Park Programs and Events

The following programs are located at Bear Creek Lake Park unless otherwise noted. Contact the Visitor Center at 303-697-6159 for more information.

Bear Creek Birding

Activity #359920
Spend a Tuesday morning searching for birds with Lakewood's Parks Naturalists! We will explore different parks in search of our feathered friends! Bring your binoculars or cameras. Ages 16+. Masks required.
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Full Moon Guided Night Hikes

Activity #359945
Leave those flashlights at home for this unique hiking adventure in the dark! Wear comfortable hiking shoes, dress for weather conditions and bring water.  These hikes are designed for the whole family, and each will average an hour and a half of walking on uneven terrain. Masks are required.
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Nature Hikes

Activity #359946
Spend your Saturday morning hiking along a winding trail! You will learn about the flora, fauna, and history of the area from Lakewood's Parks Naturalist. Masks are required.
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Educational Nature Programs

Bear Creek Lake Park staff offer educational programming for all ages and group sizes. To request a nature program at the park or on location, please fill out a request. 

Nature Program Request

A variety of events are permitted within the City of Lakewood's parks each year.  Special events within the city are regulated by Lakewood Municipal Code, sections 9.32.030 and 9.32.120.

Special events can include the following:

• Any organized competitive or noncompetitive event
• Non-recreational park uses
• Commercial uses
• Filming
• Groups needing to reserve a park area
• Group use involving more than 25 people
• Rallies
• Any other use that may conflict with established park uses, policies or rules.

Application Instructions

Reservations are now available for picnic shelter reservations and outdoor special event permits at 50% of a shelter’s listed capacity up to 125 people beginning July 6. Staff will disinfect shelters associated with rentals and events before a rental. Physical distancing of all guests and vendors is required. Pools and the Surfside shelter are not available for rentals. 

In order to host an event, an organizer must submit a completed event application form to the Regional Parks Supervisor for review and approval. Most events will also be required to submit a non-refundable application fee.  

• Community and Event Application
• Photo/Video Permit Request

Event Approval Guidelines

• Based on the recommendations in the park Master Plan, trail-based events will not be allowed at William Frederick Hayden Park. Certain parking lot and educational events may be approved, including mountain bike demonstrations and filming permits.
• Events requesting the use of the Bear Creek Greenbelt will need special review and may not be allowed. This park has limited parking and high use in a narrow corridor. It is not well-suited for large events.