16 Colorado lakes and reservoirs for a dreamy summer day

What could be more idyllic, more Colorado, than spending a day or weekend at a lake? Smooth glassy water reflecting the peaks, fish jumping, birds chirping; you’ll understand why John Denver sang about “the serenity of a clear blue mountain lake.”

From natural, frigid alpine lakes to slightly-less-frigid valley reservoirs to a couple of places where you can even swim comfortably, Colorado has some 4,000 bodies of water to choose from. With that in mind, we’ve put together some great destinations to add to your summer travel itinerary.

Lakes for motor boating

Blue Mesa, in the center of the state between Gunnison and Montrose, is a boater’s paradise. It’s also the largest lake in Colorado, at 14 square miles. As the name implies, the waters are crystal blue and deep enough for large boats. Secluded canyons abound where you can drop anchor and enjoy a cold dip or just the peace and quiet. And the fishing is spectacular – the reservoir is home to the largest kokanee salmon fishery in the country.

The reservoir is in Curecanti National Recreation Area. There are 10 campgrounds to choose from and several beaches where camping is allowed.

Lake Granby in northern Colorado is another popular boating spot and covers 7,000 acres. There are numerous boat launches and commercial marinas where you can rent a boat, as well as several campgrounds.

Colorado’s second-largest natural lake is down south, adjacent to Lake City. Lake San Cristobal offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. There’s a marina and the Wupperman Campground along its shores.

Lakes for quiet boating

If you’d rather enjoy a quiet day in a canoe or kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard, there are many lakes where only non-motorized craft are allowed.

O’Haver Lake, in a stunning valley off Poncha Pass, is a perfect place to enjoy some quiet flatwater. And there’s even a campground where you can pitch a tent near the water, a rare thing in Colorado. Reservations are highly recommended for a campsite.

Cottonwood Lake, west of Buena Vista and a few miles south of the top of Cottonwood Pass, is a lovely and quiet boating location – 40 acres and no motors allowed. There’s also a large campground along the lake and plenty of free dispersed camping in the area.

Big Meadows Reservoir is a short distance from the town of South Fork in southern Colorado. It is surrounded by spruce-covered hills. The lake can seem busy along the shore but head out in a boat and you’ll find solitude. There’s a campground along the shoreline.

Lakeside trails for mountain biking

Twin Lakes, created by water diversions through the Continental Divide (part of the massive Fryingpan-Arkansas Project), is known for its gorgeous vistas. Mount Elbert, Colorado’s tallest peak, towers over the area. There’s also a great intermediate mountain bike trail that rings the reservoir, nearly 15 miles of singletrack with little elevation gain. There are several campgrounds in the area, as well as free dispersed camping on the east side of the lake.

Rampart Reservoir is near Woodland Park, part of Colorado Springs’ water system. The 14-mile loop trail around the lake offers a great singletrack ride, with 1,000 feet of uphill required. Start at the Rainbow Gulch trailhead for free parking, as you’ll have to pay at the lots closer to the water. There’s camping around the lake and plenty of dispersed camping along Rampart Range Road.

Lakes for swimming

Most of Colorado’s lakes are fed by snowmelt and too cold for most swimmers. Pueblo Reservoir is an exception. The 4,600-acre lake is at a low elevation in Colorado’s banana belt, which makes it comfortable for swimming on hot summer days. You can take a dip at the Rock Canyon swim beach, or better yet find a swimming hole somewhere along its 60 miles of shoreline. Those with boats will enjoy finding a secluded cove for a swim.

There’s a $10-per-vehicle fee to enter Lake Pueblo State Park (which surrounds the reservoir) and camping costs $28-$36 a night. (If you’ve paid for vehicle registration this year, you already may have access to all state parks through the Keep Colorado Wild pass.)