Things to do in Colorado, United States: The Best Bodies of Water

May 9, 2022 Lashaunda Abraham

Colorado is home to no less than twenty-six ski resorts such as those in Vail and Breckenridge; other winter activities include snowboarding, sledding, sleigh rides, snow hiking and snowmobiling. The state is blessed with national parks, grasslands and forests where in warmer weather you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking or rock climbing. Wildlife abounds, from bears to moose and raccoons to wolverines. More interested in local history? Head for either the Ute Indian Museum or the Koshare Indian Museum, and don't miss the forts such as Fort Garland and Bent's Old Fort. For a complete change, why not take a ride in a hot air balloon from South Park Valley or Boulder and admire Colorado's picturesque landscape from above?
Restaurants in Colorado

1. Hanging Lake

Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 +1 303-990-1813 http://www.visitglenwood.com/things-to-do/hanging-lake
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 563 reviews

Hanging Lake

Located in Glenwood Canyon.

Reviewed By maggie2e

There is a beautiful Trail in the mountains that leads to a lake that is in the middle of it. The atmosphere is beautiful. You have to make reservations to do this and take a shuttle from Glenwood Springs. If you can hike and groomed and little bit Rocky Trail, it's worth it.

2. Cache La Poudre River

Fort Collins, CO http://www.nps.gov/cala/
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 413 reviews

Cache La Poudre River

Colorado's only designated National Wild and Scenic River provides thrilling whitewater and paddling adventures.

Reviewed By pastorvanee

Our family enjoyed a 10.5 mile bike ride in Ft Collins. Our loop began near the beautiful flower gardens on the CSU campus and included other open areas and ovals on the campus before following the RR to catch the Poudre River trail heading east ,downstream. Around our 6-7 mile mark we followed a trail to connect to the Spring Creek trail and followed it back west, upstream to CSU again. What a great scenic and relaxing bike ride! Ft Collins is as "cool and hip" as Boulder and even more beautiful. CSU campus is a beautiful place to see and just be.....soak in the peace and beauty of the stunning gardens and be renewed in the strength and majesty of the magnificent Rocky Mountains!!!

3. Blue Mesa Fishing

Curecanti National Recreation Area, Gunnison, CO +1 719-649-3378 [email protected] http://www.bluemesafishing.com
Excellent
85%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 123 reviews

Blue Mesa Fishing

Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest reservoir and home to the largest in Kokanee Salmon population in the Western US. Blue Mesa Reservoir is 330 feet at the deepest point and is made up of 3 basins, 4 boat launches, two marinas and over 100 miles of shoreline. It is truly a magnificent area nestled in the Rocky Mountains

Reviewed By otisc77

Fish this time of the year for the bigger one's! September though November. Allow more time to find them (fish), then stand back for the big ones on power bait green and yellow with sparkles!

4. Manitou Springs Incline

Manitou Springs, CO http://www.pikes-peak.com/want-climb-manitou-incline
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 804 reviews

Manitou Springs Incline

Reviewed By AshBernadette88 - Colorado Springs, United States

I've hiked the Manitou Incline several times over the past decade, but this was my first time hiking it since renovation. All of the dilapidated steps have been replaced, making for a much safer ascent, and markers are located every 100 steps allowing hikers to track progress. As always, this was very physically challenging but rewarding. The views of Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods are spectacular throughout the hike. There is plenty of room at the top for hikers to rest and have a snack. If you hike a bit further on (take a right at the fork, hike for a quarter mile), you will reach an outlook that provides unmatched views of Pikes Peak. Note that hikers who summit are discouraged from going DOWN the Incline; there is a connector trail that starts left of the summit that hooks up to Barr Trail for an easier descent. Make sure to bring water and a snack for the top, and dress in layers. If you are not fit or have an underlying health condition (i.e. asthma or diabetes), THIS HIKE IS NOT FOR YOU. For many hikers, however, the mental game provides the biggest challenge. Put away the ego, take breaks as needed, and you'll make it!

5. Lake Isabelle

Brainard Lake Rd, Ward, CO +1 303-541-2500 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Lake Isabelle

6. Blue Lakes

Hiway 9 South of Breck to Blue Lakes Road, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Excellent
84%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 55 reviews

Blue Lakes

Reviewed By eX6041PF

This hike had it all! Most amazing Scenery. Not difficult. Random Cabin in woods, we saw many mountain goats, cave, waterfall, lake, marmots. Amazing experience. Will recommend for everyone who comes!

7. Twin Lakes

Leadville, CO +1 800-500-5323 http://www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/twin_lakes
Excellent
69%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 169 reviews

Twin Lakes

Formed by a dam, Twin Lakes is surrounded by biking trails and is also enjoyed by fishermen.

Reviewed By 718teresag - Alamosa, United States

We've stopped here several times on our way to/from Aspen to have a picnic lunch beside the lakes. The area is beautiful, especially in fall. There are several primitive camping areas along the lakes.

8. Dillon Reservoir

Dillon, CO +1 970-668-4334 http://www.dillonrangerdistrict.com/summer/olddilres_hkg.htm
Excellent
75%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 286 reviews

Dillon Reservoir

Recreational reservoir between Dillon and Frisco.

Reviewed By RLCZ70 - Grand Island, United States

Huge lake, lots of places to sit and relax, fishing, boating, great hike/bike trail, good nearby parking

9. Crater Lake Trail

Forest Rd.380, Aspen, CO 81611 +1 970-925-3445 http://alltrails.com/us/colorado/pagosa-springs
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 258 reviews

Crater Lake Trail

This easy, one-day hike from Maroon Lake is a great outing for the entire family.

Reviewed By frnklw - Providence, United States

If you are at the Maroon Bells, take this hike, only 3 miles round trip, as it is easy and less crowded. We passed a deer while hiking, only about 4 feet away from us.

10. Animas River

Schneider Park, Durango, CO 81301 http://vacationdurango.com/animas-river-trail
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 325 reviews

Animas River

Reviewed By 65deborahc - Durango, United States

Great 9 mile long rover trail to walk or bike Can be reached from many different places... good to walk or bike along Kayaking rafting tubing

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