Ferril Lake anchors Denver's City Park, a 330-acre green space that has served as the city's backyard since 1882. With the downtown skyline rising to the west and the Front Range stretching across the horizon, this urban lake gives Denver residents a place to paddle, fish, jog, and decompress without ever leaving the city limits. If you are looking for a quick outdoor escape in the heart of Colorado's capital, Ferril Lake delivers year-round.
Fishing at Ferril Lake puts you within casting distance of a surprisingly varied warm-water fishery. Largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, green sunfish, yellow perch, and bullhead all patrol these waters, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks rainbow trout seasonally to keep the bite active through cooler months. A valid Colorado fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. Denver Parks and Recreation also runs periodic "Fishing is Fun" events for kids and beginners, making the lake a gateway to the sport for young anglers.
Paddleboarding and kayaking have become signature Ferril Lake activities. Wheel Fun Rentals operates a concession near the pavilion, offering paddle boards, kayaks, pedal boats, and swan boats for hourly rental. You can also bring your own non-motorized watercraft. Motorized boats are not permitted, which keeps the water calm and manageable for first-time paddlers. The lake is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
A paved loop trail circles Ferril Lake and connects to the wider City Park path network, drawing runners, walkers, cyclists, and dog walkers throughout the day. Fall mornings are especially popular, when fog hovers over the water and the surrounding trees turn gold and red. The Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature and Science both border City Park, making it easy to combine a morning on the lake with an afternoon of exhibits.
City Park provides restrooms, ample free parking, picnic tables, grills, playgrounds, and tennis courts. The park hosts summer concerts, festivals, and Denver's Fourth of July fireworks display, all of which draw large crowds. For a calmer visit, weekday mornings and early weekend hours offer the best combination of open water and available parking. No entry fee is required for the park or the lake.