Iām a Denver local who loves exploring the great outdoors, and in this guide, I go over the best lakes in Colorado. These include popular and lesser-known destinations, plus one of my familyās favorite mountain getaways.Ā
These scenic areas offer countless activities on large reservoirs and small alpine lakes. Discover what to do in the water and on land, as well as the best places to stay nearby.Ā
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19 Best Lakes In Colorado
Grand Lake
Coloradoās largest natural lake has boating, swimming, fishing, and breathtaking views.
š Google Maps | Grand Lake Website | š æļø Parking: Free, can be crowded summer weekends & holidays | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: Grand Lake Lodge
Grand Lake, one of the best places to visit in Colorado, lies on the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Itās the largest and deepest natural lake in the state.
In summer, itās a popular Colorado lake for boating, swimming, and fishing. In winter, thereās an ice fishing tournament and a Winter Carnival with fireworks over the lake. The town of Grand Lake also has lots of activities, so you could easily spend a weekend or more here.Ā
Hanging Lake
Hike to this geological wonder in Glenwood Canyon.
š Google Maps | Hanging Lake Website | š æļø Parking: Included in permit cost, $12 (summer) / $10 (winter) per hiker | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Hanging Lakeās unusual green color comes from minerals in the water. You canāt swim in the lake because of those minerals, but thereās a boardwalk you can stroll to get some great pictures.
Itās a strenuous hike to the lake, but our entire family, including kids and grandparents, survived the trek with plenty of rest breaks. Hanging Lake is accessible only with a permit which you must reserve online in advance. Nearby Glenwood Springs, one of Coloradoās best mountain towns, has activities like hot springs and guided excursions.
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Boat and fish in Coloradoās largest manmade lake.
š Google Maps | Blue Mesa Reservoir Website | š æļø Parking: Free | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: The Inn at Tomichi Village
Blue Mesa Reservoir is part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, one of the best national parks in Colorado. Motorized boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are all allowed on the reservoir. The reservoir is near Gunnison and has more than 96 miles of shoreline, which you can explore by fishing, hiking, or on a horseback ride.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is less than an hour from the reservoir. Itās worth adding on some time to explore the park while youāre nearby!
Sprague Lake
Take an easy stroll around this Rocky Mountain National Park beauty.
š Google Maps | Rocky Mountain National Park Website | š æļø Parking: $30 vehicle entrance fee, $2 timed permit required from May ā Oct | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: Boulder Brook on Fall River
Set in Rocky Mountain National Park, this crystal-clear lake is breathtakingly beautiful. Although you canāt boat or swim here, itās well worth exploring solo or on a guided tour. A short, level walk around the lake is easy for hikers of any level. Weāve seen moose (including babies!) at Sprague Lake in the summertime.
Echo Lake
Beautiful views on the way to Mount Blue Sky.
š Google Maps | Echo Lake Website | š æļø Parking: Free, but a $12 vehicle reservation is required if continuing to the Mount Blue Sky summit | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: JC Suites
This is one of the more famous Colorado lakes and though itās in the mountains, itās not too far from Denver. Echo Lake makes a great stop on the drive up to Mount Blue Sky or a great destination on its own. Boats are not allowed on the lake, but you can fish and hike.
š Pro Tip: Because many of these lakes are in the mountains and not near public transportation, youāll want a car to get around. Discover Cars compares rental prices to help you get the best deal!
Crater Lake
A gorgeous hike leads to this lake near Maroon Bells.
š Google Maps | Maroon Bells Website | š æļø Parking: $10 per vehicle / $16 adult shuttle ticket, $10 child shuttle ticket (under 12 years); reservations required May ā Oct (Maroon Creek Road closed seasonally) | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: The Little Nell
After youāve admired the Maroon Bells from the entry area, the hike to Crater Lake is a canāt-miss activity. Itās one of the most beautiful things to do in Aspen. Kids can manage the 3.5-mile hike, although itās pretty consistently uphill most of the way to the lake. The trail continues on from Crater Lake if youāre up for more of a challenge!
Lake Estes
Fish, kayak, and walk the 3.75-mile trail around the lake.
š Google Maps | Lake Estes Website | š æļø Parking: $5 daily fee at marina; free parking at Estes Park Visitor Center | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: Rams Horn Village Resort
Paddleboarding, fishing, and taking a pontoon boat out on Lake Estes are all great things to do in Estes Park! If you donāt want to go out on the lake, thereās a path around the perimeter you can walk. Youāll get a view of the Stanley Hotel, the Rocky Mountains, and some of the charming town of Estes Park. When visiting, take a guided tour to experience more of the area.
Horsetooth Reservoir
A large Fort Collins reservoir perfect for boating, sailing, fishing, water skiing, and swimming.
š Google Maps | Horsetooth Reservoir Website | š æļø Parking: $10 vehicle pass | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: The Armstrong Hotel
In the summer, visiting Horsetooth Reservoir is one of the best things to do in Fort Collins. Motorized boating and paddle sports are popular pastimes. Thereās also lots of hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. After a day playing outdoors, cool off with a cold beer at one of downtown Fort Collinsā breweries!
Steamboat Lake
Fun water activities and amazing views just outside of Steamboat Springs.
š Google Maps | Steamboat Lake State Park Website | š æļø Parking: $10 vehicle pass | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: The Bristol Hotel
Steamboat Lake is one of Coloradoās best state parks, and is a great destination for enjoying lake activities! Motorized boats are allowed, along with canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Boat rentals are available at the Steamboat Lake Marina. Nearby, youāll also find plenty of stuff to do in Steamboat Springs!
Twin Lakes
Fish and paddle with views of Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive.
š Google Maps | Twin Lakes Website | š æļø Parking: Free parking at Interlaken trailhead or Sunnyside Fishing Site | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: The Delaware Hotel
You can fish and paddle on these lovely Colorado lakes, which are about halfway between Leadville and Buena Vista. The hike to the old Interlaken Resort is also an interesting one, and follows alongside the beautiful lake most of the way.
Boulder Reservoir
Waterski, fish, and swim at this popular reservoir.
š Google Maps | Boulder Reservoir Website | š æļø Parking: $5 per person / $10 per carload (peak season); free Nov 1 ā March 31 | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: Hotel Boulderado
Visiting the Boulder Reservoir is one of the best things to do around Boulder! Itās a go-to spot for boating, fishing, swimming, cycling, and exploring hiking trails. Various races are held here, including a marathon and triathlon.
Lake Granby
Enjoy a Grand County treasure thatās big on boating.
š Google Maps | Lake Granby Website | š æļø Parking: Free parking at several marinas | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: Grand Lake Lodge
Located near Grand Lake, Lake Granby is known for boating and fishing. The Lake Granby Yacht Club holds races during the summer. You can also go swimming and sailing in summer, and in winter itās a good spot for cross-country skiing.Ā
Bear Lake
Visit one of the most photographed lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
š Google Maps | Rocky Mountain National Park Website | š æļø Parking: $30 vehicle entrance fee, $2 timed permit required from May ā Sept | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: The Estes Park Resort
Bear Lake is another beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park lake thatās easy to access. Thereās a trail around the lake, and many hiking trails in the area begin at the Bear Lake trailhead, including some to other high alpine lakes. The Bear Lake parking lot can get crowded, and during busy seasons, you may have to park elsewhere and take the park shuttle.Ā
Lake Dillon
Waterski, paddle, and fish on this Frisco reservoir.
š Google Maps | Lake Dillon Website | š æļø Parking: $10-15 paid parking at Frisco Marina (10 am ā 5 pm, May ā Sept), free in off-season | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: Frisco Inn on Galena
This lake is officially called the Dillon Reservoir, but just about everyone refers to it as Lake Dillon. Exploring the lake is one of the fun things to do in Frisco, and you can rent and store boats at the Frisco Bay Marina. There are campgrounds around the lake and places to stay in Frisco as well.Ā Ā
Dream Lake
Hike from Bear Lake to more alpine lakes.
š Google Maps | Rocky Mountain National Park Website | š æļø Parking: $30 vehicle entrance fee, $2 timed permit required from May ā Sept | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: The Estes Park Resort
Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is a high alpine lake that can be accessed from the Bear Lake trailhead. Hands down, itās one of the best hikes in Colorado. The easy 2-mile trail also makes a great snowshoe trek in winter. Youāll pass Nymph Lake on the way, and get great views of Longs Peak, Hallett Peak, and Flattop Mountain.
Cherry Creek Reservoir
An urban lake with lots of outdoor activities.
š Google Maps | Cherry Creek State Park Website | š æļø Parking: $11 vehicle entrance fee | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: Denver Marriott Tech Center
Cherry Creek Reservoir is one of the best day trips from Denver. Given it is one of the closest lakes near Denver, youāll find many people biking, walking, and boating on the lake. There is a popular swimming beach, drawing crowds on weekends and holidays.
Motorized and paddling boats are allowed, and the reservoir is a great escape from nearby city life. The park is also home to some of the best camping near Denver.
Lake San Cristobal
Go boating or ice fishing on Coloradoās second-largest natural lake.
š Google Maps | Lake San Cristobal Website | š æļø Parking: Free parking on the west side or at Red Mountain Gulch Day Use Area | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: The North Face Lodge
Lake San Cristobal is tucked in the San Juan Mountains in Lake City. It was formed by the delightfully named Slumgullion Slide, which was an earthflow that blocked a fork of the Gunnison River. You can fish and rent canoes, kayaks, or fishing boats to spend time on the lake.Ā
Shadow Mountain Lake
Enjoy another large, picturesque Grand County lake.
š Google Maps | Shadow Mountain Lake Website | š æļø Parking: Parking at the Pine Beach Picnic Site requires a $5 daily pass | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: Grand Lake Lodge
Shadow Mountain Lake is one of the large Grand County lakes located near Grand Lake and Lake Granby. Many of the activities here are similar, too ā you can go boating, swimming, fishing, and sailing. You can also go hiking and horseback riding nearby.Ā
Monarch Lake
See one of the prettiest destinations in Grand Lake.
š Google Maps | Monarch Lake Website | š æļø Parking: Parking at the Monarch Lake trailhead requires a $5 daily pass | šļø Where to Stay Nearby: Clover Lane Casa
Monarch Lake in Granby is smaller than the better-known Grand County lakes, but itās quite beautiful! You can paddle non-motorized boats, hike the Monarch Lake loop trail, fish, or access a number of trails in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.Ā
FAQs About Lakes in Colorado
What major lakes are in Colorado?
Major lakes in Colorado include Grand Lake, Navajo Reservoir, and Blue Mesa Reservoir. Colorado is also known for mountain lakes like Echo Lake,Lake Granby, and Steamboat Lake.
Whatās Coloradoās biggest lake?
Coloradoās biggest lake is Grand Lake, and itās also the stateās deepest natural lake. In terms of manmade reservoirs, Blue Mesa Reservoir ranks as Coloradoās largest.Ā
What is the nicest lake in Colorado?
The nicest lake in Colorado is Grand Lake, in my opinion. The size of the lake means thereās plenty of room for boating, swimming, fishing, and sailing. The marina rents motorized and paddling boats, and you can enjoy amazing views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
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Many of these lakes are near quaint towns and scenic campgrounds, so you can spend a few days exploring. For more help planning your trip, check out our Ultimate Colorado Travel Guide!