body of water covered with trees and hill

Barr Lake State Park

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

June-October

Entrance Fee

$10 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, 5 AM - 10 PM

About This Location

Barr Lake State Park is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 353 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and American Wigeon among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

6/2/2026Barr Lake SP--Neidrach Nature Trail & Visitor Center area1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

6/2/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR--Havana Ponds and Trail1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

6/2/202616th Street, Denver US-CO 39.74890, -104.997071 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

6/2/2026Denver City Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/2/2026Plaster Reservoir1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

6/2/2026NE Broomfield County Pond and Area1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

6/2/2026Personal Location--PK Hill Ivy St.1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

6/2/2026Plaster Reservoir1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/1/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

6/2/2026

Green-winged Teal

36/2/2026

Mourning Dove

6/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/2/2026

American White Pelican

6/2/2026

Tree Swallow

6/2/2026

Barn Swallow

6/2/2026

Northern House Wren

6/2/2026

European Starling

6/2/2026

American Robin

6/2/2026

House Sparrow

6/2/2026

Western Meadowlark

6/2/2026

Bullock's Oriole

6/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

6/2/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

6/2/2026

Common Grackle

6/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

6/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/2/2026

Orchard Oriole

16/2/2026

Mallard

26/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Barr Lake State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Barr Lake State Park for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Barr Lake State Park?
Notable species at Barr Lake State Park include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Ring-billed Gull, Mallard, Northern Flicker, Black-capped Chickadee, American Robin, Rock Pigeon, European Starling, Bushtit. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Barr Lake State Park?
Birding at Barr Lake State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Barr Lake State Park?
The entrance fee at Barr Lake State Park is $10 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, 5 AM - 10 PM.
What amenities are available at Barr Lake State Park?
Barr Lake State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.