Waneka Lake Trail and Greenlee Wildlife Preserve, Waneka Lake Park - City of Lafayette, Boulder - Denver - Golden - Fort Collins - Lyons, Colorado
Waneka Lake Trail and Greenlee Wildlife Preserve - 1.2 miles
Waneka Lake Park - City of Lafayette
| Round-Trip Length: | 1.2 miles (Handicap Accessible Loop Trail) |
| Start-End Elevation: | 5,320' - 5,320' |
| Elevation Change: | negligible elevation change |
| Skill Level: | Easy |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | Yes |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Waneka Lake Trail and Greenlee Wildlife Preserve - 1.2 Miles Round-Trip
Waneka Lake's 147 acres boast a range of activities including hiking, biking, winter recreation, fishing, and boating (swimming, however, is not permitted).
The lake is adjacent to the 13.2 acre Greenlee Wildlife Preserve, a wildlife refuge established to buffer human activity around the lake. The Greenlee Preserve is accessible only from the Waneka Lake Trail and features a multi-level wildlife viewing platform with interpretive information on local flora and fauna.
The handicap accessible Waneka Lake Trail is a 1.2 mile packed dirt path that circles the lake. It's considered a 'fitness trail', with several exercise stations along its path. The trail offers panoramic views of Boulder's Front Range and Continental Divide. The lake is particularly good for birding, which draws numerous raptor species including the occasional Bald Eagle.
The west entrance station features a new children's playground and picnic area, built over the old boat house site which recently burned down. The City of Lafayette plans to rebuild the boat house in the very near future to restore boat rental capability.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- 39 59.571 105 06.826 — West Park Entrance - Playground and Picnic Grounds
- 39 59.660 105 06.541 — East Park Entrance
- 39 59.841 105 06.726 — Trail spur to Baseline Road - Anna's Farm Community
Worth Noting
- Waneka Lake has two separate shelters available for rent. The Waneka East shelter is closest to the boathouse and Waneka West shelter is closer to the parking lot. Each will accommodate 75 people.
- Persons or parties possessing a valid permit have priority for using the sheltered picnic areas only. This permit in no way constitutes exclusive use of all park amenities.
- Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed at an event in the city parks if the person or party acquires an alcoholic beverage permit. Such a permit will require a $5.00 fee and a refundable $50.00 damage deposit. Alcohol permits are only available when renting Park Shelters.
- All reservations and facility rental permits are handled through the Recreation Administration Office at the Bob L. Burger Recreation Center. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-4:30 pm. Questions, please call 303.665.4206.
Camping and Backpacking Information
- Waneka Lake is a day use area only. Camping is not permitted.
Fishing Information
- A fishing license is mandatory for those 16 years of age and older. State fishing regulations apply. The lake is stocked with Bluegill, Carp, Crappie, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Pumpkinseed Sunfish and Yellow Perch. All Bass less than 15 inches must be returned to the water.
Rules and Regulations
Regulations and Rental Fees:
- $70 per day (6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.)
- $40 per 5 hours
- Shelter damage deposit: $25 without alcohol served, $50 with alcohol served
- Boulder County Parks open at 6 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. daily.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages in any park or recreation facility is prohibited, unless the person or party acquires a special use permit.
- Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed by members of the group holding the shelter permit and may not be resold to the general public. Glass containers of any kind are not permitted in any park or recreation facility.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times while in any park or recreation facility.
- Fires permitted in designated areas only where grills are provided.
- Persons or parties possessing a valid permit have priority for using the sheltered picnic areas only. This permit in no way constitutes exclusive use of all park amenities. Permits must be available for inspection at all times.
Firearms are not permitted in any park or recreation facility. - Special approval must be received for items such as dunk tanks, hot air balloons, any kind of carnival setup, carnival games or activities, catering services, use of tents, awnings or rented shelters, etc. A written request must be submitted to the Recreation Department at the time reservation is made and paid for.
- Noise Ordinance - Any use of sound amplifying equipment requires a Special Events and/or Sound Amplification Permit available through the City Clerk's Office, City Hall, 1290 South Public Road, Lafayette, Colorado.
- Violations are subject to a minimum fine of $10 and maximum fine of $300.
Directions to Trailhead
Waneka Lake Park has two entrances.
The east entrance is located at 705 Caria Drive and is easily accessed from Baseline Road by turning south on Caria Drive or by turning west from Public Road on Emma Street.
The west entrance is located at 1600 Caria Drive and is accessed by turning north from South Boulder Road on Centaur Village Drive and left on Caria Drive. Follow Caria Drive as it curves around to the park entrance.
Contact Information
City of Lafayette Parks Department
303-665-5506 x 3610
Shelter Rental Contact Information
All reservations and facility rental permits are handled through the Recreation Administration Office at the Bob L. Burger Recreation Center. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-4:30 pm. Questions, please call 303-665-4206.
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