VISITING

Bluff Lake Nature Center (Site)

11255 E Martin Luther King Blvd

Denver, Colorado 80238

Bluff Lake Nature Center (Office)

4760 Oakland St., Suite 200

Denver, Colorado 80239

Open Sunrise to Sunset 365 Days a Year

Bluff Lake Nature Center is open from sunrise to sunset every day (including holidays)! Please note in that in order to protect our wildlife from stress, BIKES and DOGS (even leashed) are NOT ALLOWED. We are located on the eastern edge of the former Stapleton airport, along Sand Creek. Click the map for directions.

Visiting from out of town? Check out momondo’s Denver Guide for travel inspiration.

You can download and print site maps, self-guided tours, scavenger hunts, and more HERE.

Current Conditions On Site: The main Bluff Lake loop trail is mostly dry with some muddy and icy patches in shaded areas. The Creek Loop trail is very muddy.

While visiting, please stay safe, and help us keep Bluff Lake wild and natural by following our wildlife-friendly rules:

  • Stay on trails & walk quietly. Loud noises will scare wildlife and disturb other visitors.

  • Even leashed dogs stress wildlife; please walk pets elsewhere.

  • Trails are for walking and jogging. Please, no horses, bikes or motorized vehicles.

  • No sledding, tubing, or snowmobiling on the hill. It will damage the habitat and is very dangerous as there are yucca and rocks on the hillside.

  • Park bikes on top of the bluff in the parking lot.

  • The lake is not suitable for wading, swimming, or boating.

  • No food or drink beyond the parking lot.

  • No fishing, hunting, or trapping.

  • No camping, fires, or fireworks.

  • No alcohol or drugs.

  • No firearms, paintball, or archery.

  • If you have a large group, please visit our “Bringing a Group” page.

  • Do not release unwanted pets. Many of them are exotic and can harm the native residents. Please contact us if you would like more information about what to do with unwanted pets.

Please DO:

  • Walk or run around the lake, alone or with your friends or family.

  • Enjoy photography, birdwatching, or exploring our site on the trails.

  • Picnic at the top of our bluff at one of our picnic tables.

  • Enjoy the sunset or sunrise from our pergola.

  • Host an event in our amphitheater/fire pit (upstairs) or in our pavilion (downstairs). (email us at info@blufflake.org to reserve)

  • Look out for our public events here on our website, on our Facebook page, or at the kiosk at our site.

  • Inquire about volunteer opportunities or formal education programs.

At this time there are no permits necessary for recreational, professional, or commercial photography or videography. Find more information regarding photography HERE.