Top 11 Lakes around Loveland

For extensive water sports, Boyd Lake State Park is a top choice, offering motorized boating, water skiing, jet skiing, and sailing. It also has a sandy swim beach. Similarly, Carter Lake is excellent for sailing, water skiing, and swimming. If you're looking for a large, diverse destination, Horsetooth Reservoir (west of Fort Collins but a popular regional spot) provides a wide range of water activities including motorized boating, wakeboarding, and swimming.

Yes, several lakes offer a tranquil experience. Pinewood Reservoir is a no-wake lake perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUPs), and canoeing, with excellent trout fishing. Lon Hagler Reservoir is another no-wake option, ideal for non-motorized watercraft and known for its diverse fishing opportunities. Boedecker Reservoir also allows wakeless boating, making it suitable for peaceful paddling and warm-water angling.

Loveland offers several excellent fishing spots. Boyd Lake is popular for walleye, white bass, catfish, and smallmouth bass. Carter Lake is known for rainbow trout, kokanee, brown trout, walleye, and largemouth bass. Pinewood Reservoir is a fantastic trout fishing destination, while Lon Hagler Reservoir is favored by anglers for trophy bass, sunfish, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and northern pike.

Boyd Lake State Park is highly family-friendly, featuring a sandy swim beach, playgrounds, and concessions. It also offers 148 campsites. Lake Loveland, particularly North Lake Park on its northern side, provides a public swim beach, playgrounds, and picnicking areas. Carter Lake also has multiple picnic areas, restrooms, and reservable campsites, making it great for families.

Absolutely! Many lakes offer trails. Around Carter Lake, you can hike or bike the 3.5-mile Sundance Trail. Near Pinewood Reservoir, trails like Ramsay-Shockey and Blue Mountain are popular for hiking and mountain biking. Horsetooth Reservoir boasts extensive trail systems for hiking and mountain biking on adjacent Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and Lory State Park trails. For easy hikes around Loveland, including some near lakes, you can explore options like the River’s Edge Natural Area Loop or the North Lake Park Loop.

The lakes around Loveland are rich in natural beauty and wildlife. Boyd Lake State Park serves as a wildlife and floral reserve, offering many nature awareness outings. The Frank State Wildlife Area, with its several ponds, is an excellent spot for birdwatching. Lon Hagler Reservoir, part of a State Wildlife Area, is great for bird and waterfowl watching. The Fossil Creek Wetland Natural Area has spotted over 140 species of birds.

Yes, Lake Loveland has a storied past, dating back to its creation in the late 19th century. It was originally developed for irrigation purposes and later became a significant recreational landmark for the community. Its history reflects the region's agricultural roots and evolving relationship with its natural resources.

Camping is a popular activity at several lakes. Boyd Lake State Park offers 148 year-round, paved, pull-through campsites with electric hookups. Carter Lake provides reservable campsites across five campgrounds. Pinewood Reservoir has 27 campsites, including RV electric sites and walk-in tent sites, with amenities like flush toilets and fire rings. Horsetooth Reservoir also features boat-in campgrounds and other camping options.

Yes, accessibility is considered at some locations. Boyd Lake State Park offers ADA-accessible facilities, including a fishing dock and paved trails. Carter Lake also features a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier, ensuring more visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and activities.

For runners, there are several routes that incorporate the scenic lake areas. You can find moderate running trails such as the Houts Reservoir loop, the Equalizer Lake loop, or the Lake Loveland loop. These routes offer varying distances and scenic views for a refreshing run.

Many of the lakes and reservoirs in the Loveland area, especially those managed by Larimer County or Colorado State Parks, may require entrance fees or permits. For example, Boyd Lake State Park requires a valid state park pass. It's advisable to check the specific requirements for each lake, such as Lon Hagler Reservoir or Boedecker Reservoir, before your visit, as regulations can vary for state wildlife areas and county parks.

Lake Loveland is considered the 'gem' of the town due to its central location, scenic beauty, and public access points. It offers public swimming at North Lake Park, fishing opportunities, and is bordered by the renowned Benson Sculpture Garden, which showcases 182 unique sculptures. The views of the Rocky Mountains from the lake are also a significant draw.