Waneka Lake Park

Waneka Lake Park is a 147-acre city park around a roughly 55-acre reservoir in suburban Lafayette. From the east shore the view runs west across the water to the Front Range, front-lit in the morning. A 1.2-mile, mostly soft-surface trail, 8 to 10 feet wide, loops the lake.

The west lot at 1600 Caria Drive is by the boathouse and picnic shelters; the east lot is at 705 Caria Drive. Vehicles must stay on roadways and lots. Restrooms are available year-round; hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Private boats, swimming and wading are not allowed. Low water ended the 2026 boat rental season in August.

The reservoir dates to 1865, and the late-1870s Waneka Granary, on the Lafayette Register of Historic Places, stands on the east side.

The City of Lafayette manages the park and publishes no film permit. Business in its parks is prohibited unless permission is granted, so clear a shoot with the Parks Department (303-661-1306) first. Park events generally do not need the Community Event Permit; closing a street or sidewalk does, through the City Clerk’s office at least 60 days ahead.