Coot Lake — Attraction in Boulder

The lake itself, nestled near Boulder Reservoir, offers some beautiful scenery. There are restrooms and a foot-trail loop around the lake and dedicated nature reserve area. It is really nice to see that a handicap-accessible fishing dock is also present. I am a pretty avid fisherman, and have tried to fish the lake twice now, fishing top-water, mid, and bottom using flies, traditional lures, and finesse fishing tactics. There hasn't been much in the way of action. Lots of small bluegill and sunfish, carp, and the occasional very small bass. The super "fishy" spots are part of the reserve and not accessible. A large portion of the accessible area of the lake is super shallow and snaggy, but there are some deeper holes if you walk around. The restroom has been in pretty bad condition both times I've been here. My biggest gripe is that (depending on prevailing winds) there is an overwhelming stench of dog urine everywhere and lots of dog bombs to watch out for. Dogs are permitted to swim in certain areas, so most everyone I see with dogs treat the lake like a giant doggy play pool. Unfortunately, you know the water is full of dog feces and urine. 100% of the people I see here have their dogs off-leash and in the water. For the most part, people have fairly well-behaved dogs, but both times I've been here a wet and muddy dog has jumped up on me. People also do not respect fishing boundaries, and usually have their dogs splashing and playing right next to you while you are trying to fish. Lastly, the lake has strong indicators of cyanobacteria and harmful algal blooms, so fishing or contact with the water here comes with risks and I would recommend carrying hand sanitizer with you. All in all, this is a beautiful recreation area and has a lot of potential for a relaxing day of fishing on a wildlife reserve, but it really just feels more like a giant,...

Definitely one of my favorite places to take my dog in the Boulder area. Luna loses her mind when we start getting even close to Coot.

Coot itself a beautiful little lake with just gorgeous views. The trails here are flat and well-maintained, and lead to Boulder Rez (opposite side from the area where you can swim and launch boats, etc — you can’t do that at Coot!). It’s a perfect place for the pups to run around like maniacs and then take a swim to cool off.

This is almost like one big dog park. You will see people without dogs but I’d say 4 of 5 people have dogs with them, and the vast majority of those dogs are off-leash. Boulder voice and sight tags are required and I have been stopped by a ranger once, (who confirmed my Luna had her tags). If you have a reactive dog this probably (sadly) isn’t the place for you — it is nearly impossible to avoid encounters with other dogs here, unless you go at a very off time. No shade on the trails so even despite the water access, I wouldn’t recommend it in super hot (say, 95 degrees+ and sunny) weather.

The main Coot lot is tiny and almost always full, but there’s plenty of parking across the street at Tom Watson...

The lake trails are well-maintained, the scenery is beautiful, the restrooms are clean. Peaceful bench sitting around the lake and a cute little dock with benches. Pristine marshes, hundreds of beautiful birds. A full-featured playground right across the street. Dozens of trail options with water edge access to the reservoir. Ample parking fight across the street. Beautiful sunset watching. This is THE place to go when the northern lights come to Boulder County. Aaand then, without fail, dozens of out-of-touch and entitled dog owners who assume everyone wants to be approached by their "very friendly" off-leash dog, followed by their "very friendly" off-leash dog, charged by their "very friendly" off-leash dog, etc. I have a dog. I love dogs. I always have 100% control of my dog. I never let my dog approach someone who doesn't obviously want to interact with my dog. It's common courtesy and common sense, which does not exist at this location. It's not one person, it's not one day, it's the Coot Lake culture. Do not bring an intact male dog here, because he will be attacked by a "usually very friendly, I've never seen him behave like that" off-leash dog....