Top 20 Lakes around Lakewood
Best lakes around Lakewood, Colorado, offer diverse outdoor recreation opportunities within and near the city. Lakewood is situated west of Denver, providing access to natural areas that include several lakes and reservoirs. The region features a mix of urban parks and larger state parks, characterized by plains, riparian ecosystems, and views of the Rocky Mountains. These areas serve as significant natural features for the community, supporting various activities.
Best lakes around Lakewood
- The most popular lakes is Bear Creek Lake, a lake within a 2,624-acre park. It is open for motorized boating and offers year-round recreation including hiking, biking, and fishing.
- Another must-see spot is Big Soda Lake, a lake known for its pleasant beach area. Visitors can engage in non-motorized water activities and rent equipment like paddleboards, with views of the mountains.
- Visitors also love Chatfield Reservoir, a 1,400-acre reservoir within Chatfield State Park. It provides opportunities for boating, biking, fishing, and camping, and is home to wildlife such as deer and bald eagles.
- Lakewood is known for its large reservoirs, smaller urban lakes, and ponds. These bodies of water offer a variety of experiences, from motorized boating and fishing to quiet walks and wildlife observation.
- The lakes around Lakewood are appreciated by the komoot community, with 18 upvotes and 7 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Bear Creek Lake
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Big Soda Lake
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Chatfield Reservoir
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Tucker Gulch
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Cycling is not allowed here, so you'll have dismount and walk your bike.
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Lowell Ponds Wildlife Area
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Tips from the Community
The Chatfield Reservoir is a 1,423-acre lake in Chatfield State Park. There is a hiking path that runs alongside the water.
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Bear Creek Lake Park spans 2,624 acres and is a great spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as swimming, fishing, and boating year-round recreation. Open from April 1 to October 31, the campground is one of the closest full-service options near Denver. Visitors can also enjoy picnic shelters, paved and unpaved trails, an archery range, and scenic reservoirs.
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The Lowell Ponds Wildlife Area in northwest Denver encompasses approximately 43 acres of warm-water ponds and riparian habitats. These ponds are home to species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, and bullhead catfish. Boating is prohibited to protect the habitat. In addition to fishing, Lowell Ponds is a nice spot for picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The site known for birdwatching, especially during migration periods when the ponds attract various waterfowl species.
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Tucker Gulch, stretching for about eight miles, plays a significant role as a watershed running from east to west. It cuts through the prairie, situated roughly one mile north of Clear Creek Canyon, and runs parallel to it. The name "Tucker Gulch" is derived from Alfred Tucker, who ran a tollgate within the canyon entrance during the 1860s. Cycling is not allowed here, so you'll have to dismount and walk your bike.
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Tucker Gulch, stretching for about eight miles, plays a significant role as a watershed running from east to west. It cuts through the prairie, situated roughly one mile north of Clear Creek Canyon, and runs parallel to it. The name "Tucker Gulch" is derived from Alfred Tucker, who ran a tollgate within the canyon entrance during the 1860s. Cycling is not allowed here, so you'll have dismount and walk your bike.
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Tucker Gulch, stretching for about eight miles, plays a significant role as a watershed running from east to west. It cuts through the prairie, situated roughly one mile north of Clear Creek Canyon, and runs parallel to it. The name "Tucker Gulch" is derived from Alfred Tucker, who ran a tollgate within the canyon entrance during the 1860s.
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This lake features a pleasant beach area that provides stunning views of the mountains in the background of the water. You'll witness various water activities in the area and even have the option to rent equipment like paddleboards.
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Chatfield Reservoir offers opertunity for fun activities like boating, biking, fishing, camping, and hiking. Established in the 1970s for flood control, the lake is now home to animals like deer and bald eagles. Chatfield Reservoir is water storage facility for the Denver area and features a marina for boaters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of activities can I do at the lakes around Lakewood?
The lakes around Lakewood offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy motorized boating and fishing at Bear Creek Lake, while Big Soda Lake is perfect for non-motorized activities like paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking, with equipment rentals available. Chatfield Reservoir provides opportunities for boating, biking, fishing, camping, and hiking. Many lakes also feature trails for walking, running, and wildlife viewing.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Lakewood area?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Big Soda Lake has a pleasant beach area for swimming and non-motorized water activities. Kendrick Lake Park, though not a highlight in this guide, features an impressive playground and a rentable shelter, making it ideal for family outings. Chatfield Reservoir also offers camping and diverse activities suitable for all ages.
Which lakes are suitable for hiking or walking?
Many lakes offer excellent trails. Bear Creek Lake is part of an extensive trail system popular for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Kendrick Lake Park has a large, mostly paved trail circling the reservoir, providing a measured mile for walking and running. Sloan's Lake, west of downtown Denver, features a popular 2.6-mile flat walking path with city and mountain views.
Can I go cycling near the lakes in Lakewood?
Absolutely! The area around Lakewood's lakes offers numerous cycling opportunities. You can find various routes for road cycling and touring bicycles, including paths around Bear Creek Lake Park and Chatfield Reservoir. For more detailed routes, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Lakewood and Cycling around Lakewood guides.
Are there mountain biking trails near the lakes?
Yes, there are mountain biking trails available. Bear Creek Lake Park has trails that are popular with bikers, including options suitable for beginners. You can find more specific routes and difficulty levels in the MTB Trails around Lakewood guide.
What natural features and wildlife can I observe at the lakes?
The lakes offer diverse natural beauty and wildlife. Big Soda Lake is known for its biodiversity and various bird species. Chatfield Reservoir is home to animals like deer and bald eagles. The Lowell Ponds Wildlife Area, though boating is prohibited, is an excellent spot for birdwatching, especially during migration periods, and viewing riparian habitats.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Lakewood?
The lakes around Lakewood offer year-round recreation. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling. Summer is ideal for water activities like swimming and boating, with marinas and swim beaches typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Winter offers opportunities for different activities, though specific winter lake activities are not detailed in the provided information.
Is there camping available near the lakes?
Yes, camping is available. Bear Creek Lake Park has campsites open from April 1 to October 31, offering one of the closest full-service camping options near Denver. Chatfield Reservoir, part of Chatfield State Park, also provides camping facilities.
Are there any fees or permits required to access the lakes?
An admission fee is typically required for general use at Bear Creek Lake Park, with discounts for seniors, and a nightly fee for camping. Sloan's Lake, however, offers free access and parking. For other specific lakes, it's advisable to check their individual regulations regarding fees or permits.
Which lake offers a beach for swimming?
Big Soda Lake features a pleasant beach area, providing clean water and mountain views for swimming. Chatfield Reservoir is also considered one of the lakes where swimming is permitted in the Denver area.
Are there options for non-motorized boating?
Yes, Big Soda Lake is designated for non-motorized boats, offering a calmer experience for activities such as paddleboating, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Equipment rentals are available at the Soda Lake Marina during its operating season.
What are some easy walks around lakes near Lakewood?
For an easy walk, Kendrick Lake Park offers a large, mostly paved trail that circles its reservoir, providing a measured mile suitable for leisurely strolls and accessible for strollers. Sloan's Lake also has a popular 2.6-mile flat walking path around its perimeter, perfect for a relaxed outing.
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