Erie Lake

Erie Lake is a compact reservoir on the southwest edge of the Town of Erie in Boulder County, and it has become the go-to spot for locals who want a quick walk, a casual fishing outing, or a few minutes of quiet without leaving town. Sitting right off Highway 287 at North 111th Street, the lake is easy to reach from Erie, Lafayette, Broomfield, and the broader Boulder-Denver corridor. A groomed loop trail circles the entire shoreline in just under a mile, making it one of the most accessible lakeside walks on the northern Front Range.

The 0.86-mile trail combines concrete and crusher-fine gravel surfaces, so it works for strollers, wheelchairs, and anyone who prefers a smooth path over rocky terrain. Benches are spaced along the route for resting and watching the resident birds, and the flat grade means the loop suits walkers, joggers, and runners of every fitness level. Several reviewers describe it as a favorite spot for interval training, with 0.5- and 0.75-mile segments that fit neatly into a speed workout. The trail stays accessible year-round and rarely gets muddy enough to close.

Fishing is the other main draw at Erie Lake. The reservoir holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and trout stocked by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. A handicapped-accessible fishing pier extends over the water, giving shore anglers a solid platform without needing to scramble down the bank. Bass fishing picks up in late spring and summer, while bluegill bite reliably throughout the warmer months. Catfish have also been reported by local anglers. All fishing follows Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations, so carry a valid license and check current bag limits before you cast.

Erie Lake is a drinking water reservoir for the Town of Erie, so swimming, wading, and any body contact with the water are prohibited for both people and pets. Dogs are welcome on the trail but must remain on leash at all times. Portable restrooms are available near the parking areas, and the lake can be accessed from multiple entry points including North 111th Street, Highway 287, McClure Drive, and the Arapahoe Ridge Marketplace.

Birding is surprisingly productive here for such a small urban lake. The Colorado Birding Trail includes Erie Lake and nearby Thomas Reservoir as a designated stop, and visitors report hearing a variety of wildlife even over the background hum of Highway 287. Great blue herons, red-winged blackbirds, and migrating waterfowl are common sightings depending on the season.

Erie Lake will not give you a backcountry experience, but that is not the point. It delivers a clean, well-maintained outdoor space within minutes of home for thousands of Front Range residents who want fresh air, moving water, and a reason to step away from their desks.