Belmar Park

Description

Let me tell you about one of Lakewood’s most treasured outdoor spaces. I’ve spent countless afternoons at Belmar Park, and honestly, it’s become my go-to spot when I need to escape the city buzz without actually leaving town. This 127-acre natural oasis brings together everything I love about Colorado’s outdoor spaces – serene lakes, winding trails, and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a bustling metro area.

The park’s two lakes are absolute gems – they’re perfect for watching sunrise reflections while sipping your morning coffee (yeah, I’ve done that more times than I can count). And the wildlife? Don’t even get me started! I’ve spotted everything from great blue herons to turtles sunbathing on logs. The bird-watching here is seriously impressive, especially around Kountze Lake, where you’ll often see photographers with their fancy zoom lenses trying to capture the perfect shot.

Key Features

• Two scenic lakes (Kountze Lake and Belmar Lake) with plenty of viewing areas
• Miles of paved and natural hiking trails that loop around the lakes
• A super cool nature discovery center with educational programs
• Multiple picnic areas with tables and grills (perfect for family gatherings)
• A modern playground that my niece absolutely adores
• Beautiful stone artwork scattered throughout the park
• Wildlife viewing areas and bird-watching spots
• Well-maintained restroom facilities
• Wheelchair-accessible paths and facilities
• Dedicated fishing spots (just remember your license!)

Best Time to Visit

From personal experience, early morning is pure magic at Belmar Park – especially during spring and fall. The lakes mirror the sky like glass, and the wildlife is most active. Summer afternoons can get pretty busy, but that’s also when the park really comes alive with families and activities.

Each season brings its own charm – spring delivers gorgeous wildflowers, summer offers perfect picnic weather, fall paints the trees in amazing colors, and winter… well, winter has this quiet beauty that’s hard to beat, especially after a fresh snow when the trails are perfect for a peaceful walk.

If you’re hoping to avoid crowds, try visiting on weekday mornings or during dinner time. Weekends can get pretty packed, especially when the weather’s nice. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!

How to Get There

Getting to Belmar Park is pretty straightforward. It’s right in the heart of Lakewood, and you can reach it from multiple directions. If you’re coming from downtown Denver, just head west on 6th Avenue. The park has several entrance points with plenty of parking lots, and I’ve never had trouble finding a spot, even on busy weekends.

Public transportation is also an option – there are RTD bus stops nearby, and the light rail isn’t too far either. But honestly, having your own wheels gives you the most flexibility to explore different areas of the park.

Tips for Visiting

Okay, here’s where I’ll share some insider knowledge I’ve gained from countless visits. First off, bring your camera – the wildlife photo ops are incredible, especially around the lakes. And speaking of lakes, if you’re planning to fish, don’t forget your Colorado fishing license.

Wear comfortable shoes – the trails are well-maintained, but you’ll want good walking shoes to explore everything. In summer, bring sunscreen and water (learned that one the hard way). The park has drinking fountains, but they’re not always conveniently located when you need them.

During spring and early summer, bug spray isn’t a bad idea, especially if you’re hanging around the lakes at dusk. And if you’re planning a picnic, try to snag one of the covered pavilions near the playground – they’re awesome for shade and shelter if an afternoon thunderstorm rolls in (which happens more often than you’d think in Colorado).

Last but not least, keep an eye on the weather forecast. Colorado weather can change quickly, and while getting caught in a sudden shower might make for a funny story later, it’s not the most enjoyable experience in the moment. Trust me on this one!

For nature photographers, early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting, especially around the lakes. And hey, if you’re into bird watching, bring those binoculars – the variety of waterfowl here is pretty impressive year-round.

The park is spectacular in every season, but my personal favorite is fall – there’s something magical about the way the changing leaves reflect in the lake water. Just remember to respect the wildlife and keep your distance – these are their homes we’re visiting, after all!

Location

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