Dreamy locations are not hard to come by in Colorado, but a location that makes you literally pinch yourself because it is so gorgeous? Definitely not something you experience every day. If you are looking to witness a little heaven on earth, we introduce you to the San Juan Mountains Blue Lakes in Colorado. With their ethereal color and a breathtaking backdrop, the San Juan Mountains Blue Lakes appear like something straight out of a fairytale.
If you have never seen these magnificent pools of blue before, you're not alone; the lakes can only be accessed via an 11-mile hike (round trip) through the rough and bumpy mountains.
The pristine Blue Lakes are located within Mt. Sneffels Wilderness area of the Uncompahgre National Forest. The reason that the lakes are so devastatingly blue is due to the minerals of the glacial basins.
Have you had the privilege of visiting the San Juan Mountains Blue Lakes in Colorado? If so, we'd love to hear all about your outdoor adventures in Colorado! Be sure to join in on the conversation by leaving a comment below.
If you are a tried and true Centennial State native, you know our Colorado lakes are about as famous (and beautiful!) as they get, which makes finding an empty and somewhat peaceful one all the more difficult. Never fear: We have found a quiet and remote lake just for you, which can be found in a lesser-known part of our gorgeous state - North Park. North Park, Colorado, is an incredible place to visit for the most relaxing vacation of your life. Get ready to experience what might just be the most remote lake in Colorado!
advertisement
Welcome to North Park: South Park's less-popular counterpart that has been deemed not only the Moose Viewing Capital of the World but also the perfect place for a tranquil Colorado lake excursion.
Spanning a Jackson County valley, North Park is home to the headwaters of the North Platte River, plus smaller tributaries and the aptly-named North, South, and East Lakes. These Colorado lakes are as beautiful as they are serene.
Are you an expert fisherman or want to give the sport a try? You have come to the right place, as the North Park lakes and rivers are billed as having some of the best fishing in the Centennial State.
In addition to its lakes, the 71,000-acre North Park is also home to the aforementioned wildlife, plus world-class stargazing, snowmobiling, hiking, biking, and much more.
The Lodge at Eagle's Wing Ranch is right in the heart of North Park and the perfect place to escape to when you want to get away from it all.
North Park is the perfect place for a getaway if you love Colorado lakes, beauty, and silence. Plan a visit there today - you'll be glad that you did. And be sure to check out our list of outdoor essentials before you explore.
For even more of our favorite Centennial State lakes, check out the article below:
There's nothing quite like relaxing on a beautiful river on a hot summer's day. Sitting back in a tube or kayak or canoe while the river just pushes you along with little effort on your part is one of life's greatest pleasures. You may think that you have to drive quite a distance from the city to enjoy this type of luxury - but that's not true at all! We have a lazy river right here in the Denver metro, and it's closer than you think. Clear Creek Whitewater Park in Golden, Colorado is a natural lazy river that you'll love. Read on to learn more about this magical spot!
advertisement
Want to go tubing? Clear Creek Whitewater Park awaits!
This creek is beautiful! You're going to love everything about it. You can bring your own tube (or rent one from a local outfitter nearby!) and float down it any day of the week.
This is right by Lions Park. Lions Park is a great park even above and beyond the creek, actually. There are picnic tables and a great playground, and the Golden Community Center is adjacent to it as well. You might consider having a picnic in the park before you start your float. However, parking at the park is reserved for people using the park only. If you plan on using the river, you can park for free at the Clear Creek Parking lot at 304 10th Street. You can also park on the street, but be sure to visit ParkGoldenCO.com to pay as needed and to make sure you are parked legally.
Once you put in, and get yourself situated in your tube or other craft, you'll float about a quarter mile down the creek to the take-out at Vanover Park.
You'll want to wear sneakers or water shoes for your float, because the pavement can get hot on the walk back. It's also wise to have them anyway, as the creek contains rocks and other hazards, and you want to keep your feet safe!
The speed at which Clear Creek flows is obviously dependent on a lot of factors including rain and snow melt. Sometimes, this is truly a "lazy river"! Other times, however, it can be quite fast. It's called a "whitewater park" for a reason, after all!
Kayakers come here to practice their skills before taking on more intense mountain streams, so that should give you some idea of how fast this creek can sometimes get.
The City of Golden recommends that everyone wear life vests when recreating on the creek, regardless of the speed of the water. Of course, you want your fun time to be as safe as possible.
Once you do this once, you'll want to do it all the time. Riding Clear Creek soon becomes a big, annual tradition for almost everyone who has ever experienced it.
Tubing or kayking or canoeing on Clear Creek at Clear Creek Whitewater Park in Golden, Colorado is the best! You're going to love everything about it. Get out there on the water today!
Do you need water shoes or other outdoor equipment to experience this adventure? Visit REI.com for everything you could possibly need!
