Top 5 Lakes around Vail

For family-friendly fun, Nottingham Lake in Avon is an excellent choice. It's one of the few swimmable lakes in the Vail Valley with a designated swimming area and a beach. You can rent pedal boats, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards, and fishing from the pier or shore is popular. Piney Lake also offers family activities like canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and guided horseback rides from Piney River Ranch, and it's accessible by car.

Yes, Nottingham Lake in Avon is one of the few swimmable lakes in the Vail Valley. It features a designated swimming area and a beach, and the Avon Recreation Department often hosts open-water swims with lifeguards.

Both Black Lakes, located atop Vail Pass, and Piney Lake are excellent for fishing. Black Lakes are regularly stocked with rainbow trout, while Piney Lake is known for brook and cutthroat trout. Remember to have a valid fishing license.

Piney Lake is renowned for its super scenic high alpine setting with the majestic Gore Range as a backdrop. Other lakes like Booth Lake and Gore Lake, reached by more strenuous hikes, also offer exceptional views of the Gore Range.

For a challenging wilderness experience, consider the hike to Booth Lake, a 4.1-mile one-way trek with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The hike to Gore Lake is also strenuous, covering 6 miles with 2,700 feet of climbing. Deluge Lake offers a difficult 9-mile roundtrip hike with about 3,500 feet of elevation gain, rewarding hikers with stunning views and abundant wildflowers.

While some lakes require strenuous hikes, you can find easier options. The paved Tenmile Canyon National Recreation Trail passes through the area near Black Lakes, offering biking opportunities. For general easy hikes around Vail, you can explore routes like the Gore Creek Path or North Trail, which are detailed in the Easy hikes around Vail guide.

Beyond visiting the lakes themselves, the Vail area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including those leading to lakes like Beaver Lake Trail. There are also extensive mountain biking trails and running routes available throughout the region.

The lakes are particularly picturesque in the fall when the surrounding aspens turn golden, as seen along the Beaver Lake Trail. Summer offers wildflowers and warmer weather for water activities like swimming and paddleboarding. Most high alpine lakes are accessible from mid-June to early October, depending on snowmelt.

Deluge Lake is considered one of Vail's best-kept secrets, offering stunning views of the Sawatch Range after a challenging hike. Pitkin Lake is another beautiful alpine lake, often described as a hidden gem, especially when wildflowers are in bloom during the summer.

Yes, camping sites are available along the dirt road leading to Piney Lake. Additionally, Sylvan Lake State Park, located south of Eagle, offers numerous campsites, cabins, and yurts for overnight stays, providing a tranquil setting.

Deluge Lake is an excellent spot for bird-watching and potentially spotting Colorado wildlife such as mountain goats, marmots, and moose. Sylvan Lake also provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing in a tranquil setting.

Piney Lake is uniquely accessible by driving all the way to the lake, making it convenient for those who prefer not to hike. Black Lakes are also easily accessible, making them a convenient stop for a picnic.