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Bear Creek Lake Park

Announcement

Notice of Big Soda Lake Closure on Wednesday, June 7 for blue-green algae treatment. More information below.

Flood Update (May 25, 2023)

As a result of the recent rainfall, the water level at Bear Creek Reservoir is over capacity resulting in the following closures:

The Reservoir boat ramp and parking area
Lower Pelican Point
The trails along the base of Mt. Carbon Dam including part of the paved bike trail
Cottonwood Trail
Fisherman's Trail
Portions of the Mt. Carbon Trail loop along Bear Creek Reservoir

The water level has also affected the campground at Bear Creek Lake Park and resulted in the following closures:

The individual water pumps throughout the campground
The water fill station
The shower house
The permanent restrooms

The north park road has been reopened.

The vault toilets at the north and south ends of campgrounds are open. The dump station is open, but no water is available to rinse out tanks. Campground closures could be in place until Friday, May 19.

Signage is posted in the park, please respect park closures for your safety.

Big Soda Lake closure update (May 26, 2023)

Big Soda Lake at Bear Creek Lake Park will be closed on Wednesday, June 7 for blue-green algae treatment. EutroSORB G will be applied to pre-treat the lake to help prevent blue-green algae blooms this summer. EutroSORB G functions by binding phosphorous in the lake into the lake floor. Phosphorous in the water is a major contributor to blue-green blooms. This product is safe for humans and wildlife and is not a pesticide. Big Soda Lake is planned to reopen on June 8 at 6 a.m. as usual.

Blue-green algae, a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria, is normally present in bodies of water such as Big Soda Lake and is commonly found in Colorado. This type of bacteria thrives in warm, nutrient-rich water. Excessive growth of the algae can occur during summer months, and certain varieties of blue-green algae can produce toxins that are linked to illness in humans and animals.

Blue-green algae treatment will be part of a multi-year project to treat phosphorous at Big Soda Lake.

Similar in size and activities to a state park, Bear Creek Lake Park is a 2,624-acre gem that provides opportunities to hike, picnic, camp, fish, boat, windsurf, mountain or road bike, hit the swim beach or head to the archery range.

Big Soda Lake is open to paddle craft; swim season has ended.

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BCLP Closures and Event Advisories

Trail construction

None at this time. View the Lakewood Trail Map for up-to-date trail conditions.

events and park areas impacted:

January 29, Yeti Chase Running Race, 8am-noon, park roads and paved trails
February 11, Tightline Outdoors Ice Fishing Tournament, Pelican Point and Bear Creek Reservoir
March 18, Perri Jay 6k running race, Pelican Point
April 1, The Bear mountain bike race, 7am-5pm, almost all park trails
(equestrians and other trail users are highly encouraged to seek other venues on this day)
April 22, Earth Day Volunteer Service Project, Meadowlark Cove
April 29, BCLP Trout Fishing Tournament, Bear Creek Reservoir
May 20, Rocky Mountain Paddleboard Paddle the Rockies SUP race, Big Soda Lake
June 3, National Trails Day Volunteer Service Project, Green Mountain
Mid-week Melee Mountain Bike Race Series, Wednesdays June 7 and June 21, Coyote Crossing and north park trails
Lakewood Trail Running Series, each Wednesday in September, 6pm, Pelican Point.
September 9, Littlefoot Triathlon, 7am-1pm, Big Soda Lake and park roads/paved trails,
September 16, Rocky Mountain Paddleboard Paddle the Rockies SUP race, Big Soda Lake
September 23, National Public Lands Day Volunteer Service Project, Bear Creek Greenbelt
September 23-24 (TWO DAY EVENT) Bear Chase running race (10k, ½ marathon, 50k, 50mi, 100k), majority of park trails.
September 30-October 1, Beti Bash women’s mountain bike race, 8am-4pm, Coyote Crossing and north park trails (October 1 clinic day, October 2 race day)
October 14, Halloween Haunted Trail (park educational event).
October 15, Beware the Bear running race, Coyote Crossing and north park trails
October 21, Great Trailhead running race, 8am-noon, Pelican Point and dirt trails

Bear Creek Lake Park Entrance Fees and Pass

Thank you for your support of Bear Creek Lake Park. Your fees support the visitor experience and protect resources for generations to come. View impactful projects completed in recent years.

Day Pass (per vehicle)

Cash and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard and Discover) accepted.

General: $10
Seniors (age 62 and older): $5
Person with Disabilities: $5

2023 Annual Pass

Annual passes are on sale Dec 1, 2022. Passes are valid from date of purchase and expire on Dec. 31 of the pass calendar year. Passes are available for purchase online, at the park entrance station or at the Visitor's Center. Keep your email receipt until you receive your annual pass sticker in the mail.

General: $80
Senior (62+)/Person With Disabilities: Discounted rate of $50
Each additional vehicle*: $30

*Additional vehicle passes must be registered to the same address. They can only be purchased in-person with proof of vehicle registration.

Purchase a Pass