There’s a classic T-shirt: Palm trees, beach chairs, the sun setting over ocean waves, with “Colorado” above it all.
Of course, it’s meant to be funny. After all, we live in a landlocked state 1,000 miles from the nearest ocean. The water we are known for is frigid melted snow that feeds many of the major rivers of the West.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a place to cool off in the water or have a beach-like experience on a hot summer afternoon. High-elevation lakes are usually too cold for a swim — OK maybe for 10 minutes in July before it clouds up and storms. At lower elevations, mostly in man-made reservoirs, the water warms for what can be a comfortable swimming experience, or floating in a canoe or fishing from the shoreline.
We’ve put together a guide for going for a dip this summer. Keep in mind, as the snow melts in spring and the rivers run high, the swimming conditions can range from comfortable to deadly. Swimmers die every summer in Colorado, as frigid water can make the body lock up in seconds. A life jacket is always a good idea in deep water.
Also, for boat owners, most lakes require inspections for invasive zebra mussels.
Lake Pueblo State Park
In southern Colorado, a region known as the state’s “banana belt” for its mild climate, this reservoir is one of the most reliably warm swimming holes in the state.
With 4,600 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline, multiple marinas, picnic facilities and hundreds of campsites, it’s a water lover’s paradise, especially if you moved here from a warmer state.
Motor boats are allowed, and you’ll see plenty of people water-skiing and tubing on a hot day. If you have a boat, better yet a friend with a boat, you can find secret coves to while away the day.
Getting there: Turn west on US Hwy 50 (Exit 101). Drive four miles to Pueblo Blvd. Turn south and go four miles to Thatcher Blvd (Hwy 96). Turn west and go four miles to the south park entrance. For the north entrance (where the campgrounds are) turn on McCulloch Blvd. Turn south and go 4 miles to Nichols Road.
Entry fee: $10/vehicle
John Martin Reservoir State Park
This large reservoir hides in the rolling prairie of southeast Colorado, 20 miles west of the town of Lamar. All types of boats are allowed and the water is usually comfortable for swimming. You can take a dip anywhere you like, and there’s a swim beach at Lake Hasty located below the dam.
Aside from the water, it’s also a bird-watcher’s paradise, with more than 400 species known to frequent the area. It’s a far enough drive from Denver that you’ll experience few, but still close enough for a long day trip or easy weekend at one of the hundreds of campsites.
Getting there: Take US Highway 50 west from Lamar approximately 20 miles to Hasty. Turn south on CR 24 (School Street) and proceed approximately 2 miles. The Visitor Center is on the right just past the curve.
Entry fee: $10/vehicle
Paradise Cove
Before the internet, this was a secret swimming hole near Guffey in southern Park County, spread through word of mouth.
Today it’s hugely popular yet still stunning place to take a dip. A short hike from the parking lot takes you down to the water, fed by a waterfall, surrounded by steep rock walls.
The area is administered by the Bureau of Land Management, which has made the area day-use only. There are toilets and trash receptacles at the parking lot.
Getting there: From U.S. Highway 160 in Park County, turn left onto CR 42/Twin Rocks Rd and drive 6 miles. Turn left onto Teller CR 1 and drive 6 miles. Turn right onto CR 11 for 4 miles. Turn right onto Teller CR 112 and continue approximately 3 miles. Guffey Gorge is on the right side.
Entry fee: $6/vehicle
Boulder Reservoir
This 700-acre reservoir, owned by the city of Boulder, boasts one of the largest swim beaches in Colorado, with picnic facilities and even lifeguards. There are locker rooms, showers and even a restaurant, all within an easy drive from anywhere in the Denver area.
Boating is allowed, though all watercraft, down to inflatable kayaks, must have a permit, purchased from the city’s website.
It’s not as remote or quiet as some lakes, but for an easy day or half-day trip to the beach, it’s hard to beat.
Getting there: 1777 Broadway, Boulder, CO
Entry fee: $12/individual, $20/vehicle
Jackson Lake State Park
This lake has something not all Colorado lakes do: Long sandy beaches and campsites right along the water. No wonder it’s been named one of the Top 15 Park Beaches by Reserve America. There’s plenty of room to spread out and sunbathe, go fishing or take a swim.
The lake is huge, 2,500 surface acres, with multiple boat ramps and a marina, and all types of boats are allowed. Swimming is permitted on the west and south shores.
Getting there: From Denver, head east on I-76. Take the second Wiggins exit (exit 66). Turn left (north) on CO 39/CO 52. Drive approximately 9 miles. Continue half a mile past Goodrich. Turn left onto County Road Y.5 and stay on County Road Y.5
Entry fee: $10/vehicle
River water parks
Colorado’s recreation economy has long embraced thrilling whitewater rafting on many of Colorado’s rivers. The water on these river runs is usually ice-cold and dangerous.
Many cities and towns have developed water parks where people can surf, tube or paddle-board in purposely-built play waves, leading to a burgeoning surf culture far from any saltwater, usually with a wetsuit until the melt-off ends.
You’ll find such water parks throughout the state, including Buena Vista and Salida on the Arkansas, Glenwood Springs on the Colorado, Del Norte on the Rio Grande and Fort Collins on the Cache La Poudre.
Hot springs
We get it, 70-degree water isn’t for everyone. Colorado has ice and snow, but it also has fire, water bubbling to the surface heated by geothermal forces.
They range from free, primitive “hippie dips” to posh commercial resorts and everything in-between. Here are a few of the best for a classic summer poolside experience: Sand Dunes Recreation in the San Luis Valley; Mount Princeton Hot Springs near Buena Vista; Glenwood Springs, with the largest hot springs pool in the world; and Pagosa Hot Springs.
