Planning a trip with your family? Head to Colorado. In particular, Colorado beaches are the best to spend your time in 2023. Colorado, often associated with its picturesque mountains and scenic landscapes, may not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about beaches.
However, hidden within its borders are numerous lakes and reservoirs, offering miles of shoreline for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
While Colorado lacks an expansive ocean, it compensates with vast reservoirs and recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. This blog presents an overview of eight of the best beaches in Colorado, showcasing the diverse range of beach experiences available within the state.
Colorado Beaches: 8 Sandy Shores to Soak Up the Sun
1. Boulder Reservoir
If you are seeking the best beaches in Colorado, then make a visit to Boulder Reservoir. Among beaches in colorado springs, Boulder Reservoir stands out as a popular year-round destination, particularly during the summer. Located a short distance northwest of Central Boulder, this reservoir boasts sandy beaches that attract sun-seekers. In addition to sunbathing, visitors can engage in activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Novices can take advantage of SUP and SUP yoga lessons offered at the reservoir, ensuring a rewarding experience for all.
2. Blue Mesa Reservoir
As Colorado’s largest body of water, the Blue Mesa Reservoir provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and sun-soaked relaxation. It is situated along Highway 50, between the towns of Montrose and Gunnison. This reservoir serves as the meeting point for the Gunnison River before it flows through the renowned Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
This is one of the most visited Colorado beaches. Activities at Blue Mesa Reservoir include fishing, windsurfing, waterskiing, camping, hiking, and boating. With 29 miles of shoreline, visitors can explore the pristine blue waters and discover idyllic spots such as Old Highway 50 Beach, Dry Creek, and Bay of Chickens, where swimming and sunbathing are popular pastimes. Overall, don’t forget to visit these best beaches in Colorado first to make your trip memorable.
3. Medano Creek at Great Sand Dunes
The second on our list of Colorado beaches is this Medano Creek. Dubbed “Colorado’s natural beach,” Medano Creek offers a unique beach experience that occurs during late May or early June. Located at the base of the Great Sand Dunes National Park, this creek fills up as the snow melts from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, forming underwater ridges that create intermittent waves every 30 seconds. Visitors can enjoy activities such as floating, skimboarding, and even surfing. Beyond the creek, the majestic sand dunes provide an enchanting backdrop for sunbathing, sandcastle building, and exploration. Alamosa, the closest town, offers convenient amenities for those seeking to establish a base camp. So, don’t forget to visit these beaches in Colorado Springs.
Read More – 7 Best California Beaches – A Bucket List for Every Season
4. Grand Lake
Nestled on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake entices travelers with its natural beauty and a wide range of recreational activities. As Colorado’s deepest and largest natural lake, it offers breathtaking views of surrounding mountain peaks and pristine blue waters. Visitors can partake in boating, paddleboarding, canoeing, or simply relax at the lively public beach and boardwalk. While the water remains chilly, daring individuals often indulge in refreshing dips during warm summer days. Definitely, these Colorado beaches will leave beautiful memories.
5. Chatfield Reservoir
Situated at the base of the Rocky Mountain Foothills, Chatfield State Park is home to Chatfield Reservoir, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts located just 24 miles south of Denver. The park’s swimming and beach area attracts visitors from Memorial Day through Labor Day, providing ample opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and water-related activities. With its sandy shores, designated campsites, and picnic areas, Chatfield Reservoir is a favored summer hang-out spot on Colorado’s front range.
6. Jackson Lake State Park
Positioned in Orchard, approximately an hour and a half east of Fort Collins, Jackson Lake State Park is fondly known as the “oasis on the plains.” Its shallow and warm waters, fed by the South Platte River, make it an ideal destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and waterskiing. The park’s sandy beaches, located along the lake’s southern and western shores, provide designated areas for sunbathing and swimming. Jackson Lake State Park offers year-round camping, allowing visitors to enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, birding, and even ice fishing.
7. Aurora Reservoir
If you are looking for the Denver Colorado beaches, then visit this Aurora reservoir. Located just 45 minutes southeast of Denver, the Aurora Reservoir offers a plethora of outdoor recreational activities. Boasting warm waters, visitors can engage in non-motorized boating, wind-surfing, fishing, swimming, and scuba diving. For land-based activities, the reservoir features an 8-mile paved bike path and an archery range. The large swimming area with sandy shores beckons sunbathers, picnickers, and swimmers alike.
8. Ridgway Reservoir
Finally on our list of Denver Colorado beaches is Ridgway State Park. Situated north of Ouray in Ridgway, offers a scenic 5-mile-long reservoir surrounded by magnificent mountain views. Visitors can partake in various outdoor activities such as biking, camping, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, boating, and hiking along the park’s 14-mile trail system. The park features two designated swimming areas, Dutch Charlie swim beach, and open swimming at Dallas Creek, both located within the NO WAKE zone.
