The Best Lakes in Colorado
Whether you’re a vacationer looking for an adventure or a local who wants to see the best lakes in Colorado, there are several options for you. From the most popular to the least, you’ll find a lake perfect for you.
Crater Lake
Located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness outside of Aspen, Colorado, Crater Lake is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. This beautiful natural body of water is considered one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in the world. It is also the deepest in the United States. Located within Crater Lake National Park, visitors will find thousands of acres of evergreen forests and bountiful wildlife.
One of the most stunning aspects of Crater Lake is the dazzling sunrise and sunset. The color of the water is reflected off the snow, which provides an ideal backdrop for viewing the Milky Way.
Crater Lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, marmots, bears, and moose. These animals can be seen along the shores of the lake, but you are not allowed to feed them.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities at Crater Lake. It provides great photography opportunities, as well as the chance to see moose and elk.
One of the most popular hiking trails is the Crater Lake Trail. This is a moderate 3.8-mile round-trip hike that leads to the lake. The trail passes through heavy timber and skirts marshy areas to the east. The trail drops into a small depression at 5.1 miles, then climbs over a hill to the basin holding Crater Lake at 5.5 miles.
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Located in southwestern Colorado, Blue Mesa Reservoir is one of the largest bodies of water in the state. With 96 miles of shoreline, it is a beautiful place to explore.
Blue Mesa Reservoir has several hiking trails that are well worth the visit. The Dillon Pinnacles Trail is a scenic hike that leads up to an overlook of the lake. The Dillon Pinnacles are an unusual remnant of volcanic activity.
There are also several developed campsites on the lake. Most can be accessed from U.S. 50. The campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis.
The area around Blue Mesa is also known for its elk, mule deer, big horn sheep and bald eagles. In addition to its wildlife, Blue Mesa is also known for its award-winning fishing. In fact, Blue Mesa’s waters are considered to be some of the best in the state.
The best fishing spots depend on the time of year and the depth of the water. In the winter, Blue Mesa is known for its ice fishing. This area is also great for waterskiing and windsurfing.
Blue Mesa offers fishing opportunities ranging from rainbow trout to kokanee salmon. It’s also home to gold medal trout and wild trout. In addition to fishing, the lake offers camping.
Horsetooth Reservoir
Located near Fort Collins, Colorado, Horsetooth Reservoir is a popular body of water. In summer, the reservoir is filled with boats. Visitors can enjoy hiking and fishing at the reservoir. Horsetooth Reservoir is also surrounded by 1,900 acres of public land.
Horsetooth Reservoir was constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1949, as part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project. The project was designed to divert water from the Colorado River Basin to the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains. It also included six power generation stations. In addition to its role in power generation, Horsetooth Reservoir is used for irrigation, municipal and industrial purposes.
Horsetooth Reservoir is also home to a large variety of birds, including Bald Eagles, ducks, geese, gulls, swans, and terns. The reservoir also attracts rabbits and ground squirrels.
The reservoir has a variety of recreational activities to offer, including boating, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Several boat launching ramps are located near the reservoir’s shoreline. There are also several picnic areas and shelters. Horsetooth Reservoir is also home of a ranger station.
The city of Fort Collins developed a trail system surrounding the reservoir. It also established picnic areas on the shoreline of the reservoir.
Pueblo Reservoir
Located near Pueblo, Colorado, Pueblo Reservoir is one of the best lakes in the state. It offers many water activities, including fishing, water skiing, and sailing. It also provides an excellent habitat for a variety of birds and wildlife.
It is one of the largest bodies of water on the Front Range. It offers an abundance of fish, including bass, crappie, and walleye. Pueblo is also home to a variety of waterbirds.
There is an extensive trail system in Pueblo, including the Pueblo River Trail. The trail connects most of the park’s amenities. It also features interpretive signage.
There are three group picnic areas at Lake Pueblo. Each area has a picnic table and a water spigot. It is also possible to scuba dive throughout the lake.
Pueblo Reservoir offers excellent fishing for catfish, bass, and crappie. The best time to fish is in spring, when the walleye begin to show up. The best time to catch a trophy walleye is in April. It is also a good time for catching sunfish, bluegill, and bream.
The lake is great for swimming and boating. You can also rent kayaks at the marina. During the summer, the park offers educational programs and recreational activities. You can also enjoy scenic views of the Greenhorn Mountain Range.
Grand Lake
Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Grand Lake is one of Colorado’s most popular vacation spots. The lake is one of the largest natural bodies of water in the state and is a western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Grand Lake is home to a variety of outdoor activities. From fishing to hiking, there’s something to suit every taste. The town also has a professional live theater that puts on three Broadway musicals nightly.
Grand Lake is also known as the “Snowmobile Capital of Colorado” because of the 300 miles of trails that are available for riders of all levels. Those who prefer to explore the lake by foot can enjoy walking on the historic boardwalk that runs into town.
The town has a variety of restaurants and shops. The Kauffman House Museum, which dates back to 1892, displays historical items from the area. The museum also contains a collection of stereopticon photos.
A short walk from the town is Adams Falls, a waterfall that flows from the lake. The park has a boating launch that is perfect for a family picnic.
The best time to visit Grand Lake is in the summer. It’s less crowded and there are many activities available to enjoy.
Vallecito Lake
Located in southwest Colorado, Vallecito Lake is a pristine, four-season playground. It is surrounded by the San Juan National Forest and is known for its rich fish population. It is also the site of a popular ice fishing tournament.
Vallecito offers a wide variety of activities for all ages. You can enjoy hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, skiing, ATV rentals, and boating. You can also enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants located around the lake.
Vallecito is also the site of the Weminuche Wilderness, one of Colorado’s largest wilderness areas. This area is home to more than half a million acres of public land. It is a great place to hunt for Mule Deer, Elk, Turkey, and Bear.
The lake has a rich history. In the early 1900s, the Ute and Navajo peoples used the valley as a hunting area. The Vallecito Reservoir was formed by the construction of the Los Pinos Dam. It is also home to the Vallecito Sporting and Conservation Association, which holds a famous ice fishing tournament every year.
Vallecito Lake is home to thousands of Ponderosa Pine trees that are over 200 years old. The lake is also known for its spectacular fall foliage. Its waters are home to Kokanee salmon, small mouth bass, and trout.
Steamboat Lake
Located near the base of Hahn’s Peak, Steamboat Lake is one of the most popular Colorado lakes for fishing. In fact, it is also classified as one of the three “Gold Medal Waters” in Colorado.
Steamboat Lake is also popular for water sports like water skiing and jet skiing. It is open year-round, but automobile access is limited from late May to mid-October. Several access points are available along the shore.
Several species of fish and wildlife are present at Steamboat Lake. Some common animals include the American marten, long-tailed weasel, and western terrestrial garter snake.
Steamboat Lake offers excellent cold-water fishing for cutthroat and rainbow trout. You can bring in four trout per day. However, you must adhere to state rules.
If you want to fish at Steamboat Lake, you need to obtain a fishing license. Fortunately, you can purchase your license in advance online. You can also get a permit from the Steamboat Lake marina. You can also rent a boat.
Steamboat Lake is known for its healthy crayfish population. You can fish from the shore or from a float tube. You can use a variety of flies for fishing. You will also need waders.
