Boulder Reservoir
Aliases: Sixmile Reservoir, Coot Lake
Anyone looking for waterbirds in Boulder County must make sure to check Boulder Reservoir, especially in autumn. The long list of rarities that have been found here in fall include Red-necked Grebe, Pacific Loon, Arctic Tern, Long-tailed Jaeger, and Ruff. More likely finds include Osprey, Bald Eagle, Forster’s Tern, and California Gull. Also consider visiting the adjacent Coot Lake for more viewing opportunities. Note: dogs are not allowed from May 15 – Labor Day. An entry fee is charged from April – October.
Restrictions: Please obey all rules and regulations. Dogs are not allowed in the park May 15 through Labor Day.
County: Boulder
Directions: From Denver: take US Hwy 36 west and exit CO 157/Foothills Pkwy. north to CO 119/Diagonal Highway. Go northeast out of town on CO 119 to Jay Rd. Go west on Jay Rd., and just past the highway, head north onto 51st St. Continue north on 51st St. for about 2 miles to Reservoir Rd. Go east on Reservoir Rd. to the entrance station.
Alternate Directions: From Denver: take US Hwy 36 west and exit CO 157/Foothills Pkwy. north to CO 119/Diagonal Highway. Go northeast out of town on CO 119 to Jay Rd. Go west on Jay Rd., and just past the highway, head north onto 51st St. Continue north on 51st St. for about 2 miles to Reservoir Rd. Go east on Reservoir Rd. to the entrance station.
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Daylight hours
Ownership: Municipal
Admission or Fees: Daily entrance fee, April - October
Parking: Varied
Lodging: Hotels in Boulder
Handicapped Access: Viewing from parking lot
Latitude: 40.071467
Longitude: -105.232824
Contact Information
Coot Lake: https://bouldercolorado.gov/parks-rec/coot-lake
Visit the Website for Boulder Reservoir »
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L284422