Bald Eagles 🦅 at Barr Lake State Park - Bring Binoculars

Let’s head to Barr Lake State Park in hopes to see the Bald Eagles! I have been there at this time of year maybe 5 times and the number of eagles has varied a lot. So I can’t guarantee how many we will see, but I was told by Barr Lake that it is best before Feb 15.

Difficulty: about 10 miles with minimal elevation gain. This is a mostly flat trail. Plan to take all the side trails along the way to the gazebos and the lake.

BRING BINOCULARS IF YOU HAVE THEM! MOST EAGLES MAY BE IN THE DISTANCE.

THERE IS A $10 FEE TO GET INTO THE STATE PARK IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN ANNUAL STATE PARK PASS.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Let’s go see the bald eagles at Barr Lake. The first time I went, there were at least 50 bald eagles at the gazebo. But I haven’t been so lucky in subsequent years. However we will likely spot at least a few. We are going early, as the gazebo overlook can get crowded when the bald eagles are there. Also I was told that early morning is best. We will hike around the entire lake to get a few miles in. Here is a link to alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/barr-lake-trail-full-loop
Oh…and I think the sunrise over the lake with the mountains behind is beautiful! So I will plan to get there early for sunrise photos before y’all show up. But you are of course welcome to come early and join me if you like.

DOGS: 🚫 Not allowed. Pets are not permitted in the wildlife refuge.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Barr Lake State Park Nature Center. Here is a link to the park brochure that shows where the nature center is: https://cpw.state.co.us/sites/default/files/dam/typuvxypbr/barr-lake-state-park-brochure.pdf
If you click on the alltrails link above and click directions, it will take you to the parking area by the nature center.
If you use google maps, you can type in “Barr Lake Nature Ctr” for directions.

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-104.74755101890105&lat=39.94301371278263#.Y9rUuC9lBvI

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.