Colorado is one of the most scenic U.S. states located in the Western United States. Surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes, it is known for its dramatic canyons, lush evergreen forests, alpine trails, crystal-clear lakes, and the Rocky Mountains that dominate the scenery. The state of Colorado is famous for its outdoor activities and national parks, including the iconic Rocky Mountain National Park.
Colorado is renowned for its diverse landscape of mountains, forests, high plains, mesas, canyons, plateaus, rivers, and desert lands. It has thousands of lakes and large reservoirs. Most of the large lakes in Colorado are either reservoirs or man-made lakes enhanced by dams. Having so many scenic landscapes to offer, Colorado becomes a perfect vacation spot to unwind from the world.
So here is a list of lakes that one must visit while visiting Colorado:
- Hanging Lake
- Horsetooth Reservoir
- Dream Lake
- Grand Lake
- Blue Mesa Reservoir
- Evergreen Lake
- Carter Lake Reservoir
- Aurora Reservoir
- Shadow Mountain Lake
- Lake San Cristobal
1. Hanging Lake
- Location: Glenwood Canyon, near Glenwood Springs
- Best Time to Visit: May–October
- Ideal For: Hikers, photographers, couples, and nature lovers
- Things to Do: Hike the steep 1.9 km trailhead to the lake, enjoy the waterfalls and crystal-clear pool, and explore nearby Glenwood Springs hot springs
- Pro Tip: You need a timed permit to access Hanging Lake, so book tickets in advance as they sell out quickly during peak season.
Hanging Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Set high on a cliff in Glenwood Canyon, it is a very popular and picture-perfect destination. It offers a gorgeous lake view, and one can witness gentle waterfalls after a 1.9 km steep trailhead. The reason it’s called Hanging Lake is that it appears to be almost hanging on the side of a mountain.
2. Horsetooth Reservoir
- Location: Larimer County, near Fort Collins
- Best Time to Visit: May–September
- Ideal For: Boating lovers, families, and water sports fans
- Things to Do: Water skiing, scuba diving, kayaking, rock climbing around the reservoir, relaxing at Sunrise Swim Beach, and camping at nearby campgrounds
- Pro Tip: To avoid heavy weekend crowds, consider purchasing an entrance permit, which is required for access.
Horsetooth Reservoir is a large reservoir in Larimer County, Colorado, just west of Fort Collins. Renowned for its sparkling waters, the lake is popular for outdoor recreation activities such as boating, tubing, swimming, skiing, paddleboarding, and hiking. Stretching 6.5 miles, it allows visitors to enjoy a range of activities, including rock climbing, and a campground.
3. Dream Lake
- Location: Rocky Mountain National Park
- Best Time to Visit: June–September
- Ideal For: Hikers, photographers, and peaceful nature walks
- Things to Do: Hike the scenic trail, photograph sunrise reflections, and continue the hike to Emerald Lake
- Pro Tip: Consider arriving early in the morning, as parking spots fill up extremely fast due to heavy crowds.
Dream Lake is a high alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. As the name suggests, it is a dreamy destination with a mirror-like surface. This lake is popular for its scenic beauty and accessibility via a hike from the Bear Lake Trailhead, which leads to the stunning, reflective waters of Dream Lake. The hike continues to Emerald Lake, which is considered even more iconic.
4. Grand Lake
- Location: Town of Grand Lake, western entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park
- Best Time to Visit: June–August
- Ideal For: Families, boating, and lakeside town experiences
- Things to Do: Paddleboarding and kayaking, boat rentals from the marina, exploring Grand Lake Village, and going wildlife viewing near the national park entrance
- Pro Tip: Take a sunset boat ride to enjoy the incredible alpenglow views.
Grand Lake is Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake, located at the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Surrounded by mountains, it is a popular destination for water activities like boating, kayaking, and fishing. Grand Lake is one of the most family-friendly lake destinations, offering marinas, shops, cafés, and sandy beaches for tourists.
5. Blue Mesa Reservoir
- Location: Gunnison County, part of Curecanti National Recreation Area
- Best Time to Visit: May–September
- Ideal For: Anglers, boaters, families, and road trippers
- Things to Do: Fishing for kokanee salmon, boating and paddleboarding, visiting the Dillon Pinnacles Trail, and exploring the Curecanti Recreation Area
- Pro Tip: As the weather can change rapidly in this region, consider bringing layers of clothes.
Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado’s largest reservoir, which spans over 20 miles. It is located on the Gunnison River and serves as the centerpiece of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other water sports. Surrounded by dramatic mesas, this lake is known for its large population of fish, like lake trout and kokanee salmon.
6. Evergreen lake
- Location: Evergreen, near Denver
- Best Time to Visit: June–September; December–February for ice-skating
- Ideal For: Families, picnics, day trips, and winter activities
- Things to Do: Boating and paddleboarding, ice skating in winter, walking the scenic loop trail, and picnicking in Dedisse Park
- Pro Tip: Use the free shuttle service during peak summer weekends.
Evergreen Lake is a charming 55-acre lake located in the town of Evergreen, Colorado, within Dedisse Park. Renowned as one of the most scenic outdoor ice-skating venues, the lake is managed by the Evergreen Park and Recreation District. It is popular for activities such as boating, paddleboarding, ice skating (in winter), and hiking the surrounding trails.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind before visiting Evergreen Lake. No swimming or wading is allowed in the lake because it is a drinking water supply for the area. Parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, with shuttle services available from a nearby location.
7. Carter Lake Reservoir
- Location: Loveland, Colorado
- Best Time to Visit: May–September
- Ideal For: Boating, fishing, and overnight camping
- Things to Do: Motor boating and sailing, fishing for walleye and trout, camping in one of the lakeside campgrounds, and hiking the surrounding trails
- Pro Tip: Make campsite reservations early during the summer to avoid last-minute hassle.
Carter Lake Reservoir can refer to either a reservoir in northern Colorado or a lake in Georgia. However, the Colorado one is the most prominent. The Colorado reservoir is the second-largest lake in the Colorado-Big Thompson Project and is a popular recreational spot. Boasting deep blue waters and surrounding hills, this scenic lake is ideal for weekend getaways.
8. Aurora Reservoir
- Location: Aurora, near Denver
- Best Time to Visit: May–September
- Ideal For: Families, cyclists, swimmers, and scuba divers
- Things to Do: Visit the seasonal swim beach, sail and non-motorized boating, ride the 8-mile paved trail around the reservoir, and explore the SCUBA area and archery range
- Pro Tip: If you are a beginner looking to learn to paddleboard, try your hand here due to the calm waters.
Aurora Reservoir is a large reservoir offering various activities, including fishing, sailing, non-motorized boating, windsurfing, a seasonal swim beach, a SCUBA area, an archery range, and large group picnic shelters. You can also stroll or ride your bike on the 8-mile multi-use, concrete trail that circles the reservoir.
9. Lake San Cristobal
- Location: Near Lake City, Hinsdale County, Colorado
- Best Time to Visit: June–September
- Ideal For: Fishing, kayaking, peaceful mountain getaways, and scenic drives
- Things to Do: Drive up the Slumgullion Pass Scenic Byway, stay at Wupperman Campground for lakeside camping, and explore surrounding trails like the Alpine Gulch or Lake Fork trails
- Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to experience the mirror-like reflections on the lake and take advantage of the best fishing conditions.
Lake San Cristobal is the second-largest natural lake in Colorado. This hidden gem is nestled deep within the San Juan Mountains and offers a serene lake experience. It was formed over 700 years ago by a massive landslide that blocked the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. Over the years, the lake has maintained its untouched beauty, serving as a perfect retreat for families and tourists seeking an authentic mountain lake experience away from crowds.
10. Shadow Mountain Lake
- Location: Grand County, near the town of Grand Lake
- Best Time to Visit: June–August
- Ideal For: Boating, kayaking, wildlife watching, and connecting lake-to-lake adventures
- Things to Do: Boat directly between Shadow Mountain Lake and Grand Lake, try your luck fishing, go for wildlife viewing, explore the East Shore Trail, or head into Rocky Mountain National Park
- Pro Tip: Rent a kayak in Grand Lake and paddle into Shadow Mountain Lake.
Shadow Mountain Lake is connected to the Grand Lake through a narrow navigable channel. It serves as one of the few places in Colorado that allows you to boat between two major lakes. Surrounded by the Arapaho National Recreation Area, this lake is perfect for families, offering stunning mountain views, tranquil waters, and abundant wildlife.
Lakes in Colorado perfect for a family getaway
Colorado is also known for its Southwest and Mexican restaurants found throughout the state. Popular attractions include Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. With so many stunning lakes to choose from, Colorado serves as a perfect paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. While these lakes catch everyone’s attention, some other noteworthy lakes in Colorado are also ideal for hiking, photography, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching. These lakes are equally beautiful and worth adding to your itinerary:
- Lake Haiyaha
- Sky Pond
- Maroon Lake
- Bear Lake
- Chasm Lake
- Lake Isabelle
- Lily Lake
- Sprague Lake
Final Thoughts
Colorado lakes are among the most picturesque destinations in the United States. From tranquil alpine basins to large reservoirs, the blue lakes Colorado serve as a perfect spot for boating and family adventures. Whether you’re an adventure freak looking for a challenging hike or a solo traveller on a weekend retreat in a lakeside town, Colorado offers magnificent lakes for every traveler. So, if you’re planning a trip to the best lakes in Colorado, the most beautiful views await you!
