Here are five underrated adventure destinations to check out if you’re seeking to camp, bike, relax in hot springs, explore spirituality or find all the summer fun you can handle in one place.

Lake City: Where you don’t have to fight for a campsite

If you’re tired of competing for camping reservations, it����ap time to drive further into the middle of nowhere. Hinsdale County, home to Lake City, being “the most remote area in the United States’ lower 48 states” with more than 96% of the county designated as public lands. There are many first-come, first-served campgrounds where visitors can find plenty of site choices, even during the height of summer tourism. That includes the , located on the shores of Lake San Cristobal just a few miles from town with prime access to the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, a popular OHV and four-wheel driving route. Lake City is also a stargazing hotspot. To peruse the camping options available, visit .

Crestone: Where you can tap into the supernatural

The veil is thin in Crestone, a town in the San Luis Valley known for its spiritual traditions and ethereal essence. Since the 1980s, Crestone has become a hub for communities of various faiths, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Native American traditions, each of which has put its own stamp on the local architecture. Monuments like the 42-foot-tall and the are open to the public. Additionally, the town has attracted New Age seekers and retreat centers; it����ap not uncommon to hear drums beating while hiking local trails. Those willing to travel a short distance can also hit unusual attractions like the in Center and the reptile rescue and park in Mosca, as well as the in Alamosa.

Ouray: Where soaking in hot springs is a full-time job

Those interested in soaking in Colorado’s abundant hot springs might be inclined to visit a town with “springs” in the name. But on the Western Slope, Ouray has several options to satisfy whatever kind of setting travelers are looking for — whether that����ap a large family-friendly entertainment venue like the namesake or something more intimate, like with its renowned vapor cave. features nine outdoor pools and a bar for both overnight guests and those who buy a day pass. And in nearby Ridgway, there’s the clothing-optional , which also offers camping.

Naturita: Where you can bike through history and beyond

For bikers seeking to ride where few have before, there’s a growing network of trails in Colorado’s so-called West End, in Montrose County near Utah, that offers both an adventure and a tour of the region’s history. Since 2014, a group of volunteers operating as the has built and mapped more than 300 miles of trails near Naturita and Nucla for fans of cross-country, gravel, and mountain biking. (That includes e-bikes.) Most follow old mining roads through canyons and across mesa tops where miners used to prospect for gold and uranium. The community ethos revolves around biking with stores like and , which doubles as a bike service shop, and races like the . Opportunities for camping and glamping at , located at a former mining enclave, mean you can explore for several days and enjoy the massive art installations on the 120-acre property after recreating.

Grand Mesa: Where summer fun never ends

Coloradans looking for a single destination that offers catch-all summer fun should look no further than the , near Grand Junction. Known as the world’s largest flattop mountain, the Grand Mesa is home to more than 300 lakes that provide access to fishing and boating (both motorized and not), picnicking and stunning views. Hikes abound in the forest, allowing visitors to see wildflowers and forage for mushrooms. There are numerous campgrounds where the whole family can post up and get the most out of a trip. The best part: The Grand Mesa is easily accessible via a paved scenic byway that runs from the north to the south, so you don’t need an off-road vehicle to experience what the outdoors have to offer there. With all the exceptional recreation, it’s a wonder it doesn’t get more crowded. But, hey, all the better for those who wander to the Western Slope.

“I’ve definitely stopped visiting places because of crowdedness,” said Ethan Billingsley, a senior instructor in outdoor recreation leadership at CSU’s Warner College of Natural Resources. “Our radius,” he continued, “expands based on the subjective crowding we perceive.”

The keyword there, of course, is “subjective.” If you’re from Manhattan, a few dozen people holed up around the ponds at might feel downright intimate. But for OG Coloradans, seeing the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station into RMNP backed up halfway to Estes Park can be a real loss.

With over 4 million visitors every year, Rocky Mountain is one of the most visited parks within the entire NPS system. But according to a series of widely cited Reddit threads, roughly 90 percent of national park-goers never venture more than a half-mile from the main road.

This figure may be based on intuition rather than fact; Kyle Patterson, RMNP’s public affairs officer, couldn’t find any recent studies corroborating it. During a 2002 visitor survey, though, the majority of day-use visitors reported hiking 10 miles or less, and the most common distance hiked was 5 miles, Patterson reports. Still, it����ap usually possible to find peace and quiet inside RMNP – if you’re willing (and able) to “embrace rugged recreation,” Billingsley said, referring to the park’s rigorous, high-elevation routes. (And in all fairness to RMNP, the timed-entry reservation system – now in its seventh year – has been successful at “spreading use out throughout the park,” as Patterson put it.)

Colorado claims four incredible national parks, including its lesser-traveled crown jewel, (check before visiting for long-term wildfire-related closures). But we also have 13 national park sites, including five monuments, four historic sites and one recreational area – plus a handful of historic trails. NPS sites see a fraction of the RMNP crowds, but they certainly aren’t lacking in the scenic-views department.

In Cortez, for example, there’s , a 176,000-acre tract protecting more than 8,300 documented archaeological sites, including villages, kivas, field houses, cliff dwellings, petroglyphs and ancient roadways. The out-and-back Sand Canyon Trail (6 miles each way) passes a series of ancestral Puebloan ruins. If you’re visiting in the summer, mind the heat; pack plenty of water and sun protection.

The nearby town of Dolores makes an excellent home base. When you’re ready to nosh on something more sophisticated than freeze-dried camp food, try the wood-fired pizza (and craft beer) at on Fourth Street.

Wedged between two popular vacation towns – Pagosa Springs and Durango – is another southwestern Colorado gem. It’s open seasonally (mid-May through mid-October) and holds more than 100 significant Pueblo Indian archaeological sites. Try the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association’s excellent tours and guided programming – but visitors are also welcome to explore the area on their own.

Distance from Denver

For those who seek solitude, it����ap all about DFD. “How far away from Denver are you willing to drive?” Billingsley asked.

Billingsley’s a fan of , with multiple access points in Mesa and Delta counties. This high-desert expanse spans over 210,000 acres of protected public land, including the rugged Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, where fishing is a year-round affair on Big Dominguez Creek. Nearly 30 miles of the Gunnison River sustain a veritable backcountry zoo; visitors are likely to spot golden eagles, turkeys, elk, and collared lizards, among other species.

You’ll find a different kind of quiet in the San Luis Valley at , off County Road 38A, past the Y intersection near La Garita Trading Post. This site strikes a rare balance between serenity and world-class action. Sport climbers flock here for the volcanic tuff, but there’s enough singletrack to keep hikers and mountain bikers busy for days. Penitente Canyon is BLM territory, but you’ll still need to snag a reservation at before pitching your tent.

The southeastern part of the state has some nice topography, Billingsley reminds, and , a mile past the Picture Canyon sign on Forest Service Road 533, is a gorgeous destination tucked inside Colorado’s Comanche National Grassland. Visitors come for the unique rock formations, sandstone canyons, and rolling hills – all laid out across 13 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails.

There’s great birding on the shortgrass prairie; keep an eye out for scaled quail, wrens, ladder-backed woodpeckers and blue grosbeaks, among many other species. If you’re camping (it����ap the free, dispersed variety here) bring binoculars for premium stargazing. Pack plenty of water, too, since the on-site spring water isn’t potable.

Just south of the eclectic town of Trinidad, our newest state park, , houses one of southern Colorado’s most recognizable landmarks (its namesake peak). The park has 16 miles of tranquil trails. Be aware that many map applications place the property address in an incorrect location; it’s best to follow the driving directions listed on the park’s website.

Northwest of crowds

For an exceptional off-the-grid getaway, make the town of Meeker (population 2,242) your launchpad into the state’s overlooked northwestern wilderness.

“This really is the authentic West,” said Sara Stephenson, executive director of the Meeker Chamber of Commerce. In addition to hiking, biking, and motorized recreational trails, there’s plenty of fishing on ample streams, lakes, and reservoirs. The White River remains a big draw, too, though Stephenson notes that public access points along the banks are becoming increasingly scarce.

“Lots of people come here in the summer to cool off,” Stephenson said, explaining that Meeker is often 10-plus degrees cooler than Grand Junction.

Catch a rodeo if you can; held at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds, the free runs June through August on Thursday nights. (But if you’re hoping to circumvent crowds, maybe skip the town’s blowout Fourth of July festival, the annual , a weeklong celebration that includes rodeos, along with a parade, fireworks, and more.)

Since downtown Meeker is only a mile long, it����ap a walkable base camp with boutiques and locally owned restaurants. For your morning coffee fix, there’s on Market Street. The nearby is your best option for post-hike fuel, with brick oven pizza, beer, live music, and bingo. History buffs, don’t miss the on Park Avenue, which offers a quirky account of local history from inside a pair of the town’s original log buildings.

Consider booking a room at the . Between the massive, century-old animal mounts and famous bullet hole in the wall, it delivers the exact brand of haunted history you’re expecting from a historic Colorado inn. There are also furnished tiny homes a few miles out of town, toward Trappers, Stephenson said, referencing on County Road 8.

Meeker isn’t far from the , Colorado’s second largest wilderness area, with approximately 110 lakes and ponds, many unnamed, dotting the high plateau above and below flat-topped cliffs. “The 235,000-acre Flat Tops Wilderness is known for its solitude and remote setting,” said Aaron Grimes, a district recreation staff officer for the US Forest Service.

Flat Tops has an outstanding interconnected trail system linking over 300 miles of backcountry trails that are perfectly suited for multi-day loops. Most access points are reached from the west side, coming through Meeker, and Grimes noted that despite the isolation, the gravel roads are well-maintained, meaning a passenger vehicle should get you to most trailheads.

The South Fork trailhead opens to easy day hikes along the river as well as longer backpacking routes for those looking to disappear for a while. The Marvine (pronounced Mar-VEEN) trailhead, meanwhile, is a favorite for horseback riders and leads roughly 6 miles to a pair of stunning twin lakes. “The Trappers Lake area has numerous trailheads that lead to a variety of High-Country lakes and vary in distance and difficulty,” added Grimes. Developed campgrounds at South Fork, Marvine and Trappers Lake require reservations through.

Good planning is critical, Grimes cautions. “This remote area generally lacks cell phone service,” he said, adding, “Many trails are located over an hour from Meeker.” Bring extra food and water, fuel up your vehicle in town, prepare for longer travel times than expected, check weather forecasts, and bring essentials for backcountry travel. Study maps, too, and call the Blanco Ranger District for up-to-date trail conditions, at 970-878-4039.

You might as well tack on a day trip to the sparsely populated , which straddles Colorado and Utah. Colorado’s Canyon Visitor Center on Highway 40 opens seasonally, mid-May into October.

You won’t find the monument����ap namesake fossil beds on the Colorado side of the border. “The rocks are too old to contain dinosaurs for the most part,” explained park ranger Erin Cahill. Still, we’ve got some of the best geology in the world; the rugged landscape includes massive formations, deep faults, and kaleidoscopic rock layers that occasionally give way to sweeping, hundred-mile vistas.

Inside the monument, hit Harper’s Corner Road, a 31-mile-long (each way) scenic drive delivering a series of dramatic overlooks. The 2-mile round-trip hike at the end of the road is a “must do,” Cahill said. For those of you with high clearance vehicles, a four-wheel-drive road branches off toward Echo Park Campground, a secluded riverside site that����ap only accessible when the road is dry. With the exception of one group site, all camping is first-come, first-served; Deerlodge Park Campground is another remote option.

Come to the monument prepared for the high-desert heat. Dehydration’s no joke, and afternoon lightning can appear out of nowhere. Your most valuable tool is the NPS app: Download maps for offline use before you arrive since cell signals inside the monument are spotty at best.

Due north of the monument (as the crow flies) there’s . To get there, though, you’ll have to drive around the monument, through Maybell – a route that takes about 2 hours.

Tucked along the Green River, not far from the Utah-Wyoming border, the refuge serves as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds and threatened species like the bald eagle. It����ap a rich tapestry of habitats, ranging from pinyon-juniper forests to lush wet meadows. The area also boasts some cultural history, starting with the Fremont Indians, including Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch, who evidently helped local ranchers when they needed to avoid law enforcement.

Leave it as you found it

Public land agencies – often underfunded and understaffed – can quickly become overwhelmed when a lesser-known spot blows up overnight. If you’re heading off the beaten path, definitely familiarize yourself with ethics. Figure out which entity manages the land you’ll visit, then go online and brush up on their local rules. It����ap on us to protect Colorado’s most precious spots for the next generation of adventurers. Though increased visitation can deplete natural resources, tourism is an economic boon for our state’s small and rural towns – so please be sure to buy local when visiting the places outlined in this story.

In the mountains

Colorado’s 10 most popular hikes, according to AllTrails

Colorado waterfall hike: Copeland Falls best this time of year in early morning

This hiking trail near Red Rocks will help you get in shape for 14er season

Gorgeous Colorado hike reopens this summer with new rules for hiking, camping, human waste

An Estes Park getaway can be about more than just the outdoors

Camping

Gorgeous Colorado hike reopens this summer with new rules for hiking, camping, human waste

Forest service now charging $20 for dispersed camping in Homestake Valley

Within driving distance

These adult summer retreats can help Coloradans escape burnout

Big balloons will rise above Colorado’s heat this summer; watch ’em soar or take a ride

Looking for beach vibes? Here’s where to find them in landlocked Colorado

Movie-theater hotel adds vintage Airstreams, Quonset huts in San Luis Valley

Sleep in a treehouse, hike with llamas, stargaze and more summer whimsy

Pick your own flowers at these farms and garden centers in Colorado

Is city fishing safe? Yes, experts say, but there are updated guidelines to follow.

Big balloons will rise above Colorado’s heat this summer; watch ’em soar or take a ride

Here’s where to fish with kids near Denver

Summer fun

Biodegradable pickleballs, size-inclusive skorts made in Colorado and other sports gear we love

More women are playing padel than ever — and for good reason

Meet the Boulder dogs cast in this summer’s Colorado Shakespeare Festival

Gravel biking events are a hot commodity in Colorado this summer

Want to get off your phone? Learn blacksmithing or floral design at these Colorado classes and makerspaces.

Beyond Colorado

10 tree-house hotels in the U.S. for you to commune with nature in comfort

The rusted structure was barely hanging on, and its operation was time-consuming for the busy ranchers, who had to lug special tools on all-terrain vehicles and on foot to open or close the mechanism. But it seemed impossible for the tiny district to find the $6.8 million needed to replace the headgate and the rocky diversion dam that pushed water into the canal.

Then legalized sports betting came along, and, with it, millions of dollars for Colorado water projects. The tiny irrigation district, in Moffat County in the far northwest corner of the state, soon became the poster child for how gambling money is benefiting Colorado’s waterways.

The district received a $750,000 grant from the , which doles out money from sports betting tax revenue, said, sustainable food and water program director for , which helped the district land the grant. That led to a matching grant from the program. With those two grants in hand, other organizations jumped on board, and money poured in, she said.

In 2024, the Maybell Irrigation District installed a new headgate that can be opened or closed via cellphone. If a rancher is cutting hay and doesn’t need to irrigate, he can close the gates to match the amount of water he actually needs at that moment, Lane said. And the diversion structure no longer uses boulders to control the water flow. Instead, it’s a modern structure that is the right height for water control.

The project also benefited four fish species, including the threatened humpback chub, and it made river navigation easier for boaters, helping the region’s outdoor recreation economy.

“That $750,000 was really the ball that got it all rolling, that showed people, ‘Oh, this is going somewhere,'” Lane said of that initial state grant.

Since sports betting became legal in May 2020, the state has collected more than $154 million in taxes, and the Colorado Water Conservation Board has funneled $140 million to various projects that preserve and conserve Colorado’s precious water. Supporters say the gambling money is a godsend for ranchers, fishermen, paddlers and others who want to protect the state’s water and those who depend on it for their livelihoods. Critics, however, say legalized sports betting has come at a cost — fueling an addiction crisis that the state was unprepared for and is underfunding.

This is the second story in The Denver Post’s three-part series exploring the impact of legalized sports betting in Colorado, including the billions spent on wagers, rising addiction rates, and the impact on athletes and the games they play.

Erin Karney Spaur, executive vice president of the , said she reminds her family members and friends who bet on sports that every time they place a wager, they are helping ranchers like those in Maybell access precious water.

“It����ap exponentially more than we could ever imagine,” she said of sports betting’s impact on ranches and water. “Coloradans like to gamble on sports, and water is the beneficiary.”

‘That’s our ticket’

In 2015, the Colorado Water Conservation Board — at the behest of then-Gov. John Hickenlooper — released a report on how to best conserve and protect the state’s water.

“It made a lot of plans. It set a bit of policy, and it identified two big funding needs,” said , director of western water for the .

The board determined at the time that Colorado needed $100 million per year for projects to improve river and stream health and restoration, to replace the agricultural industry’s aging irrigation systems and to conserve as much water as possible.

“The 2015 water plan put up that price tag and then continued on its merry way,” he said.

But the money wasn’t there.

A consortium of groups with interests in the state’s waterways — including environmental, agricultural and recreational organizations — began meeting to figure out how to fund the water plan. They considered various tax schemes, such as asking the state to put a levy on bottled water or rental cars. But none of their ideas came with an easy path to voter approval — something necessary to raise statewide taxes in Colorado.

“We sat around a table for over a year and a half trying to figure out how to do this, and there were no good options,” Jackson said.

Then, in 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a ruling that offered the answer to funding water projects in Colorado: . That decision overturned the , paving the way for states to legalize sports betting.

“I said, ‘That’s it. That’s our ticket,’ ” Jackson said.

Jackson thought Colorado voters would be sympathetic to the state’s water crisis, caused by decades of drought and climate change. They also wagered that a tax on sports betting would be easier for voters to digest because it would only be paid by those who chose to gamble; if someone didn’t want to pay the tax, then they didn’t have to participate, he said.

The legislature agreed to put it on the 2019 ballot, and voters approved with 51% in favor. The bill established a 10% tax on sports betting companies’ revenue.

“Water certainly pushed it over,” Jackson said.

Sports betting was slated to open in Colorado on May 1, 2020. But the big date was a false start. The COVID-19 pandemic hobbled betting like a quarterback with a bum knee.

“Sports betting was legal, and there were no sports,” Jackson said. “And I thought to myself, ‘What the hell did we just do?’ ”

Gross sports betting revenue in Colorado was $2.6 million, with 25% of wagers placed on table tennis. Tax revenue was just $96,544.

But that freeze on sports did not last, and the gambling money began flowing as rapidly as Clear Creek during the early summer snowmelt.

The revenue stream

Colorado leaders soon realized sports betting was far more lucrative for tax revenues than had been predicted. In the first six years of legalized sports betting, the has reported record-setting figures each year.

“It����ap been hugely successful,” said Drew Peternell, Colorado state director at . “Revenues from sports betting have greatly exceeded any expectations when these mechanisms were put in place.”

By May 2021, when sports betting in Colorado hit its first anniversary, monthly tax revenue hit $635,640 — more than five times what sports wagering had brought in during the same month just a year prior, according to data from the Department of Revenue.

In its most recent report on sports-betting taxes, the department reported it collected $4.4 million in April. The news releases often tout the success of sports betting and the benefits it brings to state waterways. They also include links to , the state’s website for problem gambling resources.

The April tax revenue was 28% more than the amount collected in April 2025, and taxes collected for the current fiscal year through April were at $40.7 million, up 35% over the same period last year.

Thus far, the largest single-month record for tax revenue came in January when the state collected $5 million from $57.8 million in revenue. Coloradans bet $630.2 million, with $119 million wagered on professional football in a month when the Broncos made a run to the conference championship game.

Proposition DD’s 10% tax on net proceeds from sports betting means casinos and companies doing business in Colorado pay the tax after they pay out winning bets and federal taxes.

But the Colorado General Assembly placed a $29 million-a-year cap on sports betting tax revenue when it approved Proposition DD for the statewide ballot. If the state collected more than $29 million each year, the overage was to be refunded to the casinos and licensed gaming companies.

Proposition DD also determined how sports betting proceeds were to be divvied up between programs, with water projects receiving 93% of the tax revenue.

The first projection estimated that sports betting would generate about $16 million annually and that water projects would receive $14.9 million.

Six percent of the tax revenue, or an estimated $960,000, would be set aside in a special fund that would be distributed to Colorado’s three casino cities and other entities that received gaming revenue if they could prove that the new sports betting market caused them to lose money due to decreased bets on traditional gambling and horse racing.

So far, no one has tapped that fund.

Problem gambling would receive just $130,000 annually for establishing a crisis hotline and training for gambling addiction counselors. That amount was increased to $2.5 million annually in 2023.

The Post interviewed seven people whose agencies receive sports betting tax revenue, but only one — Jackson — said they bet on sports themselves. And only one person, who did not want their family’s story to be told publicly, said they sometimes were bothered by the addiction problem because a loved one had died by suicide after gambling away his money.

The tax revenue proved so lucrative that water proponents returned to the legislature to ask for another statewide ballot. This time, which voters approved in 2024, eliminated the $29 million cap, meaning casinos and licensed sports betting companies can no longer receive refunds. And more money will pour into the water conservation fund.

In 2025, water proponents returned to the revenue well again.

This time, they asked the General Assembly to eliminate a clause that had allowed sports betting companies to use their free bet promotions as tax write-offs.

In those promotions, DraftKings, FanDuel and others lure prospective gamblers by offering “free bonus bets” when users apply a promo code advertised on television.

During the NFL’s wild card playoff weekend between Jan. 10 and 12, for example, FanDuel offered a promotion in which bettors would receive $300 when they placed a $5 bet on a game. In the past, FanDuel would have been allowed to write that $300 off as a tax deduction.

But starting in January, that tax deduction was no longer allowed, which means FanDuel and other companies doing business in Colorado pay even more in taxes.

For years, the sports betting companies had argued that losing the tax deduction would force them to pull back on those offers and lead to fewer players, Jackson said. But Colorado watched other states that did not offer similar tax deductions and realized those promotions were still available to gamblers.

“It’s still the primary marketing scheme,” Jackson said. “Colorado was very much an outlier in allowing the deduction.”

Colorado’s water woes

As the planet’s temperature rises, Colorado’s rivers and streams become more threatened by drought.

Last year was for Colorado after the state marked its 10th-warmest year out of 130 years of data, according to the at .  It was the 51st driest year on record, and a swath of northwestern Colorado fell into exceptional drought — the most dire category recorded by the .

And 2026 has brought even hotter and drier weather, with the winter being the warmest on record and snowpack at its lowest levels since records started being kept in 1941.

While drought dries up lakes, rivers and streams, it also impacts almost every person living in Colorado. People live with a shortage of drinking water supplies, irrigation becomes trickier for ranchers, rivers dry up for rafters and fishermen, fish and wildlife struggle, and manufacturers must cope with less water.

Less water also boosts the state’s risk for devastating wildfires and can cause insect infestations or forest diseases to spread.

“Climate change is water change in Colorado, and we need every resource we can to put towards building a more resilient future,” said Lauren Ris, the Colorado Water Conservation Board’s director.

The conservation board intends to help Coloradans address all of those issues with the  through the state’s water plan.

“It primarily focuses on water supply, not water quality,” Ris said.

Projects awarded money during the most recent grant cycle in September included:

• to build a new water storage facility at the Jurgens Reservoir in Weld County that will increase the Lower Latham Reservoir Company’s irrigation supply
• to Adams 12 Five Star Schools to evaluate 54 irrigation systems across 475 acres of irrigated landscape and develop a water conservation plan for the district
• for a Colorado River conservation exhibit at the Confluence Center of Colorado in Mesa County

The water board employs a team of regional grant managers who live and work in the areas they serve. They become familiar with their region’s needs and help decide which projects are worth funding, said Jeannine Shaw, the grants section chief at the water board.

The more organizations applying for a grant together, the more competitive the application becomes, she said. And all of the grants awarded require the applicants to find matching funds, doubling the amount of money available.

And, as more money is spent on sports betting, Colorado can expand its outreach to all four corners of this parched state.

“The difference that makes on the ground is pretty incredible,” Ris said.

In the San Luis Valley, ranchers have long spread water over their grasslands when temperatures start to freeze to create a sheet of ice over the vegetation. As the ice slowly melts during the spring thaw, it seeps into the ground, recharging the water table. It also helps revegetate retired farmland and creates a habitat for wintering birds and wildlife, said Fay Hartman, conservation director for the southwest region of .

In September 2025, American Rivers received a $199,761 grant funded by sports betting to study how the winter ice sheet practice actually benefits the environment. The grant will provide the money for a groundwater study so scientists can collect data by placing groundwater wells at the near Saguache. American Rivers secured $145,956 in matching funds.

There just wasn’t good data on the benefits of creating the winter sheet ice, Shaw said. Different groups wanted to quantify what happens so they would be better informed about the practice and find ways to improve it.

The project, named Frozen Assets, demonstrates the water conservation board’s desire to support innovative ideas for Colorado’s water management, Ris said.

“We’re really able to test some of these theories and use this funding where there is not a whole lot of other opportunity out there to really test some concepts and pilot some things that could have pretty big benefits,” Ris said.

So far, Ris and others who are working to solve Colorado’s water woes believe sports betting revenue is the lifebuoy the state needs to start solving the crisis. It’s not enough, they said, but it’s charting the right course as the state responds to increasing drought, floods and wildfires worsened by climate change.

“We’re thrilled,” she said. “What we really needed was a steady funding stream for water projects, and that����ap what this proved to be.”

READ PART 3 NEXT: Sports betting is changing the game for Colorado’s fans and athletes as big money adds new pressures

Beyond the opportunities for family bonding, fishing offers kids a big dose of Vitamin N (The fresh air! The Colorado sunshine!) while boosting confidence, building patience, and encouraging teamwork to boot. If nothing else, it gets everyone off screens for a few glorious, undistracted hours.

Here in Colorado, anglers have access to 6,000 miles of streams and 1,300 public lakes and reservoirs. There are some excellent mountain fishing holes, but with kids in tow, you might want to skip the long drive and instead opt for one of these local, scenic — and well-stocked — spots. We can’t guarantee a bite, but these destinations are your best bet for ensuring young anglers will actually experience the thrill of a first catch.

Know before you go

In Colorado, youths ages 15 and under fish for free. Anyone 16 and older, though, including parents helping out, should have a valid state fishing license. Purchase your annual license online, through the , or at local sporting goods stores. Keep in mind that fishing sites themselves generally don’t sell licenses.

Before you cast, be sure to brush up on local laws and statewide daily bag limits, which can vary by species and location. The , available on Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website, has the information you’ll need. To keep Colorado’s waters healthy, anglers should always clean, drain, and dry their gear before and after use to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species. For a quick tutorial, CPW offers an excellent instructional video on YouTube titled “.”

Denver area reservoirs

Cherry Creek and Chatfield state parks are two heavy-hitters for city-proximate fishing. Periodically stocked with rainbow trout, these reservoirs also house walleye, bass, perch and catfish. Because both parks are popular with motorized boaters and swimmers, the key is finding a tranquil pocket of shoreline.

At , skip the main docks and try the south side of the reservoir. My kids and I have had luck along the low-key banks near the Platte River Trailhead parking lot. If you head to , check out the reservoir’s quieter south end as well as the shores beyond the Tower Loop parking area, near the dam. (Just remember to keep a 60-foot distance from the tower structure itself.)

Don’t discount east Aurora, which has some of the best water in the metro area. is a fantastic multi-use spot for families. Even if the tiger muskie, catfish and smallmouth bass aren’t biting, kids usually get a kick out of the crawdads and abundance of waterbirds, from herons to plovers.

Anglers with disabilities will find an ADA-accessible pier on the south side of the upper parking lot. Unlike Chatfield and Cherry Creek (above), Aurora Reservoir is not a state park, so your Keep Colorado Wild pass won’t work here; expect to pay a day-use fee ($10 in the off-season; $15 during the summer months).

For a more tucked-away feel, there’s . With 160 surface acres of water, this destination is teeming with bass, trout and perch, but take note: Only artificial flies and lures are allowed at Quincy Reservoir; bait of any kind is prohibited. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the gazebo near the water just below the ranger’s office.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocks both Aurora reservoirs; check Aurora’s municipal website for specific bag limits before heading out. No matter where you settle in, remember that the best fishing action usually happens during golden hours, in the early morning and evening.

Commerce City’s wildlife refuge

Measuring 15,000 acres, the is a Commerce City gem and one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the country. More than 300,000 visitors come each year to observe some 330 species of wildlife safeguarded by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services — and the on-site fishing is also a big draw.

Anglers of all ages are invited to try catch-and-release fishing at lakes Mary and Ladora now through November for $3 per day. (That����ap $3 in addition to the standard Colorado fishing license, but high school and college students can fish at the refuge for free with a current student ID.) All fishing is catch-and-release only; anglers must use barbless hooks, and live bait is prohibited.

You can pay any required fees at the super-fun Visitor Center, where my kids always love exploring interactive exhibits on prairie wildlife. For families totally new to the sport, the refuge offers free learn-to-fish programming all summer long. Gear is provided, and rangers are on hand to teach the basics. Consult the refuge’s website for specific dates and times.

Creek dishing in Golden

Clear Creek runs through the city of Golden, and tubers know firsthand that its rapids can get wild. For youth fishing, park at Lions Park (1300 10th St.) —  (the massive playground will be an incentive to any young holdouts — and follow the Clear Creek Trail upriver, until the cement turns into gravel. Eventually you’ll arrive at shallow banks that make it easy for little ones to access the water safely.

If you’re short on equipment, you can rent fly fishing gear nearby, at . All the normal Colorado fishing rules apply on creeks, and before heading out, always check the runoff report to ensure the water level isn’t too high to fish.

A private pond experience

Also known to some as Grandma & Grandpa’s Fishing Pond (4125 Chicago Creek Road),   g is a delightful little lake that����ap stocked so generously with rainbow trout that kids are practically guaranteed to hook something — just keep in mind that fishers pay for every catch they keep. (But since the water is privately owned, there’s no fishing license required.)

Poles and tackle are available to rent in the main office, where staff members will answer questions and clean your fish for a nominal fee.

Family-forward programming

All summer long, through its Fishing is Fun! program, urban rangers from Denver Parks and Recreation team up with local recreation centers to introduce fishing skills to families, while discussing topics such as gear, local fish species, and water safety. Nominally priced drop-in style events take place at several sites, including Garfield Lake, Berkeley Lake, Washington, Harvey, and Huston Lake parks. Equipment is provided through a Colorado Parks & Wildlife grant, while supplies last, but families with poles are encouraged to BYO.

Register online on the Denver Parks & Recreation Activities and Programs page at .

If you can’t make it to a clinic, Colorado Parks and Wildlife publishes excellent learn-to-fish pamphlets and digital guides .

Mark your calendar

On Saturday, June 27, Colorado takes over Coors Field for its annual . From noon to 5 p.m., the open concourse transforms into a giant, fly-fishing-themed expo. Expect a family-friendly lineup of activities, including casting areas, fly-tying tutorials, youth crafts, and stadium tours. Entry is free, but you’ll need to snag tickets in advance on the Troutfest Colorado website. Enter through Gate A and come hungry for standard ballpark fare.

“There were a few kids that were there most weekends,” said the 42-year-old Denverite, who fished at City Park’s 24-acre Ferril Lake in the mid-1990s. “Some of us fell in while trying to get to the ledge under the gazebo, when the water was low enough to pull ourselves under (the deck).”

Scrappy and impatient, he and his friends even used baseball bats to crack through the ice when the lake froze. Of course, safety standards have evolved over the last three decades, but fishing in Denver’s public lakes, reservoirs and waterways has remained a popular, all-ages pastime that requires very little travel or gear to enjoy.

“We are so fortunate in Denver to have a rich and diverse wildlife resource, including our aquatic resources,” said Eliza Hunholz, director of the Park Ranger program for the City and County of Denver. “There are some wonderful streams, reservoirs and lakes — some with state records — that provide a variety of opportunities for fishing.”

Local and and encourage the free, public activity, educating kids and their parents with fishing clinics and distributing equipment to youngsters through summer and programs like Denver’s Fishing is Fun! The latter is made possible by up to $650,000 in yearly matching grants from Colorado Parks & Wildlife, distributed to local and county governments, park and recreation departments, angling organizations, water districts and others. Since launching in 1989, the program has supported 375 “angling improvement projects” across the state, according to officials.

For city fishers at close-in locations, following a few guidelines will help protect the water, its fish and the overall tradition for future generations, experts said.

“Make sure you have a fishing license, know the regulations for the water body and follow them,” said Aubrey Pelletier, Denver Aquatic Biologist for Colorado Parks & Wildlife. “Some waters have special regulations on tackle types, bag limits, etc., so bringing the correct equipment for the location and target species is important.”

Colorado Parks & Wildlife offers all of that in , which covers March 2026 through March 2027. Links to permits, a list of nuisance aquatic species, stream-by-stream regulations, stats, and maps fill the 45-page document.

In Denver, popular metro-area spots over the years have included Ferril Lake, Sloan’s Lake, and Washington Park’s Grasmere Lake and Overland Pond. But as water quality has shifted in some public waterways, anglers have flocked to the South Platte River in downtown Denver, or set up at Cherry Creek or Aurora reservoirs for deeper-water species.

The variety is impressive. In Ferril Lake alone, fishers have caught bluegill, bullhead, carp, channel catfish, crappie, gizzard shad, green sunfish, largemouth bass, yellow perch and even rainbow trout (catchable-size, stocked in spring, according to Denver Parks & Recreation).

Urban fish are generally not for eating, and in fact need more care than you might think in order to maintain their robust presence, said Jodie Marozas, Park Ranger Manager for Denver Parks & Recreation.

“Practice catch and release to support the conservation of the local fish population,” she said. “Minimize the time you keep a fish outside of water, especially cold-water species like trout.”

Among her other recommendations:

• Check weather conditions before heading out
• Wear appropriate clothing and sun protection (sunscreen, hat)
• Scan the area for hazards (steep banks, submerged vegetation)
• Bring a first aid kit
• Check local fishing regulations and carry a valid fishing license
• Practice safe fish handling  (wet your hands first, handle gently)
• Fish responsibly — follow the bag and possession limit
• Review and follow water quality and fish consumption advisories

Just as important, she added, was taking a photo to capture the moment. Because what’s a great catch without proof?

Denver resident Gunnar, 14, didn’t have time for that on a recent weekday at Ferril Lake, where he had just stashed his bike along a fence before decamping to the shore with friends. He started fishing in various parks three years ago, and switched to Ferril Lake a year and a half ago because he could ride his bike there from home.

“You can easily catch some good stuff here,” he said, having hooked a pair of carp that day. One was 10 pounds, he said, and the other was 40 pounds — so big that he couldn’t reel it in.

There’s always next year.

Learn more from Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s online Fishing Atlas (), including details on which fish are stocked where, mapping locations from your home, and real-time weather and water-quality updates.

Four river events for kayaks, rafts and stand-up paddleboards have been moved from Gore Creek in Vail to river venues that are 35-60 miles away. Four other river events involving kayaks and rafts have been canceled. A fishing event also will be moved.

This year’s Mountain Games are scheduled June 4-7. The event, a major annual happening in the Vail Valley, dates back to 2002 when it was founded as a local whitewater festival known then as the Teva Mountain Games. In its current iteration it includes mountain and road cycling, running, climbing, yoga and disc events.

River events being moved will take place either at the Glenwood Whitewater Activity Area in Glenwood Springs, 60 miles from Vail, or the Upper Colorado River in Bond, 35 miles from Vail.

“Contingency planning is part of every Mountain Games, as water levels fluctuate from year to year, which is why our team has spent the last several months monitoring conditions and working to find solutions,” said Peggy Wolfe, operations director for the Vail Valley Foundation which organizes the event, in a news release. “We’re now putting that plan into action to ensure athletes and spectators have a safe and memorable experience.”

During the Rockies’ 9-6 victory over the Dodgers on Sunday afternoon at Coors Field, Hunter Goodman, Troy Johnston, Edouard Julien and Jake McCarthy all hit doubles, and they all pantomimed a fisherman casting his line and reeling in a catch.

Clearly, it was a clever celebratory response to the comments made by Dodgers backup catcher Dalton Rushing after the Dodgers’ 4-3 loss to Colorado on Saturday. Rushing made some veiled accusations, saying the Rockies made some “fishy” swing decisions.

On Monday, when asked about the Rockies’ act at second base, Johnston didn’t take the bait.

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"What was it all about? Fishing," McCarthy answered Monday as a big smile spread across his face. "We all like to fish, and we like the outdoors. This is Colorado."

So, it had nothing to do with Rushing comments?

"Well, I mean, that's open to interpretation," he said, flashing another big grin. "It's a team bonding thing. It's all in good fun."

Goodman, Colorado's All-Star catcher, as it turns out, is also a big fisherman in his home state of Tennessee.

"I enjoy bass fishing," Goodman said. "And Colorado is an outdoor state. And one of the best players to ever play here, Chuck, fishes all of the time. I'm sure he loves it."

Goodman was referring to Rockies icon Charlie Blackmon.

So, did Goodman's air casting have anything to do with Rushing's fishy comments?

"I mean, I'll leave that up to other people to decide," he said.

Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer added, "Sometimes guys just say things, that's all. I mean, we are the highest percentage 0-0 swing team in the league, and I think everybody knows that. It is what it is. (Rushing) is free to say whatever he wants."

And what was Schaeffer's response to his players' second base celebration?

"I don't know anything about that," he said.

The utility — which serves 1.5 million people across the Denver metro — on Monday announced its plans to drain the Park County reservoir, located on the Middle Fork of the South Platte River south of Fairplay. Recreation at the reservoir will close through the end of the year, including camping.

Denver Water officials did not give an exact date when the draining would begin or when recreational access would close.

The water in Antero Reservoir will be moved downstream to Cheesman Reservoir, southwest of Deckers. The move will save 5,000 acre-feet of water from evaporating from the surface of Antero Reservoir, which has the highest evaporative rate of Denver Water’s reservoirs.

An acre-foot of water equals the approximate annual water use of three to four households, according to the utility. When full, Antero Reservoir can hold more than 20,000 acre-feet. It was 88% full on Monday.

“Antero is a drought reservoir, designed to provide water to our customers during a severe drought,” Nathan Elder, the manager of water supply for Denver Water, said in a news release. “Consolidating this water into Cheesman will help us make the most of the water we have.”

Water managers will work with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to minimize fish deaths in the reservoir, according to the news release. Antero is popular with anglers year-round.

Denver Water officials will decide when to refill the reservoir based on drought conditions.

The reservoir was last drained in response to drought in 2002. Denver Water also emptied the reservoir in 2015 for dam rehabilitation.

That, too, was a severe drought year. Those who worked Colorado’s rivers in those days remember low river flows and steep declines in business. Now stories about their experiences are echoing through the industry, which has an annual economic impact on the state of more than $200 million, according to the Colorado River Outfitters Association.

“I was not here in 2002, but I’ve definitely heard the horror stories,” said Kyle Johnson, business manager and co-owner of Rocky Mountain Adventures, which operates on the Poudre River west of Fort Collins.

User days in 2002 tumbled 40% from the previous year, according to figures compiled by the outfitters association, from more than 502,000 in 2001 to 298,000 in 2002. The following year, they rebounded with 448,000.

Duke Bradford was a river manager that summer on the Arkansas River, the heart of Colorado’s rafting industry. User days there numbered 139,000, down from 252,000 in 2001. Bradford recalls how the river “channelized” with a narrower stream than normal years, like a two-lane road restricted to one lane.

“The river was very runnable, but it was also very channelized,” said Bradford, the owner of AVA Rafting, which runs trips on the Arkansas, the Upper Colorado and Clear Creek. “There was only one channel to go down. That made it challenging if you had several boats. If one gets stuck, it could be a little bit of bumper boats.”

Outfitters insist there will be a rafting season this year, but the same lack of snowfall that negatively affected ski resorts over the winter — forcing many to open late and close early — will also hurt rafting since there has been less snow to melt. That, along with ongoing drought, means the low-water conditions typically found in late summer may come much earlier than usual. To make it work, river guides plan to adjust in ways they hope will help them make the best of what they have.

“The water’s not going to get to be high, boat-flipping water,” said David Costlow, executive director of the Colorado River Outfitters Association. “Usually, we try to get to the middle of July before we start entering low water. It will probably be early this year. It could be the end of June, first of July, but it depends on the next few weeks.

“We’re hoping that low-water season doesn’t start until after July 4,” Costlow added. “It depends on temperatures and how much moisture we get between now and then.”

March ‘failed to deliver’

The winter snowpack is currently well below average across the state; in fact, it is about a quarter of what Colorado usually has at this time of year, according to the USDA National Water and Climate Center. That’s the lowest since record-keeping began in 1941. Meanwhile, warm spring temperatures triggered a much earlier runoff than normal.

Outfitters are hoping spring rains will improve the situation, but three-month weather projections from the Climate Prediction Center of the National Weather Service are calling for above-normal temperatures and below-normal moisture through June.

March is normally Colorado’s snowiest month, so outfitters were hoping for a boost last month. It didn’t come.

“Up until about spring break, we were seeing really similar patterns to this time last year,” Johnson said of the picture in the Poudre. “Coming into (spring) last year, things didn’t look fantastic, but then March and April really saved the day. We get our most snow at altitude in the month of March historically. March (this year) grandly failed to deliver.”

Outfitters are used to adapting when confronted with low-water years. Many of the strategies they will employ early this season track with what they normally do in the late season. They’re also trying to think of creative ways to bridge the gap.

“We just ordered 20 inflatable kayaks, which are great for lower water conditions — more agile and fun — and it expands the options for our guests,” said Travis Hochard, chief operating officer of River Runners rafting and president of the Arkansas River Outfitters Association. “Inflatable kayaks are perfect for low water. They’re nimble, interactive, and give guests a more hands-on experience.”

Bradford said his company will run smaller boats to deal with channelized flows. That will mean 14-foot boats on the Upper Colorado instead of 16-footers, and 12-footers on the Arkansas instead of 14-footers.

“Normally, you could put six people in a boat, but when it����ap channelized, that����ap not realistic,” Bradford said. “We’ll cut those numbers down quite a bit to navigate that single lane. We’ll run small loads and we’ll make it happen. We’re going to make it a good year, no matter what happens.”

Rafting on Clear Creek is almost entirely dependent on rainfall during the season, even in good snow years, because it’s situated in a relatively small drainage. Outfitters there are hoping Colorado’s monsoon season, typically mid-July through August, delivers this year.

“If it rains, that river goes up substantially,” Bradford said. “If we get the monsoons, it can double (its flow) overnight.”

The Upper Colorado draws on runoff from a much larger basin that includes the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Never Summer Range. Reservoirs in that drainage include Grand Lake, and flows are controlled by water managers. Rafting on the Upper Colorado is concentrated west of Kremmling.

“The Colorado River, when that water needs to flow to Utah and Nevada, it����ap going to flow, and we’re going to be there to ride it,” Costlow said. “It will not be a high-water season, it’ll be a mid-water season for a while, and then we’ll probably enter low-water season earlier than normal.”

On the Poudre, Johnson said his company is focused on providing quality experiences for as long as there is enough water to do so.

“Looking at the snowpack per drainage, we still sit better than most, but unfortunately, we’re all looking at pretty low snow totals,” Johnson said. “The Poudre is a very long canyon with a lot of navigable whitewater. There will be a season.”

‘Fish are pretty resilient’

Below-normal stream flows and above-average temperatures are also likely to impact fish populations. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife on federal land, includes a 152-mile stretch of the Arkansas. Not only is it Colorado’s busiest area for rafting, but it includes more than 100 miles of Gold Medal trout fishing.

Josh Nehring, a CPW deputy assistant director who focuses on aquatics and fish management, believes the impact of low water will be felt more by rafting businesses than fishing interests.

“Fish are pretty resilient, especially in the Arkansas,” Nehring said. “In the majority of the Upper Arkansas Basin, fish can freely move upstream and downstream to find better habitat.”

With lower stream flows and higher temperatures, though, the level of dissolved oxygen in the river could be reduced, affecting fish activity.

“There have been some studies done with increased water temperature and related stress where fish will end up feeding less, because they’re more in survival mode as opposed to actively feeding,” Nehring said. “One thing anglers might see is lower catch rates. As temperatures get up toward 70 degrees, one option would be to go to higher elevations where the stream is cooler. Trout need cooler water, so head to higher elevations where there’s maybe more flow, cooler water temperatures, better conditions.”

Nehring also suggests anglers consider visiting reservoirs in eastern Colorado that contain fish that are more tolerant of warm water.

Those in the rafting industry insist there still will be enjoyable rafting in the state this year despite the drought.

“The message we’re putting out is, recognize that it����ap going to be a lower-water year, but you can still have fun with your family and friends on the river,” said Bob Hamel, executive director of the Arkansas River Outfitters Association. “It����ap hot, and you’re going to want to be near water. Outfitters are buying smaller boats; they’re doing inflatable kayaks, SUPs (stand-up paddleboards). It����ap a good year to learn to kayak. People are looking to operate under those guidelines and adapt.”