Top 20 Lakes around Denver

Denver and its surrounding areas offer a diverse range of lakes, including expansive reservoirs like Chatfield and Cherry Creek, urban oases such as Sloan's Lake, and mountain lakes like Evergreen Lake. These bodies of water are integrated into state parks and natural preserves, providing varied settings for outdoor activities.

For swimming and beach access, consider Big Soda Lake, which features a pleasant beach area with mountain views. Cherry Creek State Park and Aurora Reservoir also offer sandy swimming beaches during summer months. Chatfield State Park has a swimming beach as well.

Yes, many lakes around Denver are family-friendly. Bear Creek Lake, Big Soda Lake, and Chatfield Reservoir are all noted as family-friendly in the area. Cherry Creek State Park also offers extensive facilities and activities suitable for families, including camping and a swimming beach.

Several lakes are excellent for paddleboarding and kayaking. Sloan's Lake is popular for non-motorized boating. Big Soda Lake offers equipment rentals. Cherry Creek State Park, Chatfield State Park, Standley Lake, and Aurora Reservoir also provide opportunities for these activities, with rentals often available.

For stunning mountain views, Sloan's Lake offers picturesque vistas of both the Rocky Mountains and the Denver skyline. Standley Lake also provides incredible views looking west towards the mountains. Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve offers views of the Rocky Mountains from its trails.

Absolutely. Many lakes feature extensive trail systems. Bear Creek Lake has a large trail system popular with hikers and bikers. Chatfield State Park offers 26 miles of trails. Sloan's Lake has a 2.6-mile paved path. For more hiking options, explore the Hiking around Denver guide, which includes routes like the Washington Park Loop and Denver City Park Perimeter Loop.

Cycling is a popular activity around Denver's lakes. Chatfield State Park has various trails suitable for biking, from smoother gravel paths to rougher singletracks. Cherry Creek State Park offers over 35 miles of multi-use trails. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling around Denver guide, including the Cherry Creek Reservoir Loop and the South Platte River Trail.

Chatfield State Park is notably dog-friendly, featuring a 69-acre off-leash dog area with ponds. Many parks around lakes, such as Sloan's Lake, allow dogs on leashes on their paths and trails. Always check specific park regulations for off-leash policies and restricted areas.

Yes, Evergreen Lake, a short drive from Denver, transforms into a popular outdoor ice skating rink in winter, also hosting ice hockey games. It's a distinct mountain lake experience for winter activities.

Several lakes provide camping opportunities. Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek State Park both offer extensive camping facilities. Bear Creek Lake Park has one of the closest full-service campgrounds near Denver, open from April to October. Standley Lake also features a campground.

The lakes around Denver are rich in wildlife. At Chatfield State Park, you can often spot deer and bald eagles. Sloan's Lake is popular for birdwatching, with sightings of Canada geese, white pelicans, and bald eagles. Standley Lake is known as a frequent habitat for bald eagles. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, with lakes like Lake Mary and Lake Ladora, offers opportunities to see bison, deer, raptors, coyotes, and white pelicans.

Aurora Reservoir is celebrated for its crystal-clear water and often offers a more peaceful experience due to fewer crowds, making it a good spot for fishing. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge also offers catch-and-release fishing in its lakes, providing a unique wildlife viewing experience alongside fishing.