Colorado is world-renowned for its pristine mountain beauty, but did you know that it is also home to over 4,000 lakes? The Centennial State draws tens of thousands of tourists every year for its breathtaking scenery, and while it would be simple enough to find stunning images of various lakes to share with you, we thought a better approach would be to ask you, our readers, to share photos of your favorite Colorado lakes with us on the Only In Colorado Facebook page. We were pleasantly surprised by the results, so we’d like to share with you: the following are our reader-selected 16 most beautiful lakes in Colorado.
- Maroon Lake
Carl Lohrentz via Only In Colorado Beginning with the most famous Colorado lake of all, Maroon Lake sits at the base of the towering Maroon Bells, completing one of the most photographed landscape scenes in the world. And it’s easy to see why: snow-capped peaks reflecting in the waters below, with a gorgeous valley in between that’s painted gold during autumn, it’s a photographer’s paradise. Situated at 9,580 feet in elevation within White River National Forest near the town of Aspen, Maroon Lake is the epitome of alpine beauty. Maroon Lake, Colorado 81611, USA
- Island Lake
Raul Jas via Only In Colorado Arguably one of the most picturesque lakes in Colorado, Island Lake is also one of the most remote and challenging to access. Located within the San Juan National Forest at approximately 12,400 feet in elevation, Island Lake is accessible only via a 7.7-mile hiking trail that is rated as challenging. Prepare for a lot of elevation gain and uphill climbing, but the waterfalls, creeks, and other alpine scenery will make the journey worth it. The unique coloring of this lake is unlike anything else you’ll ever witness. Island Lake, Colorado 81301, USA
- Dream Lake
Photography by James Beeler via Only In Colorado Another stunning alpine lake is Dream Lake at 9,905 feet in elevation. To access this lake, you’ll first need to enter Rocky Mountain National Park and find the Bear Lake trailhead. Just a few paces down the trail, you’ll branch off to your left where you’ll follow the Dream Lake Trail for two miles (in total) to the aptly named Dream Lake. Situated at the base of the impressive Hallett Peak, this lake is stunning year-round. Dream Lake, Colorado 80517, USA
- Twin Lakes
Mike Yackel via Only In Colorado Nestled between the towns of Buena Vista and Leadville is the beautiful Twin Lakes, a pair of lakes situated beneath Colorado’s tallest mountain, Mt. Elbert. There are many hiking trails and a few designated camping areas surrounding the lakes, and fishing and boating are popular summer recreational activities. And if you keep traveling west on Highway 82, you’ll drive along a fully paved road up to the Independence Pass summit at 12,095 feet for an incredible view during the summer months. Twin Lakes, CO 81251, USA
- Lake San Cristobal
Ruben Trujillo via Only In Colorado Lake San Cristobal is a hidden gem located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado near the quaint little town of Lake City. Lake San Cristobal’s elevation is just over 9,000 feet and it is stocked full of Rainbow Trout, among other varieties of fish. Aside from the great fishing, there are plentiful hiking trails, 4-wheel-drive roads, and horseback riding trails scattered all around the lake for a plethora of stunning viewpoints. Lake San Cristobal, Colorado 81235, USA
- Trout Lake
Jason Green via Only In Colorado Located southwest of Telluride in Uncompahgre National Forest is the stunning Trout Lake. This alpine lake sits at 9,716 feet in elevation and is a well-loved fishing and recreational lake that is surrounded by mountains. Not to mention, during the summer months, wildflowers in full bloom create a scene that feels like stepping into a whimsical dream. Trout Lake, Colorado 81426, USA
- Lake Dillon
Nicole Bailet McLaurin via Only In Colorado Lake Dillon is a large freshwater reservoir situated at an elevation of 9,017 feet with a maximum depth of 220 feet (although on average its depth is 79 feet). The lake is surrounded by adorable ski towns: Dillon, Silverthorne, and Frisco. Whether you visit during summer, winter, or the seasons in between, this lake and its surrounding mountains are nothing short of magical. Dillon Reservoir, Colorado, USA
- Molas Lake
Jennifer Freed Langley via Only In Colorado This pristine lake is located along the Million Dollar Highway south of the town of Silverton, Colorado. It’s about 25 acres in size and on a calm, cloudless day, the water looks like glass, creating perfect reflections of the surrounding mountains. Plenty of hiking trails can be found nearby or grab your paddleboard and glide gently atop the water. You’re sure to find that Molas Lake is among the most beautiful lakes you’ve ever seen. Molas Lake, Colorado 81433, USA
- Lake Haiyaha
Cherish Bowers via Only In Colorado Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake located within Rocky Mountain National Park and accessible via a moderately challenging 4-mile hiking trail. Weather permitting, the trail is open year-round (just don’t forget those microspikes or snowshoes!), and the scenery you’ll discover once you reach the lake will take your breath away. This lake is found along the same trail that leads you to Dream Lake (#3 on this list), so you may as well see them both in one trip! Lake Haiyaha, Colorado 80517, USA
- Rampart Reservoir
Kimberly Evans via Only In Colorado Rampart Reservoir is one of the most popular recreation lakes in Colorado, and both its beauty and large size help explain why. At an elevation of 9,000 feet, it is popular for fishing, boating, paddleboarding, hiking, and more. Despite being impacted in part by the Waldo Canyon fire in 2012, restoration efforts made it possible to reopen the reservoir to recreation once more, and the lake still retains its pristine beauty. Rampart Reservoir, Colorado 80921, USA
- Blue Lake
Isabel GM via Only In Colorado Another breathtaking alpine lake is Blue Lake (or rather Lakes, as there are three of them: Lower, Middle, and Upper!) found in the Sneffels Wilderness within Uncompahgre National Forest. These lakes are undoubtedly pristine, but they are also difficult to access. In order to see all three lakes, you’ll have to hike a total of 11 miles! But the views along the way justify the challenge: you won’t see blues like these anywhere else. After all, glacial mineral deposits are what yield the dreamy blue hues found here. Blue Lakes, Colorado 81435, USA
- Cobbett Lake
Corina Wright via Only In Colorado Located on Colorado’s Grand Mesa, within the Land O’Lakes area, is Cobbett Lake. At just over 10,200 feet in elevation, this lake is amazing for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or simply drinking in the stunning scenery. There is also plenty of nearby hiking, wildlife viewing (beware of bears!), and even horseback riding. Grand Mesa Visitor Center is nearby and offers plenty of trail maps, souvenirs, and additional travel information if needed. Cobbett Lake, Colorado 81413, USA
- Island Lake - Grand Mesa
Lorilynne Mitchell via Only In Colorado Adjacent to Cobbett Lake is Island Lake, which is larger in size and, as the name eludes to, there is a small island in the middle of the lake. This is another popular lake for non-motorized boating and fishing, with Brook, Cutthroat, and Rainbow Trout being the common catches. Plenty of campgrounds can be found nearby, and if you can handle the elevation (just over 10,000 feet), camping for a few days in the summer months is highly recommended. Island Lake, Colorado 81413, USA
- Bingham Lake
Lyn Lomasi Shamangoddess via Only In Colorado If you’d prefer a lower-elevation lake that’s still beautiful, Bingham Lake is a lovely lake located within a Denver suburb called The Pinery. This is the perfect destination for those who either can’t or don’t want to stray too far from the suburbs but still want to immerse themselves in nature. It’s a great place to go fishing, have a picnic, or take a nice little walking trail around the lake. Bingham Lake, The Pinery, CO 80134, USA
- Teal Lake
Jamey Cox via Only In Colorado At 9,000 feet in elevation within Routt National Forest, Teal Lake is a hidden gem located in far northern Colorado and is most easily accessed during the summer months. From highway 14 north, go west on County Road 24 until you reach this pristine, off-the-beaten-path lake. Some visitors rave that it is the most beautiful lake they’ve ever seen, and if you’re looking to get away from the crowds, this just may be your ticket. Teal Lake, Colorado 80430, USA
- Sky Pond
Jessica Moore via Only In Colorado Last but not least on the list of Colorado’s most beautiful lakes is Sky Pond. Located within Rocky Mountain National Park at an elevation of 10,900 feet, this is another lake you’ll have to put in some effort to reach. Find the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and trek along a winding, forested path. The trail is 9.4 miles round-trip and is rated hard for a good reason: mid-way through, you’ll climb up alongside a small waterfall. Once you reach the end of the trail, you’ll find a surreal scene with jagged peaks surrounding crystal-clear water. It’s a challenging but worthwhile journey. Sky Pond, Colorado 80517, USA
Have you visited any of these amazing Colorado lakes before? Which one is your favorite? Is there a lake that we left off that you think belongs on this list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Carl Lohrentz via Only In Colorado
Beginning with the most famous Colorado lake of all, Maroon Lake sits at the base of the towering Maroon Bells, completing one of the most photographed landscape scenes in the world. And it’s easy to see why: snow-capped peaks reflecting in the waters below, with a gorgeous valley in between that’s painted gold during autumn, it’s a photographer’s paradise. Situated at 9,580 feet in elevation within White River National Forest near the town of Aspen, Maroon Lake is the epitome of alpine beauty.
Maroon Lake, Colorado 81611, USA
Raul Jas via Only In Colorado
Arguably one of the most picturesque lakes in Colorado, Island Lake is also one of the most remote and challenging to access. Located within the San Juan National Forest at approximately 12,400 feet in elevation, Island Lake is accessible only via a 7.7-mile hiking trail that is rated as challenging. Prepare for a lot of elevation gain and uphill climbing, but the waterfalls, creeks, and other alpine scenery will make the journey worth it. The unique coloring of this lake is unlike anything else you’ll ever witness.
Island Lake, Colorado 81301, USA
Photography by James Beeler via Only In Colorado
Another stunning alpine lake is Dream Lake at 9,905 feet in elevation. To access this lake, you’ll first need to enter Rocky Mountain National Park and find the Bear Lake trailhead. Just a few paces down the trail, you’ll branch off to your left where you’ll follow the Dream Lake Trail for two miles (in total) to the aptly named Dream Lake. Situated at the base of the impressive Hallett Peak, this lake is stunning year-round.
Dream Lake, Colorado 80517, USA
Mike Yackel via Only In Colorado
Nestled between the towns of Buena Vista and Leadville is the beautiful Twin Lakes, a pair of lakes situated beneath Colorado’s tallest mountain, Mt. Elbert. There are many hiking trails and a few designated camping areas surrounding the lakes, and fishing and boating are popular summer recreational activities. And if you keep traveling west on Highway 82, you’ll drive along a fully paved road up to the Independence Pass summit at 12,095 feet for an incredible view during the summer months.
Twin Lakes, CO 81251, USA
Ruben Trujillo via Only In Colorado
Lake San Cristobal is a hidden gem located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado near the quaint little town of Lake City. Lake San Cristobal’s elevation is just over 9,000 feet and it is stocked full of Rainbow Trout, among other varieties of fish. Aside from the great fishing, there are plentiful hiking trails, 4-wheel-drive roads, and horseback riding trails scattered all around the lake for a plethora of stunning viewpoints.
Lake San Cristobal, Colorado 81235, USA
Jason Green via Only In Colorado
Located southwest of Telluride in Uncompahgre National Forest is the stunning Trout Lake. This alpine lake sits at 9,716 feet in elevation and is a well-loved fishing and recreational lake that is surrounded by mountains. Not to mention, during the summer months, wildflowers in full bloom create a scene that feels like stepping into a whimsical dream.
Trout Lake, Colorado 81426, USA
Nicole Bailet McLaurin via Only In Colorado
Lake Dillon is a large freshwater reservoir situated at an elevation of 9,017 feet with a maximum depth of 220 feet (although on average its depth is 79 feet). The lake is surrounded by adorable ski towns: Dillon, Silverthorne, and Frisco. Whether you visit during summer, winter, or the seasons in between, this lake and its surrounding mountains are nothing short of magical.
Dillon Reservoir, Colorado, USA
Jennifer Freed Langley via Only In Colorado
This pristine lake is located along the Million Dollar Highway south of the town of Silverton, Colorado. It’s about 25 acres in size and on a calm, cloudless day, the water looks like glass, creating perfect reflections of the surrounding mountains. Plenty of hiking trails can be found nearby or grab your paddleboard and glide gently atop the water. You’re sure to find that Molas Lake is among the most beautiful lakes you’ve ever seen.
Molas Lake, Colorado 81433, USA
Cherish Bowers via Only In Colorado
Lake Haiyaha is a stunning lake located within Rocky Mountain National Park and accessible via a moderately challenging 4-mile hiking trail. Weather permitting, the trail is open year-round (just don’t forget those microspikes or snowshoes!), and the scenery you’ll discover once you reach the lake will take your breath away. This lake is found along the same trail that leads you to Dream Lake (#3 on this list), so you may as well see them both in one trip!
Lake Haiyaha, Colorado 80517, USA
Kimberly Evans via Only In Colorado
Rampart Reservoir is one of the most popular recreation lakes in Colorado, and both its beauty and large size help explain why. At an elevation of 9,000 feet, it is popular for fishing, boating, paddleboarding, hiking, and more. Despite being impacted in part by the Waldo Canyon fire in 2012, restoration efforts made it possible to reopen the reservoir to recreation once more, and the lake still retains its pristine beauty.
Rampart Reservoir, Colorado 80921, USA
Isabel GM via Only In Colorado
Another breathtaking alpine lake is Blue Lake (or rather Lakes, as there are three of them: Lower, Middle, and Upper!) found in the Sneffels Wilderness within Uncompahgre National Forest. These lakes are undoubtedly pristine, but they are also difficult to access. In order to see all three lakes, you’ll have to hike a total of 11 miles! But the views along the way justify the challenge: you won’t see blues like these anywhere else. After all, glacial mineral deposits are what yield the dreamy blue hues found here.
Blue Lakes, Colorado 81435, USA
Corina Wright via Only In Colorado
Located on Colorado’s Grand Mesa, within the Land O’Lakes area, is Cobbett Lake. At just over 10,200 feet in elevation, this lake is amazing for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or simply drinking in the stunning scenery. There is also plenty of nearby hiking, wildlife viewing (beware of bears!), and even horseback riding. Grand Mesa Visitor Center is nearby and offers plenty of trail maps, souvenirs, and additional travel information if needed.
Cobbett Lake, Colorado 81413, USA
Lorilynne Mitchell via Only In Colorado
Adjacent to Cobbett Lake is Island Lake, which is larger in size and, as the name eludes to, there is a small island in the middle of the lake. This is another popular lake for non-motorized boating and fishing, with Brook, Cutthroat, and Rainbow Trout being the common catches. Plenty of campgrounds can be found nearby, and if you can handle the elevation (just over 10,000 feet), camping for a few days in the summer months is highly recommended.
Island Lake, Colorado 81413, USA
Lyn Lomasi Shamangoddess via Only In Colorado
If you’d prefer a lower-elevation lake that’s still beautiful, Bingham Lake is a lovely lake located within a Denver suburb called The Pinery. This is the perfect destination for those who either can’t or don’t want to stray too far from the suburbs but still want to immerse themselves in nature. It’s a great place to go fishing, have a picnic, or take a nice little walking trail around the lake.
Bingham Lake, The Pinery, CO 80134, USA
Jamey Cox via Only In Colorado
At 9,000 feet in elevation within Routt National Forest, Teal Lake is a hidden gem located in far northern Colorado and is most easily accessed during the summer months. From highway 14 north, go west on County Road 24 until you reach this pristine, off-the-beaten-path lake. Some visitors rave that it is the most beautiful lake they’ve ever seen, and if you’re looking to get away from the crowds, this just may be your ticket.
Teal Lake, Colorado 80430, USA
Jessica Moore via Only In Colorado
Last but not least on the list of Colorado’s most beautiful lakes is Sky Pond. Located within Rocky Mountain National Park at an elevation of 10,900 feet, this is another lake you’ll have to put in some effort to reach. Find the Glacier Gorge Trailhead and trek along a winding, forested path. The trail is 9.4 miles round-trip and is rated hard for a good reason: mid-way through, you’ll climb up alongside a small waterfall. Once you reach the end of the trail, you’ll find a surreal scene with jagged peaks surrounding crystal-clear water. It’s a challenging but worthwhile journey.
Sky Pond, Colorado 80517, USA
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