6 Pristine Hidden Beaches Throughout Colorado You’ve Got To Visit ASAP

When most people think of beaches, they think of such tropical locations as Mexico, Hawaii, and Florida (or better yet, the Florida Keys), but if you are a tried-and-true Coloradan, you know very well that we have several beautiful beaches and lakes of our own that may or may not totally rival those vacation-destination beaches you see in the movies. If you are craving a pseudo-tropical getaway, we recommend visiting one (or all) of these six awe-inspiring hidden beaches in Colorado:

1. Sandbeach Lake (Allenspark)

If you are looking for something extremely well-hidden and very little-known, you are in luck, as the beautiful Sandbeach Lake fits both bills! Nestled within Rocky Mountain National Park, Sandbeach Lake is situated smack-dab in the middle of the mountains, making this one of the most picturesque hidden beaches in Colorado and perhaps the country. Do note that the trail to Sandbeach Lake is 4.5 miles long, so come prepared with proper shoes and hiking equipment! It's one of the most remarkable hidden beaches in Colorado.

Check out the AllTrails website for more information.

2. Rock Canyon Swim Beach (Pueblo)

If you crave a more traditional beach setting than most of Colorado offers, the Rock Canyon Swim Beach at Lake Pueblo State Park may just be the perfect place for you. Situated beside the Lake Pueblo Dam, the Rock Canyon Swim Beach is southern Colorado's go-to-spot for not only swimming and sunning but also tubing, camping, and plenty more. Check out the the official Lake Pueblo Parks and Wildlife website for more information.

Address: 640 Pueblo Reservoir Road, Pueblo, Colorado, 81005

3. Cherry Creek State Park (Aurora)

Don't have the time to escape the city? Thanks to Cherry Creek State Park, you do not have to go far, as this suburban oasis is also home to its own campground, hiking trails, boating, and - you guessed it - swimming! Nestled away beside the 880-surface-acre reservoir, the Cherry Creek State Park beach is the perfect place to spend either an hour or an entire weekend! It's one of the best Colorado beaches to visit. Check out the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for more information.

Address: 4201 South Parker Road, Aurora, Colorado, 80014

4. Jackson Lake State Park (Orchard)

Do you dream of camping on the beach? Your dream is about to come true, as you can do so at the northeastern Jackson Lake State Park, which was named one of the "Top 15 Park Beaches" by Reserve America! Whether you prefer tent camping or want to bring the whole RV on out, you'll find the perfect beach-accessible spot among Jackson Lake State Park's 260+ epic campsites. Check out the official website for more information.

Address: 26363 County Road 3, Orchard, Colorado, 80649

5. Horsetooth Reservoir (Fort Collins)

Horsetooth Reservoir is known near and far as being one of northern Colorado's most popular attractions, and there is an excellent reason for it: its crystal-clear water is simply breathtaking. Also famous for its watersports, Horsetooth Reservoir is a great place to swim, too, thanks to the beach that is set amongst the colorful mountain scenery. It's one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in Colorado. Check out the Larimer County website for more information.

Address: 4200 West County Road 38 East, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80526

6. Medano Creek (Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve)

Last but certainly not least is one of the most one-of-a-kind hidden beaches in Colorado of all: the seasonal Medano Creek! Located inside of Great Sand Dunes National Park, Medano Creek is a seasonal stream that is brought on by snowpack and rain, and first appears in late March to early April, peaks in June, and then disappears for another year by the time August rolls around. Besides the unique stream, Medano Creek also boasts some of the most velvety-soft sand in the entire Centennial State. Check out the NPS.gov website for more information.

Which hidden beaches in Colorado are your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

For even more fun things to do during the warmer months, check out these Lazy River Summer Tubing Trips In Colorado To Start Planning Now.