Record Attendance Expected At Bear Creek Lake Park This Summer

LAKEWOOD, CO — Sunbathers and campers are flocking to Bear Creek Lake Park's popular sandy swim beach this season, and it's expected to be the busiest summer yet, the City of Lakewood said. Officials are expecting record attendance at the park, particularly on holidays and Sundays.

The swimming beach at Big Soda Lake is one of the most popular spots for Lakewood residents, visitors from throughout metro Denver and campers.

Regional Park Supervisor Drew Sprafke said those who arrive before 7 a.m. this summer have the best chance of getting a great spot.

“We’re already experiencing wait times at the park entrance of 10 minutes or more. In order to expedite entry, visitors can arrive early and have the $10 daily entry fee payment ready when they reach the entrance station or have purchased an annual pass in advance.”

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If the park reaches capacity on the Fourth of July, no re-entry will be allowed, the city said. Visitors are encouraged to arrive prepared with any supplies they will need for a full day at the park. If the park reaches maximum capacity the entrance will be closed, potentially for the remainder of the day.

Another reason to arrive early: The park hosted an estimated 6,000 people on the Fourth of July in 2018. Once the parking lots within the park are full, the park must close for several hours to new visitors. Additionally, no parking is allowed on Morrison Road outside the park. Violators will be subject to a citation by the extra police patrols working the holiday weekend.

Visitors are welcome to swim from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. this summer through Labor Day, the city said. Other watersport options in the park include water ski and wakeboard lessons and rentals of paddleboats, paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and sailboats from Rocky Mountain Paddleboard.

For more details on park activities and restrictions, visit Lakewood.org/BCLP or call 303-697-6159.

Visitors should note:

• There is no lifeguard on duty.
• Pool play toys are allowed within wading depth of the lake shoreline.
• Personal charcoal grills, glass and any alcohol other than beer are prohibited.
• Boats must be inspected prior to launching.
• Each person aboard watercraft must have a properly fitting life jacket on board and any children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket at all times.

For those looking to avoid the beach crowds, Lakewood offers several other options to cool off this summer including outdoor pools, a spray park and splash pads. Learn more at Lakewood.org/Pools. Other swim beaches in the metro area include Cherry Creek State Park, Boulder Reservoir and Aurora Reservoir.