pic Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Boulder County’s Waneka Lake Shines in Today’s Outdoor Picture of the Day

There’s something timeless about a Colorado summer day — and today’s Outdoor Picture of the Day captures that feeling in all its glory. Shot by award-winning Boulder County photographer Lenny Lensworth Frieling, the image frames the peaceful waters of Waneka Lake with a postcard-perfect backdrop of the Flatirons and Rocky Mountains, shimmering beneath a sapphire sky.

Located in Lafayette, just 10–15 minutes east of Boulder, Waneka Lake Park is one of Boulder County’s best-kept gems. It’s a favorite for locals who come here to walk, run, kayak, paddleboard, or simply sit and take in the view. The park wraps around the lake with a scenic 1.2-mile trail, with shaded benches, picnic spots, a nature-themed playground, and even paddle boat rentals in the warmer months.

The history of Waneka Lake goes back to the late 1800s, when Christoph Waneka, a Norwegian homesteader, settled in the area. The lake — originally used for irrigation and agricultural purposes — has since been transformed into a beloved community recreation space. What makes it particularly special is the clear view west toward the Flatirons, Boulder’s iconic sandstone formations, which rise steeply above the plains and catch the afternoon sun just right.

In today’s image, Frieling captures that moment — the interplay between water, land, and sky — with his signature clarity and warmth. You can see ducks gliding in the distance, gentle ripples on the lake, and the towering Flatirons rendered in sharp silhouette behind layers of green and gold.

Lenny Lensworth Frieling is no stranger to Boulder County’s natural beauty. A seasoned photographer and long-time local, his work is known for celebrating quiet moments and the poetry of everyday life. Whether it’s a child skipping stones, a golden retriever bounding through snow, or a twilight shot of Boulder Creek, Frieling’s photos are less about capturing perfection and more about honoring the moment.

Today’s photo is no exception. It doesn’t just showcase a scenic lake — it tells a story: of connection, place, and the quiet majesty that exists just outside the hustle of Boulder. Waneka Lake may not be as famous as Chautauqua Park or Bear Peak, but through Frieling’s lens, it earns its place among Boulder County’s most beautiful outdoor treasures.

So if you’re looking for a peaceful morning or a golden-hour stroll, follow the lens and head east. Waneka Lake is waiting.

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