S Standley Lake Open Space Park
Rate this placeNearby: Lakecrest Park Michael Northey Park
Last Updated: December 4, 2025
Standley Lake Open Space Park is a scenic recreational area located in the state of Colorado.
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Summary
There are several compelling reasons to visit this park, including its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and various activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the main attractions of Standley Lake Open Space Park is its namesake, Standley Lake. This 1,200-acre reservoir offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. It is a popular spot for anglers as the lake is home to various fish species, including trout, bass, and catfish.
Aside from the lake, the park is also known for its extensive trail system, which provides ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trails wind through picturesque meadows, dense forests, and offer breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.
Visitors to Standley Lake Open Space Park can also enjoy a variety of wildlife viewing experiences. The park is home to numerous bird species, such as bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons. It is also a habitat for wildlife like deer, coyotes, and foxes, offering nature enthusiasts a chance to observe and appreciate Colorado's fauna.
Interesting facts about the area include the park's role as a vital water resource for the Denver metro area. Standley Lake provides water to numerous communities, making it an essential part of the region's water supply.
The best time of year to visit Standley Lake Open Space Park largely depends on personal preferences and preferred activities. Summer offers pleasant weather for water activities and hiking, but it can get crowded. Spring and fall are ideal for enjoying the changing foliage and less-crowded trails. Winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, though some trails may be closed or restricted during this season.
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information provided about Standley Lake Open Space Park across multiple independent sources.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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