Waneka Lake/Greenlee Wildlife Preserve

Aliases: Greenlee Natural Area

This lake in the middle of a neighborhood in Lafayette is a great place to look for birds in all seasons, along with the adjacent Greenlee Wildlife Preserve. In summer, Pied-billed and Western Grebes can be found on the lake, and Swainson’s Hawk is easily seen. In migration, migrant warblers and thrushes skulk in the undergrowth. Concentrations of Barn Swallows in late fall can be very impressive. In winter, ducks, geese, and gulls can congregate here, and the flocks can include rarities, such as Barrow’s Goldeneye and others.

Restrictions: Please obey all rules and regulations

County: Boulder

Directions: From Denver: head west toward Boulder on US Hwy 36. Exit at CO 121/US Hwy 287 in Broomfield, and go north on US Hwy 287 for 6 miles to South Boulder Rd. Head west on South Boulder Rd to Centaur Village Dr. Go north on Centaur Village Dr, go west (left) on Caria Dr, and continue for about 0.25 miles to the Waneka Lake Park entrance.

Alternate Directions: From Denver: head west toward Boulder on US Hwy 36. Exit at CO 121/US Hwy 287 in Broomfield, and go north on US Hwy 287 for 6 miles to South Boulder Rd. Head west on South Boulder Rd to Centaur Village Dr. Go north on Centaur Village Dr, go west (left) on Caria Dr, and continue for about 0.25 miles to the Waneka Lake Park entrance.

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: 6am - 10pm
Ownership: Municipal
Admission or Fees: Free

Parking: Paved parking areas

Lodging: Hotels in Boulder, Broomfield, or Lafayette

Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: ADA accessible viewing from paved trail around the lake

Latitude: 39.992518
Longitude: -105.11346

Image Gallery

Contact Information

City of Lafayette: https://www.lafayetteco.gov/FormCenter/Contact-Us-4/Contact-Us-34

Visit the Website for Waneka Lake/Greenlee Wildlife Preserve »

Additional Resources

Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L384546