We all know how swelteringly hot (but, thank goodness, not humid) it can get in the Mile High City in the summertime, and one way to beat the heat is to find open water. Some of us prefer to hike to secluded alpine lakes, while others may simply want to loll about on the reservoir. Either way, here are 10 of the best lakes near Denver that you just have to see this summer. Read on to learn more about these gorgeous destinations in Colorado.

1. Upper and Lower Crystal Lakes
Crystal Lakes, Colorado 80461, USA
Photo by Reid Phillips
In the Ten Mile Range just south of Breckenridge are the glorious Crystal Lakes. You can hike or drive only the roughly 2.5 miles to Lower Crystal Lake which rests at 11,959', and then continue to Upper Crystal, which is nestled 1.9 miles further, in a cirque below three 13,000-foot peaks. And keep your eye out for moose, elk, marmots, and pikas along the way!
2. Andrew's Tarn and Glacier
Google/ Brian Baker
This strenuous 10-mile hike in Rocky Mountain National Park will lead you through alpine forests and scenic valleys to a quiet and secluded bowl high in the mountains. There you can rest beside Andrew's Tarn below its namesake glacier, one of the most beautiful lakes near Denver, and ease your feet and your mind.
3. Lower Cataract Lake
Cataract Lake, Colorado 81235, USA
Flickr/Moinarch
Lower Cataract Lake near Silverthorne and Green Mountain Reservoir is the perfect spot for a family picnic and an easy, scenic 2.3-mile loop around the lake. As one of the most scenic lakes around Denver, Colorado, this spot is gorgeous to hike in the fall too.
4. Chihuahua Lake
Chihuahua Lake, Dillon, CO 80435, USA
Photo by Reid Phillips
Off Peru Creek Road in the White River National Forest near Keystone, lies the Chihuahua Gulch Trail, which is 7 miles roundtrip and offers inspiring views of the popular fourteeners, Grays and Torreys. The reward of lounging by one of the best lakes near Denver at 12,251' is well worth the effort it takes to get there!
5. Bear Lake
Bear Lake, Colorado 80517, USA
Flickr/Dixie Lawrence
As soon as you take a look, you'll understand why this is one of the most stunning lakes in Denver. The loop hike begins here at the Bear Lake Trailhead at 9,475' with breathtaking views of Half Mountain resting just in front of Longs Peak. Don't you agree?

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6. Lake Haiyaha
Flickr/mark byzewski
After taking in Alberta Falls and hiking about 2 miles, you will arrive at Lake Haiyaha tucked away in a large valley surrounded by gigantic awe-inspiring granite boulders.
7. Dream Lake
Dream Lake, Colorado 80517, USA
Flick/Tim Lumley
Proceed past Haiyaha, and you will arrive at Dream Lake. From its eastern shore, enjoy views of Hallett Peak at 12,713' and Flattop Mountain at 12,324' when you visit this beautiful lake near Denver.
8. Nymph Lake
Nymph Lake, Colorado 80517, USA
Flickr/Keith
From Dream Lake, double back and make your way just .5 miles to Nymph Lake, which is known for its lovely lily pads and glimpses of Longs Peak along the trail. Return to Bear Lake to end your wonderful water-filled hike and perhaps drink in a sunset.
9. Aurora Reservoir
Aurora Reservoir, Aurora, CO 80016, USA
Flickr/Alex Dodd
For a total change of pace (and if strenuous hikes and secluded alpine lakes are not your cup of tea), Aurora Reservoir is a great option for you. There are still plenty of leisure activities to enjoy at one of the best lakes near Denver, such as swimming, biking, boating, and canoeing, but all you HAVE to do is drive and park it.
10. Boulder Reservoir
Boulder Reservoir, 5565 N 51st St 5275 Reservoir Rd, 5100 51st St, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
Flickr/Richard Saxon
Sticking to the theme of social open waters, Boulder Reservoir is just begging for you to go kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, or beaching. (And again, expect fun but not necessarily solitude.)

So, what do think of this list of lakes around Denver, Colorado that we put together? Should others be added to this list? Feel free to let us know your thoughts in the following comments section. If you’re looking for more outdoor activities to do on a warm day, take a look at these hikes near Denver too.

More to Explore

Best Lakes Near Denver

Marla S. | June 16, 2023

Where can you find a sapphire lake near Denver?

St. Mary's Glacier and Lake in Arapaho National Forest is a stunning sapphire lake near Denver. To reach this majestic destination, you'll need to follow a trail that's about a mile and a half. Along with reaching this beautiful lake near Denver, you'll get to take in epic views of the landscape leading to it. Additionally, you can expect to see snow; regardless of when you visit St. Mary's Glacier and Lake.

What are some of the best hikes near Denver?

in addition to the lakes near Denver that you just learned about, here are some hikes near Denver that I think you might also enjoy.

  • Bierstadt Lake Loop: It'll take just over a mile to reach this lake near Denver that's at the easy to moderate level hike.
  • Cub Lake Trail: Along with the beautiful lake that's on this hike, you'll get to soak in views of the Rocky Mountains while on this trail.
  • Emerald Lake: Make this pristine lake your destination for a picnic when you take the in-and-out trail leading to it.
  • Monarch Lake Loop: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and more when you take this easy trail is ideal for hikers of all levels.

 

Take a look at these waterfall hikes near Denver too.

 

 

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