Feeling a bit of the landlocked blues? Don’t worry; we’ve all been there once or twice! Guess what? There’s no need to fret or shell out hundreds of dollars to travel to the coast, as Colorado is home to several fabulous lakes and swimming holes perfect for all of your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking to plan a memorable canoe trip or take a dip in some refreshingly frigid water, you won’t be disappointed by these places to go swimming in Colorado. Here are 11 of the best swimming holes in Colorado, from pristine lakes to reservoirs, waterfall pools, and everything in between.

1. Cherry Creek Reservoir
Cherry Creek Reservoir, Colorado, USA
Wikimedia Commons




Cherry Creek Reservoir in Aurora, Colorado offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for the whole family. From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming, there are endless ways to spend the perfect day here.
2. Paradise Cove
Paradise Cove / Guffey Gorge, 13999 Main St, Guffey, CO 80820, USA
Joey Slater / AllTrails
Paradise Cove, also known as Guffey Gorge, is an absolutely breathtaking swimming hole and cliff diving spot. As you can imagine, this landmark is a popular one, so be sure to plan ahead and visit early in the day if you can. Visitors should also note that from mid-May to mid-September, and there is a small fee for day use.
3. Horsetooth Reservoir
Horsetooth Reservoir, Colorado, USA
marekuliasz / Getty Images
Just west of Fort Collins, Horsetooth Reservoir is a beloved destination that could aptly be described as an outdoor paradise. You'll find residents and visitors alike enjoying the 6.5-mile-long reservoir by swimming, boating, fishing, and even stand-up paddleboarding. For those who are looking to stretch their legs, there are loads of trails and facilities surrounding the lake. You might even be tempted to find overnight lodging so you can take advantage of all that this beautiful Colorado lake has to offer.
4. Grand Lake
Grand Lake, CO 80447, USA
Michael Levine-Clark / flickr
Located at an elevation of 8,369 feet above sea level, Grand Lake, Colorado looks like something from a postcard. This iconic Colorado destination offers year-round recreational activities. During the summer, visitors enjoy boating, rafting, and soaking up the gorgeous mountain scenery. The area surrounding Grand Lake also features countless outdoor activities you'll want to try. The best part of all? Grand Lake is just a short trip from Rocky Mountain National Park, where your Colorado adventures are sure to follow.
5. Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes, CO, USA
bluefootage / Getty Images




It's hard to imagine any view more quintessentially Colorado than the one you'll find at Twin Lakes in Leadville. These two glacial lakes reflect some of the highest mountains in the state. When you visit, you can take advantage of all that the water has to offer by renting a kayak, paddleboard, or signing up for a guided boat tour. For those who don't shy away from brisk water, swimming is also an option.
Gene / flickr
And here's a bonus swimming spot: Snyder Falls. This hidden-gem destination is not far from Twin Lakes. It's a bit off the beaten path, but just wait until you see this lovely little waterfall.

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6. Lake Dillon
Dillon Reservoir, Colorado, USA
bigjoemac / TripAdvisor
Lake Dillon, also known as Dillon Reservoir, can be found in the lovely Summit County, Colorado. In addition to its magnificent mountain views, Lake Dillon is also known as being the world's highest deep-water marina. How cool is that? If you're not up for boating, though, you can enjoy the 25-miles of shoreline or rent a kayak or paddleboard for your own tour of the lake.
7. Maroon Lake
Maroon Lake, Colorado 81611, USA
SeanXu / Getty Images
Maroon Lake is the crown jewel of Aspen. With its iconic reflection of Maroon Bells, this alpine lake is beautiful in any season. The summer holds a special allure, though, as the surrounding wildflowers and abundant sunshine lend an ethereal quality to this outdoor lover's paradise. Maroon Lake is best enjoyed via the nearby hiking trails and visitors should note that swimming is not allowed. So pack a picnic, bring your camera, and allow plenty of time to admire this jaw-dropping lake.
8. Mohawk Lake
Mohawk Lake, Colorado 80424, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Mohawk Lake in Breckinridge embodies a common conundrum you'll face here in Colorado: the million-dollar view requires some serious hiking. For those that are up for the challenge, this pristine swimming hole is well worth your effort. The good news is you'll work up a sweat as you embark on the 3.4-mile include to this ice-cold lake. After your refreshing dip, lounge on a nearby boulder to warm up again before your descent.
9. Chatfield State Park Reservoir
Chatfield State Park, 11500 N Roxborough Park Rd, Littleton, CO 80125, USA
Michael Levine-Clark
Chatfield State Park in Littleton, Colorado features a man-made lake teeming with activity during the summer months. There's a designated swimming area as well as opportunities for fishing, boating, and even camping. Plus, many areas in the park are dog-friendly, so be sure to bring your furry companion along with you.
10. Devil's Punchbowl
Devils Punchbowl, Colorado 81210, USA
Anthony Hatzenbuehler / AllTrails
Devil's Punchbowl is a visually stunning swimming area that comes with an important warning: this spot can be dangerous. While many have been known to try cliff diving or swimming during iffy conditions, it's always best to exercise extreme caution and use your best judgment when assessing water conditions. Even if you don't take a dip, you'll find this area is absolutely worth visiting.
11: Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes
Emerald Lake, Colorado 80517, USA
Flickr/Wasif Malik
Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes are a trio of gorgeous lakes accessible via Bear Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. You'll enjoy the well-maintained trail that leads to this beautiful series of alpine lakes. As you might imagine, the snow-melt water is too cold to swim in, but you'll find that simply hiking near them is thrill enough.

Do you agree that these are some of the best places to swim in Colorado (with a few non-swimming alpine lakes sprinkled in there for good measure)? Are there any spots that you’d add to the list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below! For related content, you’ll love learning about this picture-perfect waterfall swimming hole in Colorado.

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Best Swimming Holes in Colorado

Beth C. | June 29, 2020

What is the best swimming hole in Colorado?

Few things are more refreshing than taking a dip in a natural swimming hole. The Centennial State boasts plenty of options for swimming, so pinpointing the best swimming hole in Colorado is a lofty task. Yet many folks agree that Paradise Cove belongs at the top of the list. As we mentioned in the above article, this swimming spot is ideal for splashing around and even jumping into from the rocks (if you're careful!). Visitors should note that this spot is especially crowded on the weekends, so it's important to plan accordingly. Also, given that the swimming hole is part of the Bureau of Land Management, visitors need to be sure to clean up after themselves.

Where can I find the bluest water in Colorado?

When many think of turquoise waters, it's coastal states like Florida and California that often come to mind. Yet you'd be remiss to discount Colorado's alpine lakes, as they are notoriously inviting. Take Columbine Lake, for instance. This high-altitude hidden gem is located in the San Juan National Forest right outside of Silverton and features some of the most breathtakingly blue water in the state. Reaching this destination requires a 3-mile hike with beautiful scenery along the way. Reaching Columbine Lake, you'll feel as though you've been transported to a different world altogether.

Does Colorado have any beaches?

You'll hear many a Coloradoan complain about the fact that the state is completely landlocked; in other words, there are no oceans within reach. And yet the Centennial State has an abundance of beautiful rivers, lakes, and reservoirs that are sure to provide your fix of sandy shoreline. One of the most popular beaches in Colorado is the one you'll find at Jackson Lake State Park. Located in Eastern Colorado, this stunning reservoir features a swimming beach perfect for all ages. The state park is home to over 200 campsites, too.

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