From the Front Range to the Western Slope, discover 15 of Colorado’s best mountain lakes for swimming.
This might be an unpopular opinion, but I think Colorado is at its best in the summer months. With clear skies and green mountain peaks, the opportunities for outdoor adventure feel endless. While we might not have the ocean, that doesn’t mean there aren’t beaches and plenty of spots for swimming and water activities. Colorado is packed with reservoirs and lakes: big and small.
In some spots, swimming is prohibited due to freezing temperatures, leeches, and other safety measures. These restrictions can make it difficult to sort through which lakes are swimmable and which ones are not. That’s where I come in!
Here’s a list of the best swimmable lakes and reservoirs throughout the Front Range and into the mountains.
Near Denver/Front Range
Big Soda Lake
Location: 15600 W Morrison Rd, Lakewood
Admission Fee: Daily vehicle pass: $10-$15
Located inside Bear Creek Lake Park, Big Soda Lake is open for swimming and paddle sports. Depending on water levels, there is also a lap lane. The swim beach is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The beach includes a concession stand, picnic sites, a playground, volleyball courts, and picnic shelters. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash and are not allowed in the sand area.
Chatfield State Park
Location: 11500 N Roxborough Park Rd, Littleton
Admission Fee: Daily vehicle pass: $12-$17
Located just southwest of Denver, Chatfield State Park is a family favorite for a day of swimming. The swim beach is open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, daily from sunrise to sunset. The reservoir and gravel ponds are also open for paddleboarding, and the lake draws visitors from all over for boating, fishing, jet skiing, and other water sports.
Wellington Lake
Location: 21843 Stoney Pass Rd., Bailey
Admission Fee: Adults (16+) for $14, kids (6-15) for $6; Kids (0-5) are free
A short drive from Denver and Colorado Springs, Wellington Lake is a privately owned lake that’s open to the public year-round. If you’re planning to visit and swim, July and August are the best months, once the water has had a chance to warm up. The lake gets very busy, and day-use passes are limited, so it’s best to book your visit online at least 48 hours in advance.
Day-use passes include access to parking and activities like walking along the beach, fishing, and picnic areas from sunrise to sunset. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times, and owners are expected to clean up after them.
Cherry Creek State Park
Location: 4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora
Admission Fee: Daily Vehicle Pass: $10-$15
Cherry Creek State Park’s main attraction is its 850-acre reservoir. Plenty of the park’s 2 million annual visitors come to boat, fish, water ski, jet ski, paddleboard, and, of course, swim. The park features a sandy beach with a roped-off swimming area, along with a bathhouse and restrooms. The swim beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Aurora Reservoir
Location: 5800 S. Powhaton Rd., Aurora
Admission Fee: Day Passes are $10 to $15, depending on the season
If you’re looking for a spot near Denver with fewer crowds, head to Aurora Reservoir. The reservoir’s swim season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. While swimming is still allowed through September 30, lifeguards are only on duty during the official swim season. The beach is perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and enjoying the Colorado sunshine. There’s also a SCUBA beach and a lap-swim area for training.
Boulder Reservoir
Location: 5565 N 51st St, 5275 Reservoir Rd, 5100 51st St, Boulder
Admission Fee: Carload: $5-$30 depending on the season.
Head north to one of Colorado’s largest seasonally lifeguarded beaches. Located in Boulder, Boulder Reservoir is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is a popular spot for locals to swim, spend a day on the water, paddleboard, and enjoy other water activities. The beach offers plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming, along with restrooms, lockers, showers, and a first aid station. It’s also a well-known destination for open-water swim training, as well as local races and triathlons. Because of its popularity, it’s worth checking the calendar before you go to avoid visiting on a race day.
Northern Front Range
Carter Lake
Location: Driving directions
Admission Fee: Daily vehicle pass: $10
Head just southwest of Loveland and you’ll find Carter Lake, a scenic 1,100-acre reservoir surrounded by more than 1,000 acres of public land. The swim beach opens on Memorial Day and typically remains open through mid-September. Swim hours run from sunrise to sunset, giving you plenty of time to spend a day picnicking, sunbathing, and admiring the foothills.
Horsetooth Reservoir
Location: 4200 W County Rd 38 E, Fort Collins
Admission Fee: Daily vehicle pass: $10
Make your way to Fort Collins for a day at Horsetooth Reservoir. One of the most popular ways to spend a summer day in Fort Collins, you can expect the beaches to be busy on holidays and weekends, so consider visiting on a weekday or arriving there early if you want to avoid the crowds.
The reservoir has two swim beaches: Horsetooth Swim Beach and Sunrise Swim Beach, both of which are open from Memorial Day through October 1. Dogs are not allowed on either beach.
Rocky Mountain National Park/Winter Park Area
Grand Lake
Location: 828-1120 Lake Ave, Grand Lake
Admission Fee: Free!
Located in the mountain town of Grand Lake, Grand Lake is Colorado’s largest natural body of water and has a public beach that draws people from all over during the summer. The beach is popular for its sandy shoreline, picnic area, exceptional mountain views, and proximity to downtown. After spending some time at the beach, take a walk through downtown for a bite to eat, an iced coffee, or an ice cream cone.
Lake Granby
Location: Arapaho National Recreation Area, Granby
Admission Fee: $5 daily recreation fee
Unlike some of the other lakes on this list, Lake Granby does not have a designated swim beach. However, swimming is allowed throughout the lake. Keep in mind that because Lake Granby sits at a high elevation and is fed by snowmelt from the surrounding peaks, the water can be extremely cold and requires extra caution. Some of the most popular swimming spots include Sunrise Point Campground, Arapaho Bay, and the area near Granby Dam.
Northwest Colorado
Steamboat Lake
Location: 61105 RCR 129, Clark
Admission Fee: Daily vehicle pass: $12-$17
Make your way into the mountains to Steamboat Lake. With Hahns Peak as a backdrop, the sandy beach is large, beautiful, and perfect for enjoying a day in the sun. In addition to the sandy shoreline, there are plenty of grassy spots for picnicking or sunbathing without getting covered in sand. There are no lifeguards on duty at the beach.
San Juan Mountains/Southwest Colorado
Blue Mesa Reservoir
Location: Varies based on where you’re visiting on the lake.
Admission Fee: Free
Sandwiched between Montrose and Gunnison, you’ll find Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest body of water in Colorado. With 96 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of places to go for a swim. In fact, some claim it has the best beach spots in the state, even though there isn’t one designated swim beach. Instead, you can spread out along the shoreline and find your own spot. The most popular swimming areas are Bay of Chickens, Dry Creek, and Old Highway 50 Beach.
Ridgway State Park
Location: 28555 Highway 550, Ridgway
Admission Fee: $10-$15 daily vehicle fee
Located in Ridgway, Ridgway State Park offers the chance to swim while taking in views of the San Juan Mountains. Open year-round, the park’s swim beach is a summertime favorite. Located in the Dutch Charlie area, the beach is close to the Blue Heron Marina and Snack Shop, where you can grab ice cream and snacks before heading back to the water. The area also features showers, restrooms, picnic spots, and a grassy lawn for lounging. There are no lifeguards on duty, and dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Central Mountains
Twin Lakes
Location: Twin Lakes
Admission Fee: Fee varies for day use and campgrounds
Near the historic town of Leadville, you’ll find Twin Lakes—two glacial lakes that are a popular destination for summertime recreation, including swimming. Unlike some high-altitude lakes, Twin Lakes can reach a relatively comfortable 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer, making them a great spot for a dip. While there is no designated swim beach, there are plenty of places to access the water along the shoreline. After your swim, you explore the nearby village of Twin Lakes or head out for a hike or bike ride in the surrounding mountains.
Ruedi Reservoir
Location: Ruedi Reservoir
Admission Fee: $8 parking fee
Just off the Fryingpan River (yes, there’s a river called Fryingpan) and about 15 miles outside of Basalt, you’ll find Ruedi Reservoir. Somewhat of a hidden gem, this is a great spot to go if you’re looking for some peaceful time in the mountains. Similar to many mountain reservoirs, there is no designated beach area, which just means it’s an opportunity to find your very own spot along the shoreline and enjoy the solitude and beauty that the mountains have to offer.
