Bear Creek Lake Park is covert in the Front Range beside Red Rocks and C-470. It is centered surrounding three lakes in the hillocks between Morrison and Lakewood: Bear Creek Lake, Little Soda Lake, and Big Soda Lake. Comparable in activities and size to a state park, this lake park is a 2,624-acre paradise that provides good times to picnic, fish, camp, hike, boat, road or mountain bike, windsurf, archery, or swim. Here are the activities and features that can make your visit to Bear Creek Lake Park fun and exciting.

Activities

Archery

The archery range is open all year round and is already included in the admission fee of the park. The range features picnic tables, two shade shelters, 12 bale targets which range from 10 to 80 yards, and one moveable target ideal for longer range training.

Swimming

Big Soda Lake permits swimming through Labor Day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Swim beach features picnic sites, a concession stand, a lap swimming lane, two sand volleyball courts, a playground, and beach picnic shelters. During summer, kayaks, pedal boats, canoes, and paddleboards are available for rent. Classes for stand-up paddleboards (SUP) are also offered with group rates.

Boating

Big Soda Lake and Bear Creek Lake are open for public boating while Little Soda Lake only allows access to private boats for the Water Ski School. Bear Creek Lake is limited to motorized boats with 10hp or less motor size while non-motorized boats are only allowed in Big Soda Lake.

Fishing

During summer, the lake is stocked up to two times per month. Fish species include small-mouth bass, occasional walleye or tiger muskie, rainbow trout, yellow perch, and saugeye. An annual Trout Fishing Tournament is held in May.

Hiking/Biking

Hiking, horseback riding, and biking are popular on the trails of the park. The 15 miles multiple-use trails in the park are ideal for exploring the area on foot, horseback, or bicycle. Guided rides and lessons on horseback riding are offered by the Bear Creek Ranch Stables.

Wildlife Viewing

Bear Creek Lake Park's 2,600 acres open space is a perfect place to see the wildlife of Colorado. With riparian, prairie, and wetland ecosystems, numerous animals consider the park as their home. Feeding the animals is prohibited and visitors are advised to wait patiently, be quiet, and choose a safe spot while waiting for the appearance of animals.

Winter Recreation

If the weather conditions permit, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowshoeing are allowed in the park.

Camping

Bear Creek Lake Park features one of the full-service, closest campgrounds to the metro area of Denver. Recreational vehicles and tents are welcome. Regular camping season starts from April 1 until October 31. The campground features 3 cabins, 1 group site, 2 yurts, and 47 campsites. Amenities include on-site restrooms, a dump/sanitation station, coin-operated showers, and a water-fill station. Visit here for the campground rules, fees, reservations, and details.

Park Events and Programs

The City of Lakewood and the Bear Creek Lake Park offer a variety of events and programs. Ongoing park programs include archery, Bear Creek Birding, Nature Hikes, Pre-K Nature Day, New and Full Moon Guided Night Hikes, and Sunset Hikes. Upcoming special events include National Wildlife Day, Haunted Trail Adventure, Marooned without a compass scavenger hunt, and Winter Solstice Celebration.

Things to know before you go

• Parking is not allowed outside the park on Morrison Road. According to the park officials, police patrols will subject violators to a citation.

• Special events or commercial activities are not allowed without a valid permit.

• Rental hours for all shelters are seasonal and established on park hours.

• Dogs must always be kept under control and on a leash.

• The beach's sand areas are restricted for dogs.

• No lifeguards on duty.

• Personal charcoal grills and any alcohol aside from beer are not allowed.

• During summer, park gates open as early as 6 a.m.

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