Harper Lake is a small lake within the Leon Wurl Wildlife Sanctuary in Louisville, Colorado that was originally constructed in the 1890s and expanded in 1985. It covers 29 acres and serves as one of three storage areas for the City’s water supply. Amenities include parking, a restroom, an interpretive kiosk, and an art installation in the McCaslin underpass.

Boating

Motorless boating is allowed on Harper Lake with an annual permit.

• Harper Lake Boat permits (12+ years of age) are sold online April 1 - September 30 each year.
• The boating season on Harper Lake begins May 1 of each year and ends when the first ice forms.
• Boat Permits are only valid for use in the current calendar year. Your online receipt serves as a temporary boat permit until your official permit arrives in the mail.
• Paddle Boards are NOT permitted at Harper Lake. Places to Paddle Board in Colorado.
• Swimming, wading, or bodily contact with the water is not permitted.

Permitted:

• Canoes
• Open Air Kayaks
• Row Boats
• Bicycle Type Paddle Boats
• Inflatables with a solid bottom and no self-bailing device
• Fishing (subject to possession of a valid Colorado Fishing License and adherence to the Colorado Fishing Regulations.)

Not Permitted:

• Bodily contact with water
• Paddle Boards
• Swimming
• Wading
• Dogs, Horses, or other domesticated animals in the sanctuary
• Motorboats
• Sailboats
• Whitewater Kayaks
• Water Skis
• Aquaplanes
• Surfboards
• Inner Tubes
• Belly Boats
• Pool Inflatables
• Ice Skating
• Ice Fishing
• Scuba Diving
• Motors of any kind
• Alcohol and Glass Containers
• Fires
• Modifications to a vessel to meet the intent of a rule or regulation. The original factory 
  configuration of the boat will determine eligibility to receive a permit.

2026 Fees for Harper Lake Boat Permits

FEES per Boat	Resident	Non-Resident
One Boat for Current Year	$29	$53

Purchase a Permit

• Prior to purchasing a permit, please read the Harper Lake Rules & Regulations
• In order to use the Online Registration process you will need to have an existing Household and associated Login (Username/Password) in the Recreation & Senior Center online system.
  • Please ensure your household and contact information, including email, phone number, emergency contact information, age (date of birth) and mailing address, is current and complete in the Online Registration System. 
  • For Household/Login assistance with the online system, contact the Recreation & Senior Center Front Desk at 303.666.7400.

Purchase a Permit

Other questions? Please call or email the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Office at 303.335.4768 or parksandrec@louisvilleco.gov

Rules & Regulations

• In order to boat on Harper Lake, each vessel must have an officially licensed permit, displaying the current year’s adhesive sticker provided by the City, affixed to the bow’s starboard (right) area.
• Adult guardians are responsible for the supervision of their child boaters. Boaters should be at least 12 years of age to boat on Harper Lake without on-board adult supervision.
• All boaters must comply with State Law.
  • Boaters must have one immediately accessible personal flotation device for each person on board. 
  • Children 12 and under must wear PFDs at all times.
  • All vessels must have at least one sounding device (air horn, whistle, etc) and must be marked in legible, durable fashion with owner’s name and current address.
• All boats and equipment shall be in good and serviceable condition.
• Boats must be manually portable to the lake—no motorized trailers or carts.
• Wildlife habitats shall not be disturbed.
• The City of Louisville prohibits the operation of vessels on any waters within the City, and 
  may  order the removal of vessels, when such operation constitutes or may constitute a 
  hazard to human life, wildlife, or safety.
• Any ranger, code enforcement officer, or other peace officer has the authority to enforce any and all rules. Permit holders will immediately
  comply with any officer’s request to verify their permits or inspect their vessels for safety 
  equipment.
• Any person who fails to obey an officer’s order shall be charged with a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine and all permits and passes will be revoked.

In consideration of the issuance of this requested boat permit, the Licensee agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the City, its officers, employees, agents, or servants, and to pay any and all judgments rendered against said persons on account of any suit, action or claim caused by, arising from, or on account of acts or omissions by the Licensee, his officers, employees, agents or servants, connection with the use of Harper Lake/Leon A. Wurl Wildlife Sanctuary, and to pay to said persons their reasonable expenses, including but not limited to, reasonable attorney’s fees and reasonable expert witness fees, incurred in defending any such suit, action, or claim. Licensee covenants to use the facilities only for lawful purposes and in a lawful manner, in accordance with all applicable statutes, ordinances, rules, and regulations. Failure to comply will result in a court summons and may incur a permanent loss of use of Harper Lake.