Colorado is a beautiful landlocked state with endless natural wonders. Home to many majestic mountains, you will find several pristine lakes here. Whether you intend to take pleasure in the water activities in the lake or a hike to get a view of it, Colorado has it all. Some of the best lakes and reservoirs flow in the northern part of the state. Once you visit here, the lakes with their scenic views and fun-filled activities are sure to reside permanently in your heart and memory.
One of Colorado’s most beautiful, Grand Lake, is also the state’s largest and deepest natural lake. The encompassing mountains and pine trees elevate its beauty, making it highly photogenic. Boating enthusiasts can rent any boat of their choice from Grand Lake Marina and explore the scenic waters. In addition, nestled on the lake at an elevation of 8,367 feet, the Grand Lake Yacht Club is the world’s highest and a favorite among boaters. You can take part in the fun-filled event, Annual Regatta Week, held mid-August every year. Apart from this, the swimming beach invites visitors to have a refreshing dip in its cold waters. Point Park, located at the lake’s end, has a picnic area where you can munch your food while enjoying the lake view.
It is easily accessible as the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is just a mile away from the Grand Lake town. You can stroll along the historic wooden boardwalk to the town to do some shopping or dine in any local restaurants.
Fishing: This lake houses many fish varieties, including rainbow trout, brook trout, mackinaw, and kokanee salmon.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, pontoon boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, hiking, picnicking, biking, wildlife watching
Just a few minutes’ drive from Fort Collins will take you to Horsetooth Reservoir in north-central Colorado. Positioned on this massive water body is a unique rock formation from which the reservoir gets its name. Wear on your beach suits to plunge into the waters from the swim beach at its western shore. The local marinas provide boat rents for you to take a ride and explore its picturesque surroundings. You can also try stand-up paddleboarding for some fun.
There is a small visitor center in Lory State Park on the north side where you can get exciting information on the local wildlife. For added adventure, you can engage in bouldering in Rotary Park at the lake’s east side. If you wish to stay overnight, opt for camping or put up in the nearby condos.
Fishing: Anglers can enjoy catching several fish species, including rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, crappie, white bass, largemouth bass, wiper, and walleye.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, hiking, cycling, picnicking, horseback riding, bouldering, camping
Fed by the Colorado River, Lake Granby is the state’s third-largest water body with a surface area of 7,256 acres. There is a lot to do here, making it a well-known recreational site. From any one of the Lake Granby Yacht Club’s three boat launches, you can avail yourself the pleasure of boating during the summer months. With the surrounding Arapahoe National Forest and the Indian Peaks Wilderness, the lake is a paradise for nature lovers and a popular area for hiking, camping, and snowmobiling.
Fishing: This lake is best for fishing rainbow trout, mackinaw trout, and kokanee salmon.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, sunbathing, water skiing, camping, hiking, snowmobiling
This artificial reservoir in Boulder offers a breathtaking view of the Flatirons, the unique rock formations around the area. You can lie down on the sandy beach under the Colorado sun to work on your tans while staring at the towering mountains around you. It is a safe place for you or your kids to swim as many lifeguards are on duty. However, children under 12 would have to pass the swim test before accessing the lake. Apart from this, the Community Sailing of Colorado in Boulder Reservoir offers to train kids and adults willing to learn sailing. You can also rent a sailboat from here. For renting other types of boats to enjoy a leisure ride on the lake, you can get one from Rocky Mountain Paddleboard.
Dogs cannot access the lake during summer. However, they are allowed here in winter when the place becomes quite impressive due to the snowy mountains and the frozen lake.
Fishing: The reservoir has an excellent stock of smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, rainbow trout, black crappie, and saugeye. During the winters, you can also enjoy ice fishing on the frozen lake. A fishing license from Colorado Parks & Wildlife is mandatory, available online.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, water skiing, stand up paddleboarding, sunbathing, picnicking, cycling, wildlife watching
Located at the Hahns Peak’s base near Steamboat Springs in northwestern Colorado, this lake offers recreational opportunities throughout the year. It is a sight to behold with the neighboring peaks and lush valleys, adding to its scenic charm. You can also spot sandhill cranes during the springtime and bald eagles in winter. In the cold months, the frozen state of the lake invites various activities like ice-fishing, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing.
Hiking enthusiasts can also explore many picturesque trails around, including the Tombstone Nature Trail, poverty Bar Trail, and the Willow Creek Trail.
Fishing: Anglers will have a great time fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, jet-skiing, water skiing, stand up paddleboarding, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, cross country skiing, snowmobiling
Living up to its name, this lake in Rocky Mountain National Park has a beautiful dream-like appearance. Bring your cameras with you as the place has so many jaw-dropping natural sceneries to offer. With the clear reflections of the snow-capped mountains and pine trees, the pristine water body looks captivating. To soak in the place’s scenic beauty, start an early morning hike from the Bear Lake trailhead to reach Dream Lake. Along the way, you are sure to be mesmerized by the picturesque views of the surrounding cliffs, ponderosa pines and aspen trees, and the scenic Bear and Nymph lakes.
During the cold season, when the mountains are snow-covered, Dream Lake becomes a winter wonderland. It is a must-visit for an enchanting experience. Since the lake flows high up in the mountains and remains frozen or chilled almost throughout the year, there are no activities like swimming and boating here.
You can continue hiking the trail for less than a mile to witness the Emerald Lake that is equally gorgeous. To get a view of Longs Peak, take the loop trail that crosses Glacier Knob. Hike further to reach the stunning Alberta Falls before returning to the trailhead.
Fishing: This lake is well-known for the native greenback cutthroats.
Other Activities: Hiking, snowshoeing, picnicking, sightseeing
Sourced from the Colorado River, this alpine lake is an extension of the Grand Lake. Along with an incredible backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, its shimmering blue waters are an abode of pleasurable activities that you can enjoy year-round. For some quality time with your family, you can picnic at Pine Beach Picnic Site on the lake’s southern shore. With two boat launches along its south side, you will have no worries about accessing the lake with a boat of your preference. On this shore, you’ll also find Green Ridge Campground to put up your tents and enjoy the night views of the lake.
Fishing: Rainbow trout, brown trout, and salmon are common catches here.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet-skiing, water skiing, sailing, picnicking, camping
Sitting at 10,620 feet, this sub-alpine beauty in Rocky Mountain National Park is also the headquarters of Mill Creek. The lake’s clear waters are not much deep and draw the stunning reflections of the mighty Notchtop Mountain. It would be best to hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead, which is about 5.5 miles round trail. To spend overnight, consider camping at the nearby Sourdough Backcountry Campsite, from where you can also capture some of the splendid sunrises. Remember to purchase a free-of-cost backcountry permit and make a prior reservation before coming here.
Fishing: You might catch largemouth and smallmouth bass and spotted bass. The lake, however, does not abound in trouts, disappointing enough for anglers
Other Activities: Hiking, camping, picnicking, nature gazing
Within the Arapaho National Recreation Area near Rocky Mountain National Park, you will find this pretty lake flowing southeast of Lake Granby. To access it, you have to cross the 4 miles long Monarch Lake Loop Trail apt for hikers of all skill levels. You will encounter many wildlife species along the trail, including squirrels, chipmunks, moose, deer, and many more. Colorful wildflowers add to the richness of the natural scenery, making the hiking trip pleasurable. With no motorboats to disturb, you can have a peaceful time here enjoying a kayak ride or fishing or just sitting back and soaking in its charms. You can bring along your dogs but do remember to keep them on leash. For campers, spend the night in the nearby Arapaho Bay Campground.
Fishing: You can catch various trout fish such as rainbow trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, and brown trout.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, wildlife watching, picnicking, camping
Chasm Lake is one of the many gorgeous lakes found in Rocky Mountains National Park. Be sure to wear your hiking shoes as there is a challenging hike of about 4.2 miles to reach it. Though the road is strenuous, the magnificent views of the pine and fir forests, Longs Peak, Columbine Falls, and Peacock Pond will make you forget your weariness. Moreover, in the end, the spectacular lake surrounded by mountains is undoubtedly going to win your heart. If you plan for some more hiking and exploring the next day, you can stay overnight at the Battle Mountain campsite, which is a few miles further from here.
Fishing: Fish species like rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout are available here, though not in plenty.
Other Activities: Hiking, nature gazing, wildlife viewing, camping
Flowing along the Blue River in the north-central region of Colorado, this reservoir lies nestled at the base of the Gore Mountain and Williams Peak ranges. It gets its name from the mighty Green Mountain, towering on its northeast side. On its northwest side, you can spot private homes in the village of Heeney. Both motor and non-motor boats can access the waters from the Heeney Marina. Primitive campsites dot the shoreline, allowing you to have closer proximity to the lake.
You can also get glimpses of many wildlife, including elk, deer, bald eagles, and ospreys.
Fishing: Anglers will have a great time catching plenty of fish species, including rainbow trout, lake trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailboarding, water skiing, jet-skiing, camping, hiking, cliff-diving, picnicking, bird-watching, wildlife watching
This quaint natural lake requires a moderate hike of about 1.5 miles to reach. The peaks of Maroon Bells provide a stunning backdrop to its crystal clear waters. You can spot a bear or a mountain goat wandering in the area or muskrat or a squirrel scurrying around. In addition, you can witness many little seasonal waterfalls here.
In fall, the surrounding mountains, aspen, and pine trees create awe-inspiring, vibrant scenery. However, the lake is fed by rain and snow and varies in shape and size until it completely dries out in October every year.
Picnicking here would be ideal while you watch the colorful sailboats on the pristine waters. To spend some more time in this nature’s abode, you can camp here by the lakeside.
Fishing: Fish species found here include rainbow trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout. Remember to carry your Colorado Fishing License before coming here.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, water-skiing, picnicking, hiking, rock climbing, camping
Close to the Gunnison National Park, this artificial reservoir is the state’s largest water body and a part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. With a vast shoreline of 96 miles, it provides an array of fun-filled activities for you to have a whale of a time. Elk Creek Marina and Fork Marina allow boaters to have easy access to the lake. In addition, you can enjoy a sumptuous meal in the nearby Pappy’s Restaurant while taking in the lake views.
Though you won’t find any beaches along its rocky shoreline to swim, you can access the waters from the swimming spots such as Dry Creek, Bay of Chickens, and Old Highway 50 beach.
Fishing: This reservoir has excellent lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and salmon reserves. You can also avail the service of guided fishing trips to get to know how to catch some good fish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, water skiing, hiking, horseback riding, camping
Dillon Reservoir or Lake Dillon flows between the towns of Frisco and Dillon, supplying drinking water to the city of Denver. Since the water is freezing, it’s not possible to swim in it. However, you can enjoy boating and rent fish boats, kayaks, canoes, or sailboats at the area shops. Many sailboat tours also start from Dillon Marina. On the other hand, you can avail of canoe tours from the Frisco Bay Marina. While exploring the waters, you will be mesmerized to see the scenic backdrop of the William Form, Gore, and Ten Mile mountain ranges.
You can rent a ski from The Frisco Nordic Ski in winter and enjoy skiing on their cross-country ski trail system. In addition, the ski resorts of Keystone and Breckenridge are also nearby.
Fishing: This lake supports excellent fish varieties, including brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and arctic char.
Other Activities: Boating, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, camping, hiking, cross-country skiing
These glacial lakes in Leadville are an ideal getaway spot. You can enjoy the picturesque vista, get to know about the surrounding history and keep yourself busy with various fun-filled activities. The backdrop of the majestic mountain peak, Mount Elbert, provides picture-perfect scenery. To admire the scenic beauty, you can rent a kayak and take a ride in its quaint waters. You can also check out the Interlaken Boat Tours, a two-hour guided tour to Interlaken that is an abandoned resort of the 1800s at the far end of the shore.
You can also hike the Colorado Trail along the lake’s south shore to explore the early remains of the old place. In addition, be sure to visit the historic Twin Lakes Village to see the sites listed in National Historic Register, including a blacksmith shop, hotel, general store, and a schoolhouse. There are also staying places here apart from the primitive camping areas beside the lake.
Though a glacial lake, you can still swim comfortably in its clear waters, whose temperature varies from 65°–75° F during the summers.
Fishing: Stocks of rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brown trout are in abundance here.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, snowmobiling, hiking, sightseeing
You can reach Lake Isabelle by hiking for about 5.5 miles from Long Lake Trailhead that you will find on Brainard Lake Road. Continue your hike along the Pawnee Pass Trail that leads to Isabelle Glacier. It is a moderate hike, and the trail remains snow-covered for most of the year. So, don’t forget to wear your snowshoe. On your way, treat your eyes to the views of Navajo Peak, Apache Peak, and Shoshoni Peak. Meanwhile, moose on the trail is a common sight here.
On reaching the lake, you can take a break and sit back to admire its beauty. Also, you can come here with your dogs but put them on a leash first.
To enjoy a tranquil hike and avoid the parking hassles, set out of your home early morning. A parking lot is available in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, and you need to spend about $ 12 as a parking fee.
Fishing: Cutthroat and brook trout dwell in the lake.
Other Activities: Hiking, wildlife watching, nature gazing
Chambers Lake: This reservoir near Fort Collins flows within Roosevelt National Forest in Larimer County. Plenty of recreational opportunities abound the lake, including fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and so on. Chambers Lake Campground, on its shores, also offers many facilities and a beautiful view of the lake.
Sylvan Lake: This serene mountain lake within White River National Forest provides picturesque vistas of aspen groves, pines, and towering mountains. Recreational activities are plenty, such as boating, camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and so on. In addition, the sights of wildlife like elk, mule deer, pine marten, bear, and beaver are an add-on.
Lake Agnes: This alpine lake in Colorado State Forest State Park requires a short hike of less than a mile. It is a scenic trail with mountain peaks, wildflowers, and occasional moose to spot. But the view of the lake is more appealing with the surrounding Nokhu Crags and pine and aspen trees all around. You can have a relaxing time fishing for trout here.
Red Feather Lakes: This lake, encompassed by Roosevelt National Forest, offers stunning mountain views and abundant wildlife species to see. Apart from this, you can enjoy the water activities, including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and whitewater rafting.
TOP PICKS
Best Lakes for Fishing: Lake Granby, Green Mountain Reservoir, Blue Mesa Reservoir
Best Lakes for Boating: Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Lake, Twin Lake
Best Lakes for Camping: Crater Lake, Green Mountain Reservoir, Monarch Lake
Best Lakes for Swimming: Boulder Reservoir, Horsetooth Reservoir, Blue Mesa Reservoir
Most Beautiful Lakes: Grand Lake, Crater Lake, Dream Lake
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