The great outdoors are right in our backyard here in Westminster. Standley Lake Regional Park has so much fun to be had, it might take an entire summer to try everything! Here are a few of our favorite ways to have a sensational summer at Standley Lake.

Start your day with a bird walk 

The early bird gets the worm, and thanks to our knowledgeable guides, you might get to see those early birds for yourself! On this free guided walk, volunteer bird experts will teach you all about the incredible variety of birds we have along the front range, including those that call Standley Lake home. Binoculars are provided, and you’ll come away with all the avian fun facts your brain can store.

Drop a line and catch the big one

Standley Lake is a hot spot for anglers along the front range. The lake is home to over 13 species of fish, including bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, and more. Fishing from shore or paddlecraft is allowed in most areas, and there’s an ADA accessible fishing pier available all summer. If you’re feeling lucky, you can try to beat the state record walleye, which was caught here in 1997 and weighed over 18 pounds!

Get out on the water and paddle around

Paddling season runs through September, and whether you’re out on the water for a workout or some aquatic rest and relaxation, Standley Lake is a perfect spot for your day on the water. Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent, or feel free to bring your own (as long as you let a ranger spray it down to keep invasive species at bay). Pro tip: rent the fishing kayak that comes with a rod holder and convenient storage compartment for your gear!

Hop on the trails

While the lake is the centerpiece of the park, don’t forget to check out the network of well-maintained trails that weave all around the area. The trails vary in length and are perfect for running, biking, and walking dogs in a less crowded environment than you might find further into the mountains. The North and South trails have amazing views, solid ratings on AllTrails, and are free to use if you park at the lots on either side of the park. Time your adventure correctly and you can catch a gorgeous sunset over the mountains west of Standley Lake.

Check out the Nature Center

The Standley Lake Nature Center is choc full of helpful info and fun activities related to all the wildlife in the park. Check out an age-specific Adventure Kit and explore everything from the native pollinator garden to the sand pit outside where you can be a paleontologist and dig for dinosaur bones. (You can even keep whatever dino bones you find!) Be sure to talk to our staff who love to answer wildlife questions, and maybe you’ll get to meet Betty the Bull Snake who lives in the Nature Center.

Spot Wildlife like a National Geographic Photographer

With such a wide variety of wildlife inhabiting the park, Standley Lake is a nature photographer’s dream. Bring your best camera to try and snap photos of red foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and more. Utilize the trails to get around and find the best angles to snap your pics, or post up in the eagle blind with a good lens to capture images of bald eagles, red tail hawks, and more.

Rest your head under the stars

After a full day of adventuring, return to one of the 66 available campsites to make dinner, kick your feet up, and roast a few marshmallows. Each campsite comes with a picnic table and a fire pit. If you don’t have all the gear (or you just prefer to camp in style) rent out a 16-foot bell tent that comes with all the essentials to make your home in the great outdoors. Each bell tent comes already set up with a double cot, two single cots, a lantern, lockable storage trunk, and a night stand. Private parking is included, and an ADA accessible platform can be reserved.

For more details on activities and programs at Standley Lake visit https://www.westminsterco.gov/StandleyLakeRegionalPark