Quick Summary:

  • Although Colorado is landlocked within the central western United States, it offers ample opportunities for waterfront recreation due to a number of natural and manmade lakes and swimming beaches.
  • Acclaimed fishing areas also abound, including prime salmon fishing areas at Blue Mesa Reservoir.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Boulder Reservoir ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Boulder Reservoir | Colorado Beaches, Reservoirs and Lakes
© slavonstok/stock.adobe.com

2. Blue Mesa Reservoir ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Blue Mesa Reservoir | Colorado Beaches, Reservoirs and Lakes
© teesixb/stock.adobe.com

3. Medano Creek

Category: Activities
Medano Creek | Colorado Beaches, Reservoirs and Lakes
© Sarah/stock.adobe.com

4. Chatfield State Park

Category: Activities
Chatfield State Park | Colorado Beaches, Reservoirs and Lakes
© arinahabich/stock.adobe.com

5. Grand Lake

Category: Activities
Grand Lake | Colorado Beaches, Reservoirs and Lakes
© Lucy/stock.adobe.com

6. Cherry Creek State Park Beach

Category: Activities
Cherry Creek State Park Beach | Colorado Beaches, Reservoirs and Lakes
© Faina Gurevich/stock.adobe.com

7. Jackson Lake State Park

Category: Activities
Jackson Lake State Park | Colorado Beaches, Reservoirs and Lakes
© schankz/stock.adobe.com

8. Horsetooth Reservoir

Category: Activities
Horsetooth Reservoir | Colorado Beaches, Reservoirs and Lakes
© MarekPhotoDesign.com/stock.adobe.com

9. Dillon Reservoir

Category: Activities
Dillon Reservoir | Colorado Beaches, Reservoirs and Lakes
© Bernie Duhamel/stock.adobe.com

10. Ridgway State Park

Category: Activities
Ridgway State Park | Colorado Beaches, Reservoirs and Lakes
© PlanetEarthPictures/stock.adobe.com

11. John Martin Reservoir State Park

Category: Activities
John Martin Reservoir State Park | Colorado Beaches, Reservoirs and Lakes
© t_o_r_q_u_e/stock.adobe.com

12. Ruedi Reservoir

Category: Activities
Ruedi Reservoir | Colorado Beaches, Reservoirs and Lakes
© Kristen/stock.adobe.com

13. Steamboat Lake State Park Beach

Category: Activities
Steamboat Lake State Park Beach | Colorado Beaches, Reservoirs and Lakes
© kitty45/stock.adobe.com

14. Aurora Reservoir

Category: Activities
Aurora Reservoir | Colorado Beaches, Reservoirs and Lakes
© juanjo/stock.adobe.com

15. North Star Nature Preserve

Category: Activities
North Star Nature Preserve | Colorado Beaches, Reservoirs and Lakes
© watcherfox/stock.adobe.com

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