Colorado may be well known for its mountains, plains, picturesque cities, and legal weed, but there is much more to this state than people realize. Take, for instance, the fact that Colorado is also chock-full of scenic beaches! Surprised? Colorado is full of waterways, and it was even named for the Colorado River. Grab your friends, hop in the car, and take this hidden beaches road trip to the best hidden beaches in Colorado (link to the interactive map can be found here). Which beaches in Colorado do you think are the best beaches in Colorado? Let us know!

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1. Little Medano Creek (Great Sand Dunes National Park)
Little Medano Creek, Colorado, USA
TripAdvisor/Jason A
Quite possibly one of the most unexpected of Colorado beaches lies within one of the state's most unique National Parks. Welcome to Little Medano Creek; a cool and clear stream of water at the base of the Great Sand Dunes that re-appears every summer!
2. The Rock Canyon Swim Beach at Lake Pueblo State Park (Pueblo)
640 Pueblo Reservoir Rd, Pueblo, CO 81005, USA
Lake Pueblo State Park Facebook
Southern Colorado's favorite place to take a dip? The beach at Lake Pueblo State Park, of course! This enchanting 4,600 acre lake is coveted as a fisherman's paradise, and its 60 miles of shoreline are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers alike.

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3. Cherry Creek State Park (Aurora)
4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014, USA
Yelp/Julianne A.
No, this isn't a beach along the Pacific coast (I mean, don't you see those trees? Psh!)... it's Cherry Creek State Park's gorgeous swim beach, which features both sandy shores and a roped-off swimming area perfect for beating the summer heat. This state park in Colorado is dreamlike in its beauty.
4. Jackson Lake State Park (Orchard)
County Road 3, Co Rd 3, Colorado, USA
TripAdvisor/Debra A
Ready to have your mind blown? Not only can you splash and play around Jackson Lake State Park's beaches, you can also camp near them! Check this previous article out to explore one of the most amazing beaches in Colorado.
5. The Beach at Grand Lake (Grand Lake)
828 Lake Ave, Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA
TripAdvisor/rw c
As someone who has frequented this picturesque beach many a time, I can personally tell you that there is no better way to spend the day than by sitting on Grand Lake's sandy beach, shopping along the charming boardwalk, and dining at one of the town's many delicious restaurants!
6. Steamboat Lake State Park (Clark)
61105 Co Rd 129, Clark, CO 80428, USA
Steamboat Lake State Park Facebook
Laying out on the sand not your thing? No problem! Grab your paddleboard, waterskis and boat, etc., and hit the waters of Steamboat Lake.

Grab the sunscreen and plan to spend the day exploring the great outdoors of the Centennial State. Which of these Colorado beaches is your favorite? What are your favorite beaches to visit in Colorado? Share your thoughts, pictures, and memories in the comments!

For even more road trip fun, check out these 9 Amazing Places You Can Go On One Tank Of Gas In Colorado!

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More to Explore

Hidden Beaches In Colorado

Nikki Rhoades | July 25, 2019

What are the prettiest beaches in Colorado?

The Centennial State is famous for being one of the loveliest in the nation, and the same high expectations visitors hold for its landscape can be applied to Colorado beaches. The truth is that the state’s waterways are downright beautiful! Blue Mesa Reservoir in Colorado is the state’s largest body of water, and Grand Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is the state’s largest natural lake, both of which are stunning destinations to visit.

What are the best beach towns in Colorado?

Colorado is all about community, and our small beach towns are some of the quaintest and most charming anywhere in the nation. Ever heard of Chapel on the Rock? This famous attraction can be found in Allenspark, which boasts the best sandy beach in Colorado. Fort Collins also boasts of Horsetooth Resevoir, a dreamy lake that offers endless outdoor adventure. Some even nod to this site as the beach with the clearest water in Colorado! No matter which beach town you stumble into, you're sure to fall in love with the community.

What beaches have the clearest water in Colorado?

There are many pristine waterways in this spectacular state, but some clear waters will leave you awe-struck. Hanging Lake features crystal clear water that's as blue as the sky, and it's just one stunning body of water. The aptly-named Blue Lakes are also strikingly pristine and beautiful. The truth is that each body of water you visit has its own charms, but you're most likely to find clean, untouched landscapes in Colorado's National Parks.

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