You don’t have to drive far to splash around.
lake might not be the first natural feature you think of when you think of Colorado , even more so for Denver . And yet there are several dotting the metro area that are nerveless , refreshing , and open for natural process for the summertime season . Each lake has its own draws and limitations , whether that ’s size , boating capability … or disposition to foster algae . Nevertheless , you do n’t have to drive air mile out of Denver to spend a 24-hour interval splashing around ; whether your druthers is dipping in a individual toe or jumping ( falling ? ) into the deep remnant , there are some adorable lake in Denver to check out this summer .
Sloan’s Lake
It might not be the biggest or have watch crystal - decipherable alpine body of water , but Sloan ’s Lake in the affectionateness of Denver offers plenty of activities year - pear-shaped . Aside from being snug to a number of restaurants and stores , Sloan ’s Lake offer wash room for those look for a quick boat paddle board sesh , a easy stroll or brisk jog around the lake ’s 2.6 - Swedish mile loop , as well as fish for regularly buy in warm water fish . It ’s also the host of the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival .
Cherry Creek Reservoir
Cherry Creek State Park is the perfect place for outdoor activity while staying within city limits , especially if you ’re trying to be out on the weewee as much as potential this summer . In addition to the standard fishing , kayaking , swim , and paddle embarkation action , most motorboat ( with the appropriate permits ) are allow here , as is jet skiing , rowing , and sailboarding . Pelican Bay at Cherry Creek leave gravy holder and jet ski letting from Memorial Day through Labor Day , and also offers boat slickness rental , marriage , and corporate event , a public house , and a wharf . There are even particular events hosted throughout the season , like Yoga on the Beach .
Soda Lakes
These babe bodies of water in Lakewood palpate like a waterside pickup only a few minutes from the fuss of the metropolis . While not a DoS park , admission to Bear Creek Lake Park is bum and there ’s great deal of fun for the whole family . Throw a field day just steps away from the swim beach or rent paddle plank , kayaks , canoes , or pedal boats to soak up some sun from Big Soda Lake ’s substance . sportfishing , wakeboarding , and water - skiing are available at nearby Little Soda Lake .
Chatfield Reservoir
Perhaps the most pop amateur lake in the Denver Metro , Chatfield Reservoir is a paradise for summer adventurers and water activeness fiends . Big enough to have its own marina , many Coloradans dock their boats here for a summertime of floating and fun . Water ski , canoe , paddle display board , and be certain to check out the naut mi of hike and biking trails between splash .
Berkeley Lake
Many in palisade Berkeley , Lakeside , and Wheat Ridge neighbourhood like this park for the lake views while walking the short loop-the-loop around its border or while the pups toy in the nearby off - leash cad common . However , it is a lake that welcomes hard - launch boating ( kayaks , canoe , and swallow ) as well as fishing — we hear there ’s heap of carp to catch .
Barr Lake
Located in Brighton just a unforesightful drive north-east of Denver , Barr Lake State Park is full of summer sport potential . The notably good-tempered water are favored by sportfishing enthusiasts , kayakers , and canoers , especially because powerboats are limited here . Those depend to throw away a line will be pleased to know that catfish , small and large - mouthpiece basso , trout , walleye , and bluegill are just some of the many specie witness within Barr Lake . ( And visitors , mark your calendars for the Lake Appreciation Day celebration and kite festival . )
Ferril and Duck Lakes
Within the expanses of City Park are several bodies of water , the two largest being Ferril and Duck Lakes , respectively . There ’s a number more opportunity for activeness on Ferril Lake , where you’re able to coggle board , cast your personal line of credit , or , our preferred alternative : rent LED igniter - up swan boats for a nighttime plasterer’s float . Among other cool rental , Wheel Fun Rentalshas luminous swan boats uncommitted for a fun or romantic eve on the water .
Smith and Grasmere Lakes
A twenty-four hour period spend in Wash Park is always a safe time , but taking advantage of the H2O , specially that of Smith Lake , is even more enticing as the weather get strong . you could place up in a fly-by-night spot and fish for time of day or caput to the boathouse to rent pedal or boat paddle boats and spend some time cooling off while taking in the eyeshot of one of Denver ’s prettiest parks .
Aurora Reservoir
Way on the southeastern fringe of Aurora is this oasis that really has it all . Boating ? Check . fend - up paddle table and kayaking ? Check . Seasonal swim beach ? correspond . Scuba diving ? surprisal ! Check . you could rent quad for your summertime barbecue , grill up some chuck , then have the time of your life in the refreshing water , whatever that mean for you .
Standley Lake
Though a few minutes nor'-west of Denver , Standley Lake Regional Park and Wildlife Refuge in Westminster deserves a shoutout on this list . Visitors can delight bird and watch for other wildlife , hiking along trails , sportfishing , and take into account most hard - launch boat paddle crafts and boats . Being a wildlife refuge , there are a few extra precautions visitor need to take when getting out on the water , like buy a day-to-day drop-off - in pass and decontaminating your watercraft at a designated spray station .
Cherry Creek Reservoir|Cathy McCray/flickr
Sloan’s Lake|Michael Levine-Clark/flickr
Cherry Creek Reservoir|Cathy McCray/flickr
Smith Lake|Lesley~B/flickr
