Date Hiked: October 30, 2023

Distance: 3.2 mi (RT)

Elevation Gain: 100 ft

Elevation Min/Max: 5,420 to 5,520 ft

Trailhead Lat/Long:

Managing Agency: City of Westminster Parks

Fee: None

Directions:

From Hwy 36 in between Boulder and Denver, take the exit for Church Ranch Road and head west. Turn left (south) on Wadsworth Blvd and right (west) on Independence Drive. Follow Independence through the neighborhood until you can clearly see the Dam and the park. Park along the side of the road north or south of the Niver Canal Trailhead.

Hike Description:

Standley Lake Regional Park is a major source of recreation in the Denver Metro Area. That being said, the park is not really geared towards hikers. Sometimes it feels like a struggle to fully appreciate this park on foot. The Dam > Pumphouse Loop is a good example of this.

This hike starts by parking along Indepdence Drive on the east side of the park. Follow the Niver Canal Trail west to the base of the Dam and turn right (north) onto the Niver Canal/Rocky Mountain Greenway Trail. As the trail heads north and enters Standley Lake Regional Park, it becomes the Dam trail. The wide dirt/gravel trail takes you up to the northernmost point of the Dam. At this point, a gate blocks the way onto the Dam and signs make it clear that no travel across the Dam is allowed…too bad. You can walk a bit to the north for some great views across the lake with the Indian Peaks and Longs Peak visible on the horizon.

At this point head south along the Pumphouse Trail. This trail takes you back to the south, about 20 feet lower than Dam height…meaning, no views…too bad. Hike south paralleling the Dam trail and continue south past the Niver Canal Trail and the Trailhead. Continue south until you get to the junction with the Niver Canal Trail. Go a few more minutes past the southernmost point of the Dam and turn right to a picnic area and boat launch. This spot gives you wonder views across the lake and the ability to explore the lakeshore further if you wish.

It’s too bad that the only views of the lake on this hike are north and south of the Dam. I understand that Westminster has deemed it unsafe to allow visitors to walk across the Dam..which has an access road across it, but it would make for a lovely hike, similar to the Barr Lake Dam. It is frustrating, especially considering that the views you do get across the lake are spectacular, especially around sunset. Oh well, you take what you get…