Standley Lake Regional Park

Daily Parks Pass ($7) - Allows entry of one vehicle into the park until sunset. Does not include use of paddle craft or camping.

Senior/Person with Disabilities/Military Daily Parks Pass ($5) - Includes park entry for one vehicle (including all occupants of the vehicle) for any person with disabilities, military or seniors (aged 60 or older). Does not include paddle craft use or camping.  

Annual Day Use Permit ($65) - Allows 7-days-a-week access into park year round. Permit does not include use of paddle craft or camping. Permit is valid only for the calendar year sold. Pass expires Dec. 31. 

Senior/Person with Disabilities/Military Annual Permit ($35) - Allows seven-day-a-week access into park year round for persons 60 and older, military personnel and/or any person with disabilities. Permit is valid only for the calendar year sold. Pass expires Dec. 31. Does not include camping or use of paddle craft. 

Standley Lake Regional Park has a variety of venues and activities for you to host your next event. For pricing and information on hosting private gatherings or celebrations such as weddings, family reunions, company picnics, corporate retreats, graduation parties or other celebrations, please complete a special use permit application. If you would like to speak with a ranger about your event, please call 303-658-2790. Special Use Permit applications and payment must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event. 

The experiences you have at Standley Lake were made possible by the care of those who came before you. Extend this same courtesy to those who will come after you. Follow all park rules, which are designed to protect both you and the park.

Standley Lake Regional Park RULES & REGULATIONS

Standley Lake does not allow any type of watercraft including paddle boards, canoes, kayaks, inflatable rafts or tubes to enter into the lake at any entrance point except the main park entrance located at 100th & Simms. Any and all watercraft must be sprayed in accordance with ANS regulations prior to launching. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in an automatic citation and a summons to court. 

13-1-1: PURPOSE AND INTENT: The purpose of this Chapter is to regulate the use of the Parks and Community buildings of the City of Westminster in order that all persons may enjoy and make use of such parks and buildings, and to protect the rights of those in the surrounding areas.

13-1-5. - Use Regulations at All Parks, Recreation, Libraries and Open Space Properties.

(A)Prohibitions: It shall be unlawful for any person to:

(1)Trespass: Enter, be or remain in any park or building of the City unless he or she complies with this Title and regulations promulgated hereunder and any rules posted in any park or building of the City.

(2)Sales for Profit: Conduct sales for profit in any park or community building, except with the expressed written consent of the Director and full compliance with the business license ordinance of the City of Westminster.

(3)Sell, Distribute or Solicit: Sell, vend, peddle, or distribute any merchandise or property whatsoever, or sell tickets (for any event whatsoever) or solicit contributions in any park or community building, except with the expressed written consent of the Director.

(4)Advertising Matter: Distribute, circulate, give away, throw or deposit in or on any park or community building any handbills, circulars, pamphlets, papers, advertisement, or post or affix the same to any tree, fence, or structure in any park or community building without the written consent of the Director.

(5)Amplified Sound: Utilize any machine or device for the purpose of amplification of human voice, music or any other sound in any park or community building without the written consent of the Director, except City employees, firefighter or law enforcement officers in the performance of their duty.

(6)Golf: Drive, putt, or in any other fashion play or practice golf or use golf balls or golf clubs in any area of a park except in areas set aside and posted for that purpose or with the written consent of the Director.

(7)Model Crafts: Fly model airplanes or operate model craft of any kind or description in any area of a park or in a programmed water area, except in areas set aside and posted for that purpose, except with the written consent of the Director.

(8)Parking: Operate or park any vehicle as defined in the Colorado Motor Vehicle Code within a park, except upon areas designated for such use. Vehicles in violation of this Section shall be subject to being towed away at owner's expense.

(a)Overnight Parking, or Vehicle Abandonment: park, abandon, or otherwise allow automobiles and other conveyances to remain in parks or community building parking lots between the hours of eleven o'clock (11:00) p.m. and sunrise, except as follows:

               (i)During attendance at a function conducted under the auspices of the City.

(ii)During attendance at a function that has been issued an exclusive use permit.

(iii)As a City employee in the performance of that person's duty.

(iv)With the written consent of the Director.

(v)In areas as otherwise posted.

Vehicles in violation of this Section may be towed away at owner's expense.

(9)Washing or Repairing Autos or Other Conveyances: Wash, wax, repair or service any automobile or other conveyance within any park or City-owned parking facility, except with the written consent of the Director.

(10)Vehicle Use: Operate, drive, or ride upon any motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter, auto or other power driven mobility device or non-motorized vehicle in any park, except when posted specifically for such use or with the written consent of the Director, provided that non-motorized cycles shall be permitted to use pathways within any park, unless such use is specifically prohibited and signs are posted giving notice of such prohibition. This prohibition of OPDMDs or non-motorized vehicles will not apply to a vehicle determined to qualify for use by persons with disabilities pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

(11)Control of Dogs, Cats and Other Household Pets: Bring or maintain in or upon any park any dog, cat, or other household pet, unless such dog, cat or other household pet is kept at all times on a leash, not to exceed 15 feet inlength, and under full control of its owner or custodian, except with the written consent of the Director. Persons shall not leave or deposit dogs, cats, fowl, fish, or other animals, whether dead or alive, in any park, lake, or community building, except with the written consent of the Director.

(12)Riding Horses and Other Animals: Ride upon any horse or any other animal capable of being ridden, in any park, except in areas designated and posted specifically for such use, or if the animal is a service animal under the ADA, or with the expressed written consent of the Director. No cattle, sheep, goats, horses or any animal shall graze in any park, except in areas designated and posted specifically for such use or with the expressed written   consent of the Director.

(13)Littering Prohibited: Leave any garbage, trash, cans, bottles, papers, or other refuse elsewhere than in the receptacles provided therefor. It shall be unlawful for any person to use the receptacles provided for in this Section for the purpose of depositing yard clippings or other garbage or trash generated on private property.

(14)Alcoholic Beverage: Possess, distribute, use or consume any alcoholic beverages or 3.2 beer in parks or community buildings, except by a special alcoholic beverage permit issued by and at the discretion of the director, and then only in conformance with the statutes of the state of Colorado and ordinances of the city of Westminster regarding the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages or 3.2 beer.

(15)Interference: Use or attempt to use or interfere with the use of any table, space or facility within said park or building that at the time is reserved for any other person or group that has received a use permit from the Director therefor. Unless the actual use of table, space, area, building, or facility referred to in any such permit is commenced within one hour after the period covered by such permit begins, such permit shall terminate.

(16)Disturbance: Engage in boisterous, threatening, abusive, insulting or indecent language, or engage in any disorderly conduct or behavior tending to a breach of the public peace and enjoyment of the facility.

(17)Weapons: Discharge, fire, or shoot any firearm, air gun, slingshot or bow and arrow or other projectile or projectile launching device on any park, except at places designated and posted specifically for such purposes.

(18)Fauna—Disturbing Wildlife: Take, seize, molest, injure or hunt any bird, reptile, fish or animal in any park or community building, or portion thereof, unless posted specifically for that purpose or with the expressed written consent of the Director, and in compliance with the game, fish and wildlife laws of the State of Colorado.

(19)Flora, including Turf and Soil: Dig, remove, destroy, injure, mutilate or cut any tree, plant, shrub, bloom or flower, or any portion thereof, growing in any park or area of a community building, or to remove any wood, turf, grass, soil, rock, sand or gravel from any park. Duly authorized City employees in the performance of their duties or persons participating in City-sponsored activities are excepted from the foregoing provisions. Metal detectors may not be used without the specific authorization of the Director. Additionally, treasure hunting or geocaching is prohibited, unless such specific activity receives a permit, yearly, from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Libraries.

(20)Marking, Injuring or Disturbing any Structure: Cut, break, injure, mark, write or print upon or otherwise deface or disturb any rock, building, cage, pen, monument, sign, fence, bench, structure, apparatus, equipment or property in a park; attach thereto any sign, card, display or other similar device, except with the expressed written consent of the Director; or attach to any community building materials, devices, or equipment for the purpose of decorating that facility or for any other purpose. Duly authorized City employees in the performance of their duties or persons authorized by the Director shall be excepted from the foregoing provisions.

(21)Fires: Light or maintain a fire in any park, unless such fire is lighted and maintained only in a stove, fire circle, device or place intended for such purpose.

(22)Fireworks: Ignite any fireworks, as defined in Section 6-8-1, W.M.C., in any park or building without the written consent of the Director. 

(23)Park Use Restricted to Age Groups: Enter, be or remain in any park, or a designated area within a park, the use of which is restricted to members of a specific age group, if not a member of such age group, or to refuse to depart   from such restricted area upon request of a police officer or other duly authorized employee, provided:

(a)The age restriction has been imposed by order of the Director or his authorized employee.
(b)Signs are posted in such restricted park or area giving public notice of such restriction.

Parents and other persons having responsibility for care and custody of one or more members of the age group authorized to use the park or area shall be exempt from the provisions of this Section.

(24)Parks Closed Eleven P.M.—Sunrise: Remain in any park or building between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise, or between such hours posted at the facility as closed, other than a City employee in the performance of that person's duty or persons participating in City-sponsored activities, or with the written consent of the Director. Exceptions will be made for those who are walking, cycling, or otherwise passing through without delay in either a park or trail.

(25)Open space, other than trails, will be open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week.

(B)Other Use Regulations:

(1)Service Animals: Service animals are allowed in City Parks, Open Space Properties, and Community Buildings under the following circumstances:

(a)The service animal is a service animal as provided in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

(b)The service animal is under control of the owner at all times.

(c)The service animal is harnessed, leashed, or tethered - unless the guest is unable to do so because of a disability or because it would interfere with the animal's ability to perform.

(d)The service animal must not show aggression towards people or other animals;

(e)The service animal must be house-broken to enter Community Buildings; and

(f)The service animal must be trained and utilized for a specific disability approved by ADA regulations.

(2)Use of OPDMD's: Individuals with mobility disabilities may use OPDMD's in City Community Buildings and in Parks and Open Space subject to the following safety requirements and criteria:

(a)The OPDMD is for use by persons with disabilities who use the device as a mobility aid.

(b)The OPDMD is under the control of the operator at all times.

(c)An OPDMD must have an appropriate width for the conditions where it is operated, but in no circumstances may be more than 32 inches wide.

(d)An OPDMD must have an appropriate length for the conditions where it is operated, but in no circumstances may be more than six feet long.

(e)An OPDMD may weigh up to 150 pounds (excluding the user's weight).

(f)An OPDMD must be electric-powered.

(g)An OPDMD must be operated at a safe speed. In Community Buildings, speed cannot exceed three mph.

(h)All City Rules and Regulations apply to the use of OPDMDs including those that may restrict their use in closed areas and areas subject to natural resource protection closures; and the use of OPDMDs may not damage natural and/or cultural resources or wildlife habitats.

(i)The OPDMD is considered personal property of the individual operating it and the City is not responsible for any loss or damage.

(3)Use OF OPDMD's On Open Space Properties: In addition to the requirements in (2), above, the following additional restrictions shall apply to uses of OPDMD's on Open Space Properties:

(a)An OPDMD must remain on trails except to the extent necessary to comply with the yielding requirements set forth above. An OPDMD must be capable of being turned around within the trail tread in a safe manner.

(b)An OPDMD may only be operated on trails with grades (slopes) of 12 percent or less.

(c)On trails when other users are present, a safe speed for an OPDMD is deemed to be the average speed at which the other users are traveling. The maximum speed for an OPDMD when other users are present is five mph.   When other users are not present on trails, the maximum speed for an OPDMD is ten mph.

(d)An OPDMD must have the capacity to safely negotiate pedestrians, features and obstructions such as steps and other vertical displacements, water dams, loose gravel, and rocks.

(e)An OPDMD user must comply with the Yielding Order set forth in the Definitions, above.

(f)The City may restrict OPDMD operation on trails at times of heavy traffic. An OPDMD user may be informed by the City that specific trails at specific times are not available for OPDMD use due to heavy traffic.

(g)Due to varying conditions on City Open Space Properties and to ensure safety and/or natural resource protection, the City recommends that an OPDMD user contact the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Administrative Staff to confirm that an OPDMD is permitted on a particular trail.

13-1-8. - Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife And Boating Regulations.

(A)Statutes and Regulations: The following are adopted by this reference:

(1)Article 13 (Vessels) of Title 33 (Wildlife and Parks and Outdoor Recreation) of the Colorado Revised Statutes;

(2)The Rules and Regulations promulgated by the State of Colorado pursuant to Section 33-1-106 C.R.S., regulating the taking, possession and use of wildlife and fish; and

(3)The Rules and Regulations promulgated by the State of Colorado pursuant to Section 33-1-106 C.R.S., regulating the use, operation and equipment of vessels.

(B)Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife Regulations: It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to comply with the following:

(1)Any person 16 years of age or over who fishes for or takes fish, amphibians, mollusks or crustaceans shall have a proper and valid fishing license, issued by the State of Colorado on his or her person. Persons under 16 years of age are not required to have a fishing license but shall be entitled to only one-half bag or possession limit set by the State.

(2)Any person, regardless of age, who hunts or takes wildlife shall procure a proper and valid license therefor, issued by the State of Colorado, and shall have the valid license on his or her person when exercising the benefits it confers.

(3)No person shall alter, transfer, sell, loan, or assign his or her own or another person's lawfully acquired license to another person.

(4)No person shall hunt, take, or have in such person's possession any wildlife that is the property of the State as provided in Section 33-1-101, C.R.S., except as permitted by statutes or Rule and Regulation.

(5)No person shall hunt or take any wildlife or fish outside the season established by or in an area closed by Rule or Regulation.

(6)No person shall fail to immediately dress or care for and provide for human consumption the edible portions of any game wildlife, including fish.

(7)Colorado Rules and Regulation for the taking, possession or use of wildlife or fish.

(C)Regulation of the Use, Operation, and Equipment of Vessels: It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to comply with the following:

(1)Colorado Rules and Regulations for the use, operation, and equipment of vessels.

(2)Colorado statutes regulating the use, operation, and equipment of vessels.

AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES (ANS)

Following regulations are hereby promulgated pursuant to the authority contained in W.M.C. section 13-1-5.  These regulations are promulgated for the purpose of protecting and promoting the public interest in preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species, including but not limited to zebra and quagga mussels.

A person convicted of violating any of the following regulations shall be subject to a fine in an amount up to $1,000:

(A)    No watercraft or watercraft equipment shall enter Standley Lake or the Standley Lake shoreline area prior to being inspected, tagged for quarantine (drying) purposes and/or spray washed as may be determined by Standley Lake Regional Park staff. “Watercraft” includes any boat or other vessel intended, used, or capable of transporting persons or property on the water. “Watercraft equipment” includes water skis, aquaplanes, surfboards, inner tubes, flotation devices, and any similar device.

(B)    Any watercraft and watercraft equipment that is determined to have circumvented the inspection, tagging and/or spray washing will be impounded to ensure proper decontamination and to comply with applicable Colorado State statutes and regulations. It shall be unlawful for anyone to resist or interfere with any Standley Lake Regional Park staff in the impoundment of any watercraft or watercraft equipment.

(C)    No watercraft or watercraft equipment may be launched onto Standley Lake until it has met the required quarantine period or spray washing or both, as specified by Standley Lake Regional Park staff.

(D)    All watercraft and watercraft equipment must enter Standley Lake Regional Park through the main gate.

(E)    The possession or use of any aquatic bait within Standley Lake Regional Park whether live, dead or frozen is prohibited. “Aquatic bait” means and includes any form of bait that typically lives in water. Examples of aquatic bait include salamanders, minnows, leeches, crayfish, frogs, and others.

(F)    Standley Lake Regional Park shall be closed to the public from sunset to sunrise except for authorized camping. Fishing is prohibited from sunset to sunrise. Anyone in violation of this provision shall also be subject to being cited for trespassing pursuant to W.M.C. section 6-3-5.

(G)    Swimming and wading by persons and animals is prohibited in Standley Lake, except that persons engaged in waterskiing, wake boarding, and tubing may enter, swim in and exit Standley Lake to the limited extent necessarily associated with said activities. All equipment used in such activities shall be considered watercraft equipment and subject to these regulations and all other applicable laws, rules and regulations.

THIS IS A PARTIAL LISTING, FOR A COMPLETE LISTING VISIT THE TITLE XIII - PARKS, OPEN SPACE, AND COMMUNITY BUILDING REGULATIONS page.

Standley Lake specific Rules & Regulations

CAMPGROUND RULES - These rules apply to the entire park, Coyote Gulch Campground (upper campground) and Cottontail Campground (lower campground). Any breach of these rules and regulations, or any others in Title 13 of the Westminster Municipal Code, may result in a citation, fines, revocation of permit (or pass) privileges, and exclusion from Lake Regional Park.

Campground is open May 1 through Sept. 30 by reservation only. No camping is allowed Oct. 1 through April 30.

Animals (of any kind) are not allowed to be left unattended anywhere in the park, including in the campground. 

Overnight camping is allowed only in designated areas.

Camping units MUST remain on campsite pads at all times.  Sites are marked with boundary rocks and/or wooden boards. Do not move or rearrange these boundary markers. Any camping units parked outside these boundaries will be required to move. 

Only one (1) camping unit and two (2) tents are allowed per camp site. Additional vehicles must be parked in over-flow parking areas.

Any campsite may only be used for up to 14 days. Camping units need to be removed from park for 24 hours after any campsite has been occupied for 14 consecutive days.

Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. All generators, music, radios or other loud noises that may disturb the peace are not permitted during these hours.

Generator noise can not exceed 60dB.

Fires are allowed only in provided fire pits and in designated areas. Fires must be attended at all times or completely extinguished. Fires must have a 5 gallon container of water or a fire extinguisher in proximity. Charcoal and gas grills are allowed (as long as there is not a fire ban in place).

Check out time is 1 p.m. on your departure date.

Campers are responsible for removing all belongings (firewood, carpets, grills, chairs, etc) from the campsite when vacating site. Any belongings left will be taken by park staff and the camper will be cited for littering.

Glass bottles are strictly prohibited.

No park entry passes will be sold after 8 p.m. No Exceptions. 

The main gates to the park are closed at 10 p.m.  If you know you will be coming in after this time, you must contact the gate house staff before to 10 p.m. at 303-425-1097 so they can inform over night staff.

GENERAL STANDLEY LAKE PARK RULES

No Alcohol - Standley Lake is a no-alcohol park.

Pets are welcome, but they are not permitted in the water at any time and must remain on a leash.

Animals (of any kind) are not allowed to be left unattended anywhere in the park, including in the campground.

No swimming or wading.

No ice fishing or entering onto the ice is allowed.

No drone use or model craft use of any kind.

Day passes for vehicles will be sold from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 1 through Sept. 30; Oct. 1 through April 30, 7:30 a.m. to one hour before sunset.

Self Service Station open Oct 1-April 30. A Standley Lake Parks Pass is required for ALL vehicles entering Standley Lake. State Park passes are not valid at Standley Lake. 

Only patrons with camping reservations will be let into the park after 8: p.m. No one may enter the park after 10 p.m. without prior authorization.

No shoreline parking. Vehicles must be parked in designated areas only.

Glass bottles are prohibited.

No refunds will be given for day passes or paddle craft rentals. 

Scuba Diving is not permitted.

The cleaning of fish is allowed only at the fish cleaning station. All fish and/or fish entrails must be placed in proper trash receptacles.

The Lake Operations Coordinator has the authority to close access to Standley Lake Regional Park when deemed necessary for the safety, protection or welfare of the public.

Any breach of these rules and regulations, or any others in Title 13 of the Westminster Municipal Code, may result in a citation, fines, revocation of permit (or pass) privileges, and exclusion from Lake Regional Park.

Is this a state park? No. Standley Lake is a regional park. Any fees associated with a state park do not apply at Standley Lake.

Who owns the lake? Standley Lake Regional Park is owned and operated by the City of Westminster. Westminster, the cities of Thornton and Northglenn and the Farmers Irrigation and Reservoir Company (FRICO) own the water rights.

Is boating allowed on the lake? Trailered boats are not be permitted on Standley Lake due to increasing concerns of zebra and quagga mussel infestation. Learn more boating and what is allowed on the lake.

Can I walk on top of the dam? No, the dam is private property and is owned by FRICO (Farmers Reservoir and Irrigation Company).  

How big is the park? The lake is about 1,000 surface acres when at capacity. There are about another 2,000 acres of park and open space land surrounding the lake.

How deep is the lake?  When at capacity, the lake is 96 feet deep at the face of the dam. It holds approximately 42,000 acre-feet of water. That is about 13 billion gallons of water. 

Why is swimming not allowed? Standley Lake is a drinking water supply for three cities, so due to water quality issues, no swimming or wading is allowed.

Is the water safe? Definitely. The City of Westminster continually monitors water quality throughout the year.

Are the fish safe to eat? Yes. There is nothing wrong with the fish in Standley Lake, other than they are difficult to catch at times. The Colorado Division of Wildlife routinely stocks the lake throughout the summer, so there is a good turnover rate among the fish in the lake.

Do you have to pay to walk in? There is no fee to walk, run or ride a bike into Standley Lake Regional Park. There are free parking lots at 86th Parkway and Simms Street and 100th Avenue and Owens Street where people can park and walk into the park. These parking lots are closed and locked at sunset (official MST). There is a $7 fee to drive into the park.

When is the park open? Standley Lake Regional Park is open year round. The hours during the summer (May 1 to September 30) are sunrise to sunset for walk-in access and 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. for those who drive in. Winter (October 1 to April 30) hours are sunrise to sunset for those who walk in and 7:30 a.m. to one hour before sunset (official MDT) for drive-in access.

Can you fish at night? No.  Due to current Aquatic Nuisance Species Program regulations, night fishing is not allowed.

When is the paddling and camping season? The paddling and camping season is May 1 through September 29. The shoreline is available for fishing year-round.

Are jet skis or belly boats allowed? Due to the intergovernmental agreement between the cities of Westminster, Thornton, and Northglenn, jet skis and belly boats are not allowed on Standley Lake.

Where are the eagles located? The eagles and their nest are located in the far west corner of the park. 

Can I walk my paddle craft in, or do I have to come through the main entrance? Because of the City of Westminster’s Aquatic Nuisance Species Program (ANS), all paddle craft must enter the main entrance and check in at the gate house.  All paddle craft must be sprayed (decontaminated) prior to launching before each use. There is no quarantine on kayaks, paddle boards or canoes (unless on a trailer). When you check in at the gate house, you may purchase a daily paddle pass then staff notifies a ranger to meet you at the spray station to spray your craft (paddle craft must be inflated prior to getting the spray if it is an inflatable). You then will receive a wrist band indicating you have been sprayed. You must have a wrist band to launch your paddle craft. Nothing enters the water without getting sprayed every time it is used on the lake. Also, all paddle craft must come in on top of a vehicle or in the bed or a truck.