Daniel is a copywriter who has well and truly been bitten alive by the 'travel bug'. After ticking off several North American National Parks and exploring Europe by train, his sights are now set on South East Asia. Usually with at least one camera locked and loaded, you'll find Daniel wherever there are mountains, lakes or beaches.
From the bustling marina of Chatfield Reservoir and the year-round attractions of Evergreen Lake Park to the historical significance and scenic beauty of Echo Lake, Denver is home to some of Colorado’s most beautiful lakes.
So whether you’re searching for a place to hike, boat, or simply relax, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best lakes near Denver!
Chatfield Reservoir
Chatfield Reservoir is one of Denver’s go-to destinations for water activities and features a large marina used by boat owners. A hot spot for water skiing, canoeing, and paddle boarding, summer months spent at Chatfield Reservoir are always great fun. Additionally, the reservoir is surrounded by Chatfield State Park, where you’ll find miles of hiking and biking trails!
Evergreen Lake
Occupying 55 acres, Evergreen Lake Park is a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake itself provides fishing, boating, and, in the colder months, ice skating and ice fishing opportunities. Added to this, from mid-December to March, it’s home to local hockey and broomball leagues!
Ferril & Duck Lakes
City Park, Denver’s largest municipal park at 330 acres, is brought to life by the waters of Ferril Lake and Duck Lake. With paddleboat rentals on offer, water recreation is a key part of these lakes. Beyond the water, the park is a hive of activities, from rec leagues on its vast open fields to cultural experiences at the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Aurora Reservoir
Situated in 35 miles outside of Denver, the sizeable Aurora Reservoir offers an impressive range of activities. A seasonal swimming beach, boat dock, and rental equipment shack are available, while an 8.5-mile trail invites joggers and cyclists. Underwater enthusiasts will appreciate the designated SCUBA diving area, which includes a deliberately sunk Cessna 310 aircraft as a popular diving spot.
Cherry Creek Reservoir
A quick escape from Denver’s urban bustle, Cherry Creek Reservoir provides a surprisingly scenic haven only 30 minutes away by car. The reservoir, together with the surrounding Cherry Creek State Park, opens a world of relaxation and outdoor activities, from boating and fishing to camping and hiking. Wildlife viewing adds a touch of nature’s charm, while a dog park and sunny weekend boating make it the perfect all-rounder day trip.
Barr Lake
A short drive northeast of Denver, Barr Lake State Park caters to outdoorsy types of all kinds. The park’s 8.8-mile multi-use trail around the lake is enjoyed by cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders, with wildlife viewing stations sprinkled along the way. The park is notable for its bird diversity, boasting over 350 species and even hosting bald eagles each winter. For more insights into the park’s wildlife, visitors can head to Barr Lake’s Nature Center.
Bear Creek Lake
Bear Creek Lake Park encompasses three beautiful lakes: Bear Creek Lake, Big Soda Lake, and Little Soda Lake. This sizable 2,624-acre park offers biking, boating, fishing, and camping against the backdrop of the foothills. Bear Creek Lake, the largest, welcomes motorized vessels from March through November, while Big Soda Lake invites non-motorized boats. Little Soda Lake is only reserved for private boats associated with the Water Ski School.
Standley Lake
Standley Lake, the largest water body in Westminster and the third largest reservoir in Denver, stretches over a thousand acres and is home to a wealth of outdoor recreational activities. Whether you’re interested in fishing, paddling, camping, or hiking, there’s something for everyone. Standley Lake is also a popular spot for bald eagles, which are so frequently spotted that there are dedicated webcams for their observation.
Crown Hill Lake
Located just west of Denver, Crown Hill Lake is a peaceful retreat with its serene waters and surrounding park. While boating and swimming are off the cards, the lake is a hotspot for viewing waterfowl and other wildlife and serves as an ideal fishing location close to Denver’s suburbs.
Echo Lake
An hour west of Denver, Echo Lake, a 24-acre glacial lake, is the perfect day trip from Denver to escape into the mountains. Fragrant pine forests and sweeping mountain vistas surround this alpine destination. Hiking on Echo Lake Trail, trout fishing, picnicking, and wildlife-watching are among the activities on offer. Steeped in history, the lake area was first settled over ten thousand years ago by Native Americans, which visitors can learn more about at the informative visitor center.
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