20. Bathrooms. Boating is popular in summer, as well as jet skiing, waterskiing, sailing, and kayaking. There are also hiking trails around the lake and opportunities for horseback riding and mountain biking. Skewing toward easy and moderate trails, it should be easy to find the perfect experience for any experience level. Like many other lakes in the county, it is only accessible on foot by hiking along the Bradley Lake Trail. Backed by the purple-hued Maroon Bell peaks that rise regally behind it and are mirrored in its glassy surface, Crater Lake is easily one of Colorado's most stunning natural tableaus. It is a ten-mile long lake with a surface area of 4470 acres and fifty miles of shoreline. Covering 20 miles and boasting 96 miles of shoreline, Blue Mesa is a lot of fun in summer. Water skiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing are just a few great ways to enjoy Colorado’s many lakes and reservoirs. Best Places to Fish in Colorado Colorado fishing Guide With over 6,000 miles of fish-bearing rivers and streams, 2000+ reservoirs and lakes and a multitude of Gold Medal waters (for those prize-winning catches), Colorado has it all! According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, there are over 2,000 lakes and reservoirs, offering a span of major boating opportunities.From wide-ranging reservoirs to small mountain lakes, there is an option for everyone. If you live in Colorado or plan on moving to the centennial state, there are a number of lakes to explore. Grab some friends and family and take a long weekend to chill out and soak up some rays. Connected to Grand Lake by the Colorado River, Shadow Mountain Lake is the third sister in a group of high alpine bodies of water (Granby Lake is the other) set against the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Maroon Lake in Aspen. You can fish from boats or from the shore and there are also hiking and cycling trails around the lake itself. From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming, there are endless ways to spend the perfect day here. While Colorado is home to plenty of natural lakes, you’ll find that some of the best places to go boating are the state’s human-made reservoir. The reservoir stays open year-round. This lake is very popular for fishing and water” more. “ One can do anything from biking to hiking, swimming to archery, camping to cookouts, fishing to horseback riding in/over expansive trails, reservoir/lakes… At an elevation of 10,620 feet, it is a subalpine lake surrounded by mountains much higher than it. Along the way, you'll pass the pretty Nymph Lake, but make sure to continue on to Dream. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. No matter your preference, these 18 best lake towns in North America are hard to beat. The surrounding mountain scenery is equally beautiful. You can fish from shore or take a boat out. Best lake trails in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cherry Creek Reservoir. Although Colorado has some of the best fishing locations in the U.S., some of its streams, lakes, and reservoirs have been overfished throughout the years. This marvel is home to 500 lakes, and over 3,000 miles of trail throughout the accumulative Grand Mesa National Forest. Boaters enjoy sailing and fishing on Grand Lake as its home to one of the oldest yacht clubs in the west. Lake Granby. On a clear day, the lake is like mirrored glass, and you can see 12,129-foot Notchtop Mountain reflected in the shallow basin. Although most travelers usually visit Colorado for the plentiful skiing the mountains have to offer, summer is a great time to ski Colorado in a completely different way. All. 10. This list showcases some of the best lake rentals Colorado has to offer. Enjoy water sports, fishing, and a myriad of trails including the Continental Divide trail. Price. Blue Mesa Reservoir and the Dillon Pinnacles. McPhee is a large lake in southwest Colorado. 1,729 Reviews. Whether you are into boating or fishing or just absorbing all the natural beauty, this list checks out some of the very best lakes in Colorado. Alternatively, you can simply relax at your campsite, enjoy the company of friends, and relax in one of the best outdoor playgrounds that the state has to offer. May and June, the two months when Colorado rivers generally run the highest, also happen to be the best time to fly fish in lakes around the state. A kayaker on the calm waters of Shadow Mountain Lake. Right after ice out is normally excellent. It’s from Colorado local Sarah Maurer of missadventurepants.com. Colorado's largest natural body of water, Grand Lake is a deep blue beauty sitting in a high alpine location of 8,369 feet. “ Bear Creek Lake Park is an amazing place to get away and offers miles of trails, scenic views, a Swim Beach, Paddle Boarding, picnic tables and more. We’ve put together a list of the 8 best lakes for ice fishing in Colorado. With fantastic views of Boulder's signature flatirons, the manmade Boulder Reservoir is another revered local lake. It's one of the best spots in Colorado for boating, fishing, swimming, and other recreation. The 20 most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado. Length. The lake is at an elevation of 2,142 metres above sea level near the terminus of Garnet Canyon. by Emily Krempholtz. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), Colorado is home to about 35 different freshwater species in 1,300 lakes and reservoirs as well as … There are also guided fishing trips available for the gold medal and wild trout found in these waters, but you are, of course, welcome to fish on your own as long as you have a state fishing license. The 11 Most Beautiful Lake Hikes in Colorado | Happiest Outdoors. This is a good time to photograph the lake as well. Known for its alpine lakes, Colorado has a wide-variety of trails and lake scenery to choose from. ... these lakes … Grand Lake, Colorado Grand Lake . From the trailhead, follow the trail past Lower Ice Lake, which is a spectacular destination in itself. Also known as Lake Dillon, this large reservoir in Summit County actually supplies Denver with its drinking water and is owned and operated by that city's water utility, despite being two hours away. Learn More. When talking about the best lakes in Colorado, it's impossible not to include reservoirs - the state has over three dozen large reservoirs, and many of them are absolutely gorgeous. Bradley Lake gets fewer visitors then many others in the park, making it quite peaceful. Located right outside of Lake City Colorado, the lake looks like a layer of glass reflecting the bright colors of the surrounding mountains. The lake is between the towns of Frisco and Dillon, both of which have numerous lodging options - catering especially to budget-focused travelers and families with kids - as well as a variety of restaurants. The hike gains more than 2,300 feet in elevation and takes you past upper and lower Columbine Falls and through open tundra before reaching the dramatic alpine lake that sits in a basin at the base of Longs Peak, Mt. Although it’s hard to go wrong, here’s a look at the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado for any ability level. Piney Lake near Vail. It’s rugged, remote, and beautiful. You’ll find a diverse range of fishing opportunities, with something for every angler no matter what the season. Rating . Close to Lake Estes is the Murphy's Resort, with a 3.5 mile hiking trail around the lake for a gorgeous walk by the waters. Lake San Cristobal. There is also the backcountry Battle Mountain campsite a few miles from the lake. Colorado Outdoors: Nature lovers can find a world of opportunities for adventures in this beautiful state. Elevation gain. Waterskiing is also allowed here. Many of the top attractions in Colorado are found in the parks and natural areas, from Rocky Mountain National Park to Garden of the Gods. May 20, 2017 - Only In Your State is one of the world's leading travel and culture website with writers in all 50 U.S. states. Moderately difficult with a 692-foot elevation gain, the hike is best in summer and early fall - by November the trail will be snow-covered. To rent boats, paddleboards, or kayaks head to the local marina. 1024 x 768 jpeg 231kB. Eleven Mile Reservoir. Buttermilk Mountain. It is still moderately difficult, however, gaining 1,150 feet in elevation on the way to the lake. Caribou Lake is a gorgeous hike located just outside of Denver that’s great if you’re wanting a challenging hike. It's hard to pick the very best lakes in Colorado when the state is home to more than 4,000 bodies of water, both natural and manmade. Open Now. This lake is beautiful and has a wonderful little gravel path around it that is just under a mile. Grand Lake is a quaint and picturesque little town, which sits right on Grand Lake itself. You rent various kinds of boats here, as well as stand up paddleboards. There are two full-service marinas, where you can rent powerboats, as well as kayaks and stand up paddleboards. It is an easy, four-mile loop hike to Monarch Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness just south of Rocky Mountain National Park by the town of Granby. There is a public boat ramp, dock, and parking area on the west side of the lake, and fishing boats, kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddleboards can all be rented in Lake City. 915 Cheyenne Mountain Blvd “Easily one of my favorite spots in the Springs. Near Gunnison in western Colorado, Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest body of water, although it is not a natural lake. Today, visitors enjoy fishing, boating, RV and conventional camping, and wildlife viewing at the lake surrounded by some of the absolute best natural scenery in Colorado. From short day hikes close to the city to multi-day backpacking trips deep in Rocky Mountain National Park, these adventures will take you to some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Colorado. If the view of a couple massive, majestic mountains hanging over the lake wasn't enough, you are also provided with a grand view of the tallest peak in all of Colorado right behind you. Read more: Best things to do in Colorado. 1. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), Colorado is home to about 35 different freshwater species in 1,300 lakes and reservoirs as well as … In beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park, Chasm Lake is located at 11,803 feet and requires a strenuous 4.2-mile hike to reach from the Longs Peak Trailhead - and then the same distance back out. Caribou Lake. Hike to Chasm Lake. In fact, alpine lakes in Colorado are so famous, nearly every mountain hike passes a pristine lake nestled in the mountains. Together the three lakes offer over 150 miles of coastline—forty of them around Lake Grandby alone. The views are well worth the effort it takes to get here. Its proximity to some of the state’s best rivers and lakes puts it among the best fishing towns in Colorado. Meeker, and Mount Lady Washington. The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests. You can also rent pontoon boats from Rocky Mountain Paddleboard and spend the day fishing and chilling on the lake. Beautiful Hanging Lake, in Glenwood Canyon, is one of the most well known lakes in Colorado, so much so that hiking to it can sometimes feel more like waiting in line at an amusement park than a serene nature hike. In summer, you can take out motorized and non-motorized boats from two marinas and fish from the shoreline or on the water. In Rocky Mountain National Park, Dream Lake is positively dreamy in the early morning, when the rising sun turns it pink and purple. The area is especially sublime in July and August when the wildflowers are at their peak. There are plenty of lodging options in the nearby towns of Grand Lake and Granby. Colorado is home to hundreds of lakes populated with trout, though most anglers targeting trout choose to fish in Colorado's streams and rivers; 168 miles of Colorado streams have been designated by the Colorado Wildlife Commission as "gold medal" trout fishing water. Most of the larger lakes in Colorado are either reservoirs or dam-enhanced natural lakes. It can actually get quite crowded June through August on weekends, when Colorado residents come from the cities to stay in its high alpine camp sites and cabins or make use of the RV hookups. The area around the lake is popular with hikers in summer and snowmobilers in winter. Although Twin Lakes are considered glacial lakes, their water temperatures range from 65°–75° in the summer months, which allows for a comfortable swim. The Chatfield Reservoir, also known as Chatfield lake, was created by the Army Corps in 1966 to help control flooding in the area. Community Sailing of Colorado offers sailing classes and rentals if this is something you'd like to try. Paddleboard on the shore of Horsetooth Reservoir at dusk. The trail is just 2.2 miles out and back and starts at the Bear Lake trailhead. Grand Lake The largest natural lake in Colorado sits outside the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park in a town of the same name, with a boardwalk, marina and lots of family fun and events each year. Think sightseeing cruises, tubing, and kayaking, or vineyard tours, hiking, and waterfront restaurants. It is also a popular recreation area, with 26.8 miles of shoreline that is close to the ski resorts of Keystone and Breckenridge. Pro Tip: Rocky Mountain National Park and the north/south stretch from Boulder to Fort Collins are two areas with the most lakes in the state. 8.) This 3,400 acre reservoir is open for ice fishing 365 days a year. There’s Something Incredible About These 14 Rivers In Colorado Can we all just take a moment to acknowledge the fact that Colorado is by far the most beautiful state in the country? If you are looking for a smaller community to base yourself, where you can get out and enjoy nature, consider Durango, home to great hiking, biking, white water rafting, and much more. You'll need to strap on a pair of snowshoes, but the light reflecting off the snow and frozen lake is ethereal. Grand Lake. Twin Lakes. It also has cabins and yurt rentals, even in winter. Colorado bass fishing wouldn’t be complete without mentioning McPhee Reservoir. Best Lakes in Colorado 1. Frozen Two Rivers Lake with Notchtop Mountain in the background | Steven Bratman / photo modified. Colorado's second largest natural lake, Lake San Cristobal outside of Lake City, shimmers like reflective glass, especially in the early morning or at sunset, when the mountains and colors playing across the sky are mirrored in it. The lake is adjacent to the town of Grand Lake, which serves as the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. The Best Camping in Colorado. This list showcases some of the best lake rentals Colorado has to offer. Gaining 987 feet in elevation, the hike is moderately strenuous and is best undertaken between June and October, when the snow has mostly melted. Lake Granby. There are also opportunities for water sports like waterskiing and wakeboarding. High Alpine lakes have their place in the best fall hikes in Colorado. Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the United States. 21 Best Watering Holes and Swimming Spots in Colorado - 303 Magazine. As one of the more popular areas in the range, it’s still not too crowded. 2048 x 1536 jpeg 574kB. You will need a Colorado fishing license, however. 1. Colorado boaters have an overwhelming amount of options when it comes to finding a place to launch their boats and hit the water. From short day hikes close to the city to multi-day backpacking trips deep in Rocky Mountain National Park, these adventures will take you to some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Colorado. Maroon Lake in Aspen. Lather up with sunscreen and bring your umbrellas every summer for swimming at Colorado’s best beaches. Piney Lake near Vail. Or you can take a boat out and fish from the surface. The large manmade lake is a favorite with swimmers, boaters, and anglers. This huge Colorado lake is perfect for fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, or even yachting. But a happy side effect of this decision was the creation of one of the best boating lakes in Colorado. Once you reach the lake, there is good fishing for trout. As such, it is one of the most popular destination hikes in the park. Eleven Mile Reservoir is known for its large rainbow trout that can range from 14-20 inches long. One of Colorado’s gold medal stillwater fisheries, North Delaney is known for producing huge rainbow, brown, and cutthroat/rainbow hybrid trout. Pro Tip: Rocky Mountain National Park and the north/south stretch from Boulder to Fort Collins are two areas with the most lakes in the state. There is plenty to do, including a swimming beach and area, fishing, boating, and hiking in the surrounding mountains. Bear Lake is the easier of the two and is 5.6 miles round-trip. It's perfect for exercising. The following is a partial alphabetical list of lakes and reservoirs in the U.S. State of Colorado. Difficulty. It is at a little distance from Mesa Verde, Dolores, and Cortez. Ice Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado, known for its turquoise blue color, the wildflowers on the trail on the way to the lake, and of course, being the coldest lake in Colorado. 8. Head to the Grand Lake Marina if you are planning to explore the lake by boat. In winter there is ice fishing, as well as nordic skiing around the lake. One of the best fishing lakes in Colorado, Lake Granby is stocked with trout and kokanee salmon. Includes many of the states 14ers and countless more. Created in 1950, when the Granby Dam was built, it is the third largest body of water in Colorado, with 40 miles of shoreline. The entire state is above 3,000 feet, so you’ll combine the incredible fishing with stunning views. If you choose to visit any one of these destinations, please remember to recreate responsibly, stay on the trail, and pack out all trash. Only In Your State was launched in March 2015 with the goal of connecting passionate people and discovering the best of what each state in the U.S. has to offer. Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. To reach Crater Lake, just outside Aspen, you'll have to hike in and out via a 3.8-mile, round-trip trail. The Missouri Lakes Basin is one of the best day hikes and one of the prettiest hikes in Colorado! From snow-capped mountains to vibrant cities to the lush countryside, you will always find something new and exciting in the Centennial State. Used under CC BY 2.0. In summer, activities range from jet skiing and fishing to boating, canoeing, and stand up paddleboarding. 1. You can purchase a fishing license at the lake or in Lake City. Popular Colorado Lakes. Often considered one of the best hikes in Colorado, you will crest the top of Arapaho Pass before reaching Caribou Lake itself. Explore the most popular lake trails near Colorado Springs with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Horsetooth Reservoir sits in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by deep red sandstone and mountain vegetation. Wikimedia Commons. Video and descriptions of some of the best Alpine Lakes in Colorado.Be sure to Subscribe as I have many more best of videos on the way. You must have a Colorado fishing license. One of the best lakes in Colorado to live on is Lake Granby. Editor's Note: Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. Even if you are only visiting Denver, you can find many nearby hiking trails that will take you to some outstanding scenery. She gives us a run-down on the 11 most beautiful lake hikes in Colorado. The Rocky Mountain State is home to 6,000 miles of fishable streams and rivers as well as some 2,000 reservoirs and lakes. It's also an easy hike, making it popular with families. One of the best lakes in Colorado to live on is Lake Granby. 1. While at the lake, grab lunch at Pappy's Restaurant, which has a picturesque location facing the lake. Hiking, Parks, Lakes. Photo: Mike Fennell. Lake Granby. 6. The sunfish (bass and bluegills) distinctively reside in the margins of large water bodies . Written in an engaging way. Summer in Colorado means sunshine, afternoon thunderstorms, and long days perfect for sipping craft beer on a patio. Created in 1950, when the Granby Dam was built, it is the third largest body of water in Colorado, with 40 miles of shoreline. That also happens to be a great way to wind down after a busy day day of fishing on nearby Lake Georgetown or hiking up Mount Bierstadt, Mount Evans, or any of the other Colorado 14ers found in the area. The Ice Lakes are some the most beautiful alpine lakes in all of North America and make for a perfect Colorado summer day hike. Although the water stays chilly even in summer, many brave the temps for a swim, and there is a swimming beach area with picnic tables. Factor in that the trailhead is only a reasonable 2.5 hours away from Denver, and what you have is one of the finest weekend Colorado in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Denver, 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Colorado Springs, CO, 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Colorado, USA, 9 Best Cheap Ski Resorts in Colorado, 2021, 11 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways in Colorado, 12 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Colorado, 2021, 16 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in the World, 2021, 11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Boulder, CO, Where to Stay in Boulder: Best Areas & Hotels, Where to Stay in Denver: Best Areas & Hotels, From Denver to Vail: 5 Best Ways to Get There, From Dubai to Abu Dhabi: 5 Best Ways to Get There, 19 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 11 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, visiting Denver, you can find many nearby hiking trails. There is also good fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, rainbow trout, and walleye, among other species, from the fishing dock or by following the Boulder Reservoir Loop Trail to find a quiet spot of your own. Best Summit Hikes in Colorado – A guidebook outlining the 80 best summit hikes in Colorado! Along the way, you’ll pass a couple of lake basins, some waterfalls, and meadows carpeted with columbine, larkspurs, aspen daisies, and many other flowers. During winter, when the lake freezes over, it is popular with ice-fishing enthusiasts. Grab a seat on the patio and indulge in Colorado comfort food, including local trout. www.tripadvisor.com . 1. Instead, you'll need to hike in and out via the Fern Lake or Bear Lake trails. 1. Not far from the eclectic mountain town of Nederland, Lake Isabelle requires an 8.6-mile out-and-back hike to reach. Ok, this isn't a "Lost Lake," but the name is close and the lake is in one of the most beautiful settings in Colorado. Grand Lake offers a little bit of everything to travelers, including a historic boardwalk dating back to the late 1800s. If you want to experience Dream Lake with few to no other people, then pay a visit in winter. The reward is Upper Slate Lake, one of the prettiest and most remote wilderness gems in Colorado. happiestoutdoors.ca. Colorado is the abode of over two thousand lakes and reservoirs and about six thousand fishable miles of rivers, streams, and estuaries flow through the land, making it a fisherman’s heaven. Finally, should you wish to stay, there are campsites and cabins open year-round. Little Molas Lake, located in the southwest corner of Colorado in the San Juan National Forest between Durango and Silverton, is a primitive campground that offers spectacular views of the glistening water and the surrounding jagged peaks of Snowdon, Grand Turk, Engineer and Twin Sister. Grab some friends and family and take a long weekend to chill out and soak up some rays. Route type. 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