Top 19 Lakes around Commerce City

For exceptional wildlife viewing, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, featuring Lakes Mary and Ladora, is home to over 330 species, including bison and bald eagles. Barr Lake State Park is renowned as a premier birding destination with over 371 species, particularly bald eagles. Lowell Ponds Wildlife Area and Bluff Lake Park also offer great opportunities for birdwatching and observing local fauna.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge offers an 11-mile Wildlife Drive auto tour and easy hiking trails. Sloan's Lake has playgrounds and a multi-use path. Bluff Lake Park is managed as a wild habitat and features a center for urban wildlife, making it an educational visit. Ferril Lake in City Park is also family-friendly with paths for walking and picnicking.

You can enjoy a wide range of activities. Hiking, cycling, and fishing are popular. At Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, you can hike, cycle, or take a wildlife drive. Barr Lake State Park offers hiking, biking, horseback riding on its 8.8-mile Perimeter Trail, and boating (with motor restrictions). Fishing is permitted at Lakes Mary, Ladora, Barr Lake, and Lowell Ponds Wildlife Area. For more specific routes, check out the MTB Trails around Commerce City, Easy hikes around Commerce City, and Cycling around Commerce City guides.

Yes, numerous hiking trails are available. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge has 20 miles of easy hiking trails, including the Lake Ladora, Lake Mary, and Prairie Trail Loop. Barr Lake State Park features an 8.8-mile Perimeter Trail. Cherry Creek Trail – South Section passes along Lollipop Lake, offering a paved route. Lowell Ponds Wildlife Area and Ferril Lake also provide pleasant walking paths. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Commerce City guide.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Lake Mary and Lake Ladora within the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge permit seasonal fishing with a catch-and-release program, featuring largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and walleye. Barr Lake State Park is excellent for fishing channel catfish, bass, trout, and walleye. Lowell Ponds Wildlife Area is known for warm-water species like largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill.

Yes, Barr Lake State Park is dog-friendly, allowing leashed dogs on its 8.8-mile Perimeter Trail. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and follow park regulations to protect wildlife and other visitors.

The lakes offer beauty year-round. Spring and fall are ideal for birdwatching, especially during migration periods, when waterfowl are abundant at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Barr Lake State Park, and Lowell Ponds Wildlife Area. Summer is great for boating and fishing, while winter provides opportunities to see bald eagles at Barr Lake.

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge offers an 11-mile Wildlife Drive auto tour, which is accessible. Many of the trails around the lakes, such as the paved sections of Cherry Creek Trail – South Section and the multi-use path around Sloan's Lake, are generally suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. It's always advisable to check specific trail conditions before visiting.

Swimming and wading are generally not permitted in the lakes within the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge to protect the wildlife and habitats. While boating is allowed at Barr Lake State Park, swimming is typically restricted to designated areas or not allowed for safety and environmental reasons. Lowell Ponds Wildlife Area also prohibits boating, and by extension, swimming, to protect its habitat.

Most major lake areas provide designated parking. Bluff Lake Park is noted for having parking facilities. Both the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge and Barr Lake State Park have visitor centers and parking lots available for public access.

The lakes around Commerce City are characterized by diverse natural landscapes. You'll find wetlands, prairies, and riparian habitats. These areas support a rich variety of flora and fauna, including numerous bird species, deer, bison, and prairie dogs, especially at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge and Barr Lake State Park. The lakes themselves are home to various fish species.

While popular, Lowell Ponds Wildlife Area offers a more focused and quieter experience, primarily for fishing and birdwatching, as boating is prohibited. It's an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful stroll and a variety of warm-water fish without the crowds of larger recreational lakes.