Explore Broomfield

McKay Lake Park and Open Lands

Walk the lake loop, explore a one-of-a-kind nature play area, test your skills at the bike park, cast a line, or simply slow down and enjoy the water, wildlife, and wide-open views.

14000 Zuni St., Broomfield, CO 80023

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4.9 Fred Footprints

At A Glance

City

Broomfield

Park Type

Community

Hours

5 AM – 11 PM

Shade

PV+NT+FS

Parking

Yes

Restrooms

Dogs

Leashed

Accessible

Yes

WHAT DO THE PARK CODES MEAN?

Fred with his thumb up

Fred Says

“I like McKay Lake because there’s a little something for just about everyone.

Take a walk around the lake, let the kids explore the nature play area, hit the bike park, or find a quiet spot to watch the birds and enjoy the view.

Bring water, keep your dog leashed, and leave a little time to slow down and take it all in. ”

Why You’ll Love This Park

McKay Lake Park and Open Lands is much more than a walk around the water. Kids can climb, crawl, balance, and create their own adventures in the imaginative nature play area, while bike riders can explore progressive dirt jumps, a pump track, and skill-building loops. Add the scenic lake trail, fishing, wildlife watching, picnic areas, and peaceful water views, and you have a destination where active play and quiet time outdoors fit naturally into the same visit.

Good to Know:

McKay Lake itself is owned and managed by the City of Westminster, while McKay Lake Park and Open Lands and the Broomfield Bike Park are managed by the City and County of Broomfield.

Trail and park information—including fees, hours, access, reservations, rules and conditions—is subject to change. Always confirm current details with the official managing agency before your visit.

Things To Do

Playground icon

Nature Play Area

Kids can climb, balance, crawl, and explore through logs, tunnels, boulders, and other nature-inspired play features. This imaginative space is designed for active, open-ended outdoor play. Enjoy the fun prairie dog-themed area.

Walk the Lake Loop

Follow the scenic loop trail around McKay Lake for peaceful water views, open-space scenery, birdwatching, and an easy walk or family bike ride. See the AllTrails interactive map & link at the bottom of the page.

Bike Park & Pump Track

Ride the four-acre bike park featuring three progressive dirt-jump lines, an intermediate pump track, and skill-building loops for different experience levels. It’s a fun place for riders to practice balance, control, and confidence.

Fishing & Paddlecraft

Fish from the shoreline or enjoy permitted non-motorized boating on McKay Lake. Anglers age 16 and older need a valid Colorado fishing license and must follow current Colorado Parks and Wildlife and City of Westminster regulations. Kayaks, canoes and belly boats require a City of Westminster special-use permit; paddleboards are prohibited.

General Information

Address: 14000 Zuni St, Broomfield, CO 80023

Phone: 303-469-3301

Managing Agency: City and County of Broomfield Parks, Recreation & Open Space

Website: City and County of Broomfield – Parks & Open Spaces

Reservations: McKay Lake Park includes a Nature Education & Picnic Pavilion and shelter. For organized events or questions about reserving park facilities, contact Broomfield Recreation Services at 303-464-5509. Park & Shelter Reservation Information

Hours / Seasonal Notes: Park hours are 5 AM – 11 PM daily. The park and trails are very open and exposed, so summer afternoons can be hot with limited shade away from the pavilion. McKay Lake itself is owned and operated by the City of Westminster, and rules for fishing, paddlecraft, and other lake activities may differ from Broomfield park regulations.

Park hours, amenities, reservations, fees, lake regulations, and facility availability are subject to change. Check the managing agency’s website for the most current information before visiting.

Park Amenities

Playground

Walking Trails

Bike Trails

Picnic Areas

Shade Pavilion, natural tree shade and fabric shade structures

Restrooms Portable

Parking

Dogs Leashed dogs permitted

Park Benches

Trash and Recycling

Drinking Water Availability not confirmed

Fred says, Possible side effects -Front Range Explorin’™

Best Times to Visit

Quieter Times: Weekday mornings and early afternoons

Busier Times: Late afternoons, evenings, and weekends

Fred’s Tip: Visit earlier in the day for a quieter experience and more open space around the walking paths and picnic areas.

Fred’s Footprint Rating

4.9 Out of 5

Peaceful, scenic, and packed with easy outdoor adventure.

Good For

Scenic Views Open Space Families Walking Fishing Picnics Biking Sports

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Zero’s Paw Report

Everything your adventure buddy(s) wants to know.

Dogs Welcome? Yes, on leash

Water Available? You should bring some

Shade? Natural and man-made

Waste Stations? Yes

Zero’s Paw Rating

4.9 Out of 5

I love walking around McKay Lake! There’s shade when I need a break, amazing water and mountain views, and plenty of interesting wildlife smells along the trail. Waste stations are available, but be sure to bring water for your four-legged exploring buddy.

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Fred’s Photo Gallery

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Zero is hiding in one of the photos below. See if you can find him!

CLICK HERE IF YOU WANT A HINT

Tunnel

Fred’s Park Gear Picks

Magnifying Glass

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Picnic Blanket

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Yeti Water Bottle

Gear · Park Gear · Scenic Drives Gear · Trail Gear

Toddler Backpack

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Kids Sun Hat

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Water Shoes

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Sand Toys

Gear · Park Gear

Kid’s Bug Catcher Kit

Gear · Park Gear · Trail Gear

Kid’s Binoculars

Gear · Park Gear · Scenic Drives · Scenic Drives Gear · Trail Gear

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Midway Park

Accessible Park · Ball Field · Basketball Court · Disc Golf · Dog-Friendly · Drinking Water · Leash Required · Open Space · Park Benches · Pavilion · Picnic Area · Playground · Public Transit Access · Restrooms · Sensory Playground · Walking Paths

McKay Lake Park and Open Lands

Accessible Park · Bike Park · Bike Paths · Birdwatching · Dog-Friendly · Fishing · Hiking Trails · Lake or Reservoir · Leash Required · Mountain Views · Nature Playground · Open Space · Park Benches · Pavilion · Picnic Area · Playground · Restrooms · Walking Paths · Water Access · Wildlife Viewing

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Your Explorin’ Journal

McKay Lake Park and Open Lands journal page

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Don’t let today’s adventure become tomorrow’s forgotten memory.

Print your free McKay Park Adventure Page and record what you explored, your favorite part of the adventure, what you discovered and the memories you want to keep.

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NEED TO START YOUR OWN FREE JOURNAL? CLICK HERE

McKay Lake Hiking Trail: Official Trail Map

Plan your hike using Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX), the official statewide trail map from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Colorado DNR. View the Rattlesnake Gulch Loop route, elevation profile, trail details, weather and downloadable GPX information. View McKay lake on COTREX →

14000 Zuni St., Broomfield, CO 80023

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McKay Lake Park and Open Lands

WHAT DO THE PARK CODES MEAN?.tatsu-ryB8l9WNMg.accordion-head{color: rgba(247,241,229,1) ;}

Why You’ll Love This Park

Good to Know:

Things To Do

Nature Play Area

Walk the Lake Loop

Bike Park & Pump Track

Fishing & Paddlecraft

General Information

Park Amenities

Best Times to Visit

Fred’s Footprint Rating

Good For

SHARE THIS ADVENTURE

Zero’s Paw Report

Zero’s Paw Rating

Fred’s Photo Gallery

Double-tap a photo for a slideshow with a description. Mouse over the photo for a description

CLICK HERE IF YOU WANT A HINT.tatsu-rJ1GOFOPGg.accordion-head{color: rgba(247,241,229,1) ;background: rgba(247,241,229,1);}

AMENITIES

PLAYGROUND

SPORTS

LAKE

OPEN SPACE

Fred’s Park Gear Picks

Search Parks in Broomfield by Amenities

Parks Nearby

Your Explorin’ Journal

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

McKay Lake Hiking Trail: Official Trail Map

14000 Zuni St., Broomfield, CO 80023

JOIN FRED’S CLUB AND GET YOUR FREE CERTIFICATE!

WHAT DO THE PARK CODES MEAN?

CLICK HERE IF YOU WANT A HINT