There are more than 4,000 lakes and reservoirs in Colorado. About 150 of them are found in Rocky Mountain National Park alone.
Needless to say, the Centennial State has its fair share of aquatic beauty.
Lakes that are perfect for a weekend at the beach, water sports, or just scenic views you can’t find anywhere else are filled with trash across the state.
Here are the 10 best lakes in Colorado.
Mesa Azul Reservoir, Gunnison
At 20 miles long and almost 100 miles of coastline, Mesa Azul Reservoir It is the state’s largest body of water contained entirely within Colorado’s borders. Fishing is a common activity here thanks to Blue Mesa being home to the largest kokanee salmon fishery in the United States. Boating and water skiing are equally popular on this reservoir that is open year-round.
Boulder Reservoir, Boulder
rock reservoir It’s 700 acres of recreation with stunning views of the Flatirons. Operated as a water supply by the Northern Colorado Water Conservation District, the reservoir provides drinking water and fun for people of all ages. Pontoons, kayaks, sailboats and rowboats are among the watercraft you will commonly see. There is also a designated swimming area with lifeguards on duty.
Chatfield Reservoir, Littleton
Chatfield Reservoir is located just 20 miles south of downtown Denver in Chatfield State Park. All 197 campsites at Chatfield are located within walking distance of the lake and feature picnic tables and grills. There is a “power zone” for motorized boats and a “no wake zone” for fishing, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. A swimming beach on the west side of the lake and a model airplane field make Chatfield a place for everyone.
Great Lake, Great Lake
big Lake It is the largest and deepest natural lake in the state. Views of blue water and nearby Rocky Mountain National Park span for miles at this year-round destination. Any water activity you can think of is done here in the summer months. During the winter, Grand Lake is popular with ice fishing connoisseurs.
Further:Do you need to cool off? Lake Colorado named one of America’s best for swimming
Hanging Lake, Glenwood Canyon
A 1.2-mile hike (gaining 1,200 feet of elevation) is required to reach hanging lake, but it’s worth it for the stunning views. The waterfalls fall gently towards the green lake amidst picturesque landscapes. Although you cannot enter the water to swim to protect the ecosystem, that does not detract from the natural beauty of Hanging Lake.
Horsetooth Reservoir, Larimer County
Located just west of Fort Collins at an elevation of 5,420 feet, Horse teeth depositThe nearly seven miles of water is a popular summer destination. The lake has miles of trails and opportunities for many water activities. It is the ideal place for boaters, hikers and climbers.
Jackson Lake State Park, Orchard
Sandy beaches and nearly 250 campsites are scattered along the 2,411-acre Jackson Reservoir in Jackson Lake State Park. The state park was designated as International Dark Sky Park, one of the 95 in the United States, in 2020 thanks to its large meadows. It hosts a handful of water activities and is a “premier camping spot in Northeast Colorado.” according to their website.
Further:Here are the best places to stargaze in Colorado this summer
Lake Granby, Granby
Granby Lake (7,256 surface acres) is the third largest body of water in Colorado. A sister lake to Grand Lake, Granby’s 40 miles of scenic shoreline are perfect for fishing. Camping and hiking are also common throughout most of the year until the area’s extensive snowmobile trails draw visitors to town.
Lake San Cristobal, Lake City
San Cristobal Lake, now the second largest natural lake in Colorado, was formed hundreds of years ago by a rare natural land flow called the Slumgullion Slide. The lake is located in the San Juan Mountains at an elevation of approximately 9,000 feet. Around Lake St. Kitts you can usually see Canada geese, beavers, moose and moose.
Twin Lakes, Leadville
The southern shore of Twin Lakes offers visitors a stunning view of Colorado’s tallest mountain, Mount Elbert. There are over 2,700 acres of mountain lake to explore by kayak or paddleboard. A two-hour narrated pontoon tour takes travelers to Interlaken, “a ghost resort on the distant shores of the lakes that can only be reached by boat or on foot,” according to the Twin Lakes Website.
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