Harriman Lake

Harriman Lake sits at the corner of Kipling Street and Quincy Avenue in the Lakewood area of Jefferson County, offering 133 acres of open space wrapped around a 70-acre irrigation-fed lake. Managed cooperatively by Foothills Park and Recreation District and Denver Water, this park is one of the most accessible lakeside walks along the Front Range — flat terrain, a 1.6-mile gravel loop, and unobstructed views of the foothills make it a go-to spot for a quick outing without driving into the mountains.

The loop trail circles the entire lake on a wide, well-maintained gravel surface with only about 19 feet of total elevation change. Strollers, wheelchairs, and joggers share the path comfortably. Benches are spaced around the loop for resting and watching the water, and two covered picnic tables sit on the south side of the lake. The flat, open layout means full sun exposure on most of the trail, so bring a hat and water on warm days. A typical lap takes 25 to 40 minutes at a walking pace, and many regulars do two or three loops for a solid workout.

Fishing is permitted from shore under standard Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations. Harriman Lake holds largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, carp, saugeye, and occasional trout. The lake averages 15 to 18 feet deep, and the best fishing spots tend to be along the dam and the deeper pockets on the north side. Keep in mind that swimming, wading, boating of any kind (including belly boats), and ice fishing are all prohibited — Denver Water enforces these rules to protect the irrigation supply.

Bird watching is a standout activity here. Evergreen Audubon recognizes Harriman Lake as a birding hotspot, and regulars report sightings of great blue herons, red-tailed hawks, American white pelicans, various duck species, and migrating shorebirds in spring and fall. The open water and marshy edges create habitat for both waterfowl and raptors, making the loop a productive birding walk any time of year.

Dogs are welcome on leash throughout the park, and you will see plenty of them on any given afternoon. Waste bag stations and trash receptacles are placed around the loop. Bikes are also allowed on the trail. The park does not have restrooms, playgrounds, or a concession stand — it is intentionally kept in a natural state. Parking is in a small dirt lot next to the fire station at the Kipling Street entrance. The lot is unpaved and can get muddy after rain or snow, which is a common complaint among visitors. Despite the minimal amenities, the sunset views over the foothills and the reliable wildlife sightings keep locals coming back regularly.