Top 20 Lakes in Larimer County

Yes, several lakes in Larimer County are excellent for families. Bear Lake is very popular due to its easy accessibility and a path that encircles the glacial lake. Sprague Lake also offers an easy walk around its perimeter with beautiful views, and Lily Lake is another family-friendly option. For a comprehensive experience with amenities like a swim beach, playgrounds, and picnic areas, North Lake Park adjacent to Lake Loveland is ideal.

Larimer County's larger reservoirs offer a wide range of water activities. Carter Lake is popular for fishing, sailing, water skiing, swimming, and scuba diving. Horsetooth Reservoir is a hotspot for swimming, boating, paddleboarding, and fishing. Boyd Lake State Park also accommodates all types of watercraft, including jet skis, ski boats, fishing boats, sailboats, and canoes, along with stand-up paddleboarding and swimming.

Absolutely. Many lakes, especially those within Rocky Mountain National Park, are trailheads for scenic hikes. For example, the area around Emerald Lake, Dream Lake, and Bear Lake offers stunning mountain vistas for hiking enthusiasts. You can find various hiking routes, including easy to difficult options, in the region. Explore more hiking trails in the area on our Hiking in Larimer County guide.

The alpine lakes within Rocky Mountain National Park are renowned for their stunning natural beauty. Emerald Lake, Dream Lake, and Bear Lake offer captivating mountain views. Sprague Lake provides beautiful views over a short distance, and Bierstadt Lake is famous for the serene landscape that inspired American painter Albert Bierstadt.

Yes, camping is a popular activity at several lakes. Carter Lake offers campgrounds and picnic areas, making it a great spot for an overnight stay. Boyd Lake State Park also provides camping facilities, including options for winter camping seasonally. Horsetooth Reservoir has various camping options available as well.

For those seeking a less strenuous experience, Sprague Lake is an excellent choice. It offers beautiful views and an easy walk around its perimeter, making it suitable for many visitors. Bear Lake also has an easily accessible path around its perimeter.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Summer months are ideal for water sports, swimming, and hiking in the higher elevations. Lakes like Horsetooth Reservoir and Boyd Lake are 'hot spots' during this time. For hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, late spring through early fall generally offers the best conditions. Some lakes, like Boyd Lake, also offer ice fishing and winter camping seasonally.

Dog policies vary by location. Within Rocky Mountain National Park, dogs are generally not permitted on hiking trails or in the backcountry, but are allowed on roads, in campgrounds, and in picnic areas. However, many other areas in Larimer County, such as Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake, have dog-friendly trails and designated areas. Always check specific regulations for each park or lake you plan to visit.

For fishing, you will generally need a Colorado fishing license, which can be obtained from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. For hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, timed entry permits may be required during peak seasons, in addition to park entrance fees. For specific details on permits for Carter Lake, you can visit the official Larimer County Natural Resources website: larimer.gov.

While many popular lakes can get busy, especially in summer, exploring some of the less-known spots or visiting during off-peak hours can offer a more serene experience. Little Ponds and Cub Lake might offer a quieter experience compared to the main attractions in Rocky Mountain National Park. Additionally, exploring trails early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help avoid crowds.

Larimer County's lakes are home to diverse wildlife. At Horsetooth Reservoir, you might spot bald eagles, owls, and various songbirds, as it's part of 44 protected natural areas. In Rocky Mountain National Park, near lakes like Lake Haiyaha, you have a chance to see elk, deer, and a variety of bird species, especially during dawn or dusk.

Yes, Larimer County offers various cycling routes that pass by or are near some of its lakes and reservoirs. For instance, the 'Bingham Hill and the Horsetooth Reservoir Dams loop' is a moderate road cycling route. You can find more details and other cycling options in our Road Cycling Routes in Larimer County guide.