Nature Area Hours: 1 Hour Before Sunrise to 1 Hour After Sunset

McIntosh Lake is a reservoir and as such is part of the statewide ditch and reservoir system. Each year, the water level in McIntosh Lake is dependent on systemwide priorities and weather factors such as snowpack and precipitation.

Park Rules

• Lake Hours: 1 hour before sunrise until 1 hour after sunset.
• Carry-on, non-motorized boats only. This includes canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, belly boats, sailboards, sailboats and small boats that can be carried to the lake.
• Lifejackets/personal flotation devices are required for each person regardless of age on board any type of watercraft, including but not limited to paddle boards, boats, kayaks, canoes, etc.
• Children 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a lifejacket/personal flotation device at ALL times while on board a watercraft.
• Access to lake is only at the designated boat ramps.
• Prior to putting in, please note the number of boats already on the lake and, for your safety and the safety of those around you, do not put in if the lake is already over-crowded.
• No pool toys or single chambered air-inflated devices such as inner tubes; only multiple chambered inflatable craft such as belly boats.
• Swimming is prohibited.
• Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
• No glass containers.

To view a complete list of amenities and associated trail distances, visit our Plans, Maps & Reports webpage and view the Park Amenities Chart.

For more information about this park, contact Parks, Open Space & Trails.

Future Plans

McIntosh Lake is currently being developed as a master-planned Nature Area.

Master Plan Development
Phase 4 of the master planned Nature Area project included analysis of appropriate pedestrian crossings of 17th Avenue. This project identified appropriate at grade, and / or grade separated crossing areas west of Hover Road. Linkages between schools, parks (including McIntosh Lake), the future St. Vrain Greenway trail (at Airport Road) and residences north and south of this arterial road are desired. The design has been completed.

Phase 3 of the master planned Nature Area project was constructed in 2008 – primarily including native re-vegetation at the west end of the lake as well as installation of a new restroom.

Phase 2 construction began in early 2004 and completed the trail loop (3.5 miles) around the entire lake perimeter. The trail also includes a spur trail to Boulder County’s Agricultural Heritage Center located off Hwy 66. Rules and Regulations signs are posted and temporary boat ramps were installed. Boat buoys delineate the wildlife area in the north west portion of the lake as shown in the Master Plan. On May 15, 2004, Lake McIntosh was opened to the public.

Phase 1 construction, completed in 2003, provided a concrete trail connection between Flanders and Dawson park sites along the eastern edge of the lake as well as a new trailhead parking lot for the Nature Area site off Harvard Street.

Final Master Plan Documents

• McIntosh Lake Master Plan – Final
• McIntosh Lake Master Plan – Final – Appendix