· Urban Refuges

Aurora Reservoir

Situated a bit east of the Denver metro area, Aurora Reservoir sits outside the main urban sprawl that defines the city meaning this lake is still surrounded by a good-sized block of native prairie habitat, and is also more likely to catch birds migrating away from the mountains. The reservoir has excellent access, with a road around the lake offering many prime viewpoints, and provides good facilities making for an easy visit.  Check the lake itself for the full variety of waterfowl from fall through spring, including good numbers of diving ducks and a better chance at Snow and Ross’s Geese than most Denver-area lakes.  As a result of nearby landfills, gulls are often found here in numbers, and this is a good place to look for less common species such as Thayer’s, Lesser Black-backed, and Glaucous Gulls.  The prairie habitat occasionally has Lark Buntings, Horned Lark, and Lapland Longspur during the winter, as well as a variety of sparrows and raptors.  There is a fee for entrance.

County: Arapahoe

Directions: Take E-470 to the Quincy Ave. exit and go east to Powhaton Rd. Go south on Powhaton to the entrance on the west for the Aurora Reservoir main parking lot. To avoid tolls, take I-225 to CO 83/Parker Rd. Head south on Parker Rd. to Quincy Ave. Go east on Quincy to Powhaton Rd. Go south on Powhaton and west into the main parking lot, or continue straight into the lower parking lot.

Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: County
Admission: $10 entrance fee

Restrictions: Please obey all rules and regulations.

Parking: Paved and dirt
Lodging: Hotels in Aurora

Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: Handicap access to most facilities and some viewing from car

Latitude: 39.610139
Longitude: -104.677697

» Visit the website for Aurora Reservoir

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