Keep Your Cool
It's summer. It's hot. If you need relief from the heat or don't want to run up your electricity bill by blasting the air-conditioning, Denver and Boulder offer great places to just chill out. Here we provide a list of fantastic lakes and reservoirs where you can boat, fish, hike (or leisurely stroll), even go for a swim. Yes, Colorado has a few beaches!
Now, before you head out, it's best to be prepared—especially if you have the kiddos with you. Depending on how much time you plan to spend out on the water, here are some items to consider:
- Tote or Ikea bag to hold your stuff
- Swimsuit or swim diapers
- Dry change of clothes
- Plastic bag or "wet bag" for suits
- Towels (bring extras for the kids)
- Sunglasses and hats
- Brush and hair ties
- Chairs and umbrellas or pop-up
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Cooler with water, food, drinks
- Extra bag of snacks
- Plastic utensils and paper goods
- Life jacket, floats, tubes, pool noodles
- Sand toys (pails, shovels)
- Jug of water to rinse feet at the car
- Football, frisbee or volleyball
- Portable, waterproof speaker
- Book, magazines, deck of cards
- Fishing equipment and license
- Boat registration and license
Once you're packed and ready to roll, head to one of these great lakes or reservoirs in Denver and Boulder. Full list and a few of the most popular available activities listed below.
BOULDER & NORTH
Boulder Reservoir
Fishing, Boating, Swimming, Trails
Boulder Creek
Tubing, Fishing, Trails
Gross Reservoir
Fishing, Boating (Non-Motorized), Trails
Viele Lake
Fishing, Boating (Non-Motorized), Trails
Union Reservoir, Longmont
Boating, Fishing, Swimming
McIntosh Lake, Longmont
Boating (Non-Motorized), Fishing, Trails
Thomas Reservoir, Erie
Fishing, Trails
Harper Lake, Louisville
Boating (Non-Motorized), Fishing, Trails
Waneka Lake Park, Lafayette
Boating (Must be Rented), Fishing, Trails
Brainard Lake, Ward
Boating (Non-Motorized), Fishing, Trails
Boyd Lake State Park, Loveland
Boating, Fishing, Swimming, Trails
DENVER & SOUTH
Aurora Reservoir, Aurora
Boating (Non-Motorized), Fishing, Swimming, Trails
Chatfield State Park, Littleton
Boating, Fishing, Swimming, Trails
Cherry Creek State Park, Aurora
Fishing, Boating, Swimming, Trails
Evergreen Lake Park, Evergreen
Boating (Non-Motorized), Fishing, Trails
Sloan’s Lake Park, Denver
Boating, Fishing, Trails
Standley Lake, Westminster
Boating (Non-Motorized), Fishing, Trails
Bear Creek Lake Park, Lakewood
Boating, Fishing, Swimming (Big Soda Lakes area), Trails
Barr Lake State Park, Brighton
Boating, Fishing, Trails
