11 Colorado parks known for their water

From beautiful alpine lakes with mountain views, to great spots to participate in all the water activities you could want, Colorado has it all. Here are some of the state's best areas known for their water.

1. Boyd Lake State Park

Colorado Parks and Wildlife says Boyd Lake is "a water-sports haven for northern Colorado." The lake is settled at the foot of Longs Peak and the mountains of the Continental Divide. Boyd Lake's 1,700 surface acres of water are available to all types of watercraft, including ski boats, fishing boats, jet skis, sailboats, and canoes. The park also features a sandy beach and pavilion for swimmers, as well as a modern campground. Boyd Lake will open on March 11, 2024.

2. Highline Lake State Park

An oasis in the desert, Highline Lake offers watersports, fishing, a grassy, shaded campground, and picnic areas. The park also offers plenty of hiking, biking, and fishing. It's also a great spot for bird-watching.

3. Steamboat Lake State Park

Set against the stunning Hahn's Peak, this park offers family fishing, camping, picnicking, trail, and boating recreational opportunities. The 1,053 surface-acre lake sits in a valley surrounded by beautiful mountain views.

4. John Martin Reservoir State Park

This reservoir offers uncrowded boating, waterskiing, and wonderful conditions for many wind-water sports. There's also some great fishing. Anglers can catch walleye, saugeye, bass, wiper, crappie, perch, and catfish from the shore or a boat.

5. Jackson Lake State Park

Jackson Lake has been known as "an oasis of the plains," and offers great opportunity for fun in the water, especially for families. Swimming is allowed on the West and the South shore. The lake is shallow and the water warms up quickly, so it's a great place to soak up the sun.

This state park is also a Certified Dark Sky Place with the International Dark-Sky Association, so you can stay to enjoy peaceful stargazing after dark on a clear night.

6. Curecanti National Recreation Area

Located on the Western slope of Colorado's Rocky Mountains, this area offers great opportunities for hiking, boating, kayaking, camping, fishing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, and more. It's home to three reservoirs in the Upper Gunnison River Basin, including Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal. Blue Mesa is one of Colorado's largest bodies of water and has two marinas that offer boat rentals, a general store, fishing gear, and more.

7. Barr Lake State Park

Only a short drive northeast of the Denver area, this state park is known for its calm waters. It's a perfect place for kayakers, canoeists, and fishers, as powerboats are limited to electric trolling or gasoline motors with 10 horsepower or less.

8. Grand Lake

Grand Lake is Colorado's largest and deepest natural lake, reaching more than 500 acres in size and plunging almost 400 feet deep. Surrounded by Rocky Mountain National Park, visitors can participate in activities at the lake year-round. Visitors can swim, boat, paddle, fish, sunbathe, and picnic. When the lake freezes over there's ice skating.

9. Cherry Creek State Park

As Denver's natural backyard playground, this park includes complete outdoor recreation facilities, including camping, picnicking, and areas for group events. The park allows fishing, paddle boards, kayaks, boats, and jet skis during the boating season. 

10. Rifle Gap State Park

This 350-acre reservoir provides some of Colorado's best boating, fishing, swimming, water-skiing, and windsurfing. The west side of the reservoir is a popular spot for swimming.

11. Lake Pueblo State Park

With over 60 miles of shoreline, there's plenty of room to explore at Lake Pueblo State Park. Spanning about 4,600 acres, Lake Pueblo is the perfect spot to spend a warm summer day, offering fishing, boating, and more.

Editor's Note: While swimming is allowed in some bodies of water in Colorado, it's not always allowed everywhere in that body of water. Pay attention to local rules and only swim in areas designated for the activity.