Bow Mar Heights Park

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Parks

Colorado

Nearby: Pinehurst Park Alice Terry Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bow Mar Heights Park is a beautiful recreational area located in the state of Colorado, just a short drive from Denver.

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Summary

Situated on the banks of Bow Mar Lake, the park offers visitors a range of activities, from boating and fishing to hiking and picnicking.

One of the main reasons to visit Bow Mar Heights Park is to enjoy the picturesque natural surroundings. The park features a variety of trees and shrubs, as well as a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds.

A major point of interest at Bow Mar Heights Park is the lake itself, which offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is stocked regularly with trout and other fish, making it a popular spot for anglers of all ages.

Other notable attractions at the park include a playground, picnic areas, and hiking trails. The park also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and holiday celebrations.

Interesting facts about the area include its history as a popular vacation spot for wealthy Denver residents in the early 20th century. The park was originally part of the Bowles family estate, and was later donated to the city of Littleton for use as a public park.

The best time of year to visit Bow Mar Heights Park depends on your interests. Summer is the most popular time for outdoor activities like boating and swimming, while fall is a great time for hiking and enjoying the changing leaves. Winter also offers opportunities for ice fishing and other winter sports.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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