, and water-­skiers. The only boats allowed on the lake are sailboats, hand-­propelled craft, and boats with electric trolling motors or gas engines of 10 horsepower or less. Hiking here is pleasant because the lakeshore is lined with cottonwoods. There are plenty of aquatic plants and marshes, where it’s always interesting to watch the big carp rooting and sucking. On both the north and south ends of the lake, you can walk out on wooden boardwalks extending into the water and watch wildlife from the gazebo at the end. Bring binoculars. Camping is not allowed at Barr Lake, but the park is open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily year-­round. To get there, take I-76 northeast out of Denver about 20 miles to exit 22, Bromley Lane, east to Picadilly Road, and south to the park entrance. There’s also a nature center with displays and information and a bookstore.