Varsity Lake

Varsity Lake is a small ornamental pond on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, nestled between historic sandstone buildings and towering mature trees at the heart of one of America's most scenic college campuses. While it is not a backcountry fishing destination or a place for boating, Varsity Lake holds a special spot in Boulder County as a peaceful urban oasis that is free and open to the public year-round.

The lake sits in a landscaped setting complete with a picturesque footbridge, well-maintained walking paths, and shaded benches along the water's edge. Visitors regularly spot koi fish gliding through the water, ducks paddling in pairs, and an impressive population of turtles basking on rocks and logs — one visitor counted fifteen turtles in a single visit. The surrounding grounds feature large deciduous trees that provide welcome shade in summer and put on a brilliant color show each fall. The Flatirons loom in the background to the west, adding a dramatic mountain backdrop that is hard to beat for a campus setting.

Varsity Lake is a favorite spot for CU students, faculty, and Boulder locals who come to study, read, picnic on the grass, or simply sit and decompress. Photographers find the footbridge and lake reflections especially rewarding, and the setting is popular for senior portraits, engagement photos, and casual campus shots. The area around the lake is well kept and accessible via paved paths, making it an easy stop for visitors of all ages and mobility levels.

Directly adjacent to the lake, the CU Boulder Heritage Center and campus museums offer additional reasons to visit. Inside, you will find exhibits on the university's history, including a detailed LEGO replica of the entire campus that visitors call a must-see. The broader CU campus is worth exploring on foot, with its distinctive Tuscan-inspired sandstone architecture and views of the Flatirons from nearly every angle.

Varsity Lake is best enjoyed during spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the campus landscape is at its most colorful. Summer visits are pleasant in the mornings before afternoon heat sets in, and even winter walks around the lake offer a quiet charm when the campus is less busy. There is no fishing, swimming, or boating permitted — this is a place to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate one of Boulder's most accessible green spaces right in the middle of campus.