5 Most Stunning Lake Towns in Colorado

There’s something about lakes that makes them especially appealing as a place to live or visit. The calm waters, the sense of being removed from the stresses of everyday life, and perhaps even the opportunities for water sports all come together to make lake towns some of the most desirable places to call home in Colorado. 

Granby

Granby is located in the Rocky Mountains and has a population of about 2,000 people. The town was founded by miners looking for gold and silver, but they found coal instead. The coal mining industry was Granby's primary income source until it closed down in the 1990s due to environmental concerns. The town's economy now relies on tourism, agriculture, ranching, and some manufacturing companies that have relocated there to take advantage of the low cost of living and tax incentives offered by the state government.

Lake Granby is just five miles outside Granby, Colorado. It was created in 1950 when the Granby Dam was built and is the third largest body of water in Colorado, with 40 miles of shoreline. Lake Granby, one of the finest fishing locations in Colorado, is home to trout and kokanee salmon. You may fish from shore or a boat. There are three boat ramps and the Lake Granby Yacht Club here.

Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is a small town in Colorado with a population of just over 10,000 people. The town is known for its natural hot springs and the ski resort it is named after. It has been a popular tourist destination since the late 1800s. Steamboat Springs was founded in 1871 by William Henry Harrison Ralston, who had previously founded the city of San Francisco. He was looking for a place to build his summer home and chose this location because he loved the hot springs and thought they would be good for his health.

Steamboat Springs has a beautiful lake nearby called Steamboat Lake. It is located in the Routt National Forest and has a surface area of about 1,600 acres. The lake was created by an ice age glacier that left behind a significant depression in the earth. It is fed by snowmelt from surrounding mountains and streams. The water from Steamboat Lake flows into the Yampa River, which eventually flows into the Green River. The lake is home to many species of fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout. Many different types of birds live near or on Steamboat Lake, including ospreys, bald eagles, great blue herons, and trumpeter swans.

Lakewood

Lakewood is located about 15 miles south of Denver and is a trendy place to live. The town is very diverse, with people from many different cultures and backgrounds living side by side. Lakewood has many great parks, including Lakewood Park, which overlooks the lake and has plenty of space to walk and enjoy the views. 

Lakewood was founded in 1859 during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush by pioneer settlers who traveled along what is now U.S. Highway 40 from Kansas Territory to find gold on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The town was originally named "Lakeside" because it sits at the foot of Cheesman Reservoir and its elevation is about 5,200 feet (1,600 m) above sea level; however, it was renamed "Lakewood" in 1868, with its present name coming from its proximity to both Cheesman Reservoir and Rocky Mountain Lake.

Grand Lake

Grand Lake is a popular tourist destination in Colorado because it is next to the Rocky Mountains, but it’s also a great place to live year-round. The lake itself is stunning, especially in the fall. The town’s name derives from its location on Grand Lake and its position as the head of navigation on the Colorado River of the West. The lake is large enough to contain all of Manhattan Island, with room to spare.

The lake is a popular place for boating and fishing and for people who like to go for a paddle. Grand Lake is near Rocky Mountain National Park, so there are plenty of hiking trails that lead from the town to the park, making it easy to enjoy the great outdoors. The town also has many shops and restaurants, making it a great place to live year-round.

Evergreen

Evergreen is a small town in Colorado. It is located in the Rocky Mountains and has a population of about 2,000. Evergreen is known for its natural beauty and the abundance of outdoor activities it offers its visitors. The town was founded in 1878 by settlers who were looking for gold. They found silver instead, which led to the establishment of the Silver Plume mining district. The town was named after the green trees growing there at the time. Evergreen is also home to Evergreen Lake.  Evergreen Lake is a beautiful place to visit in Colorado. It is a popular destination for people who love to fish and camp. The lake has been around for more than 100 years and has been the site of many fishing tournaments.

The lake is located in the Rocky Mountains, about 20 miles from Denver, Colorado. It covers about 1,000 acres of land, and it's surrounded by pine trees. There are also some aspen trees that grow near the shoreline. Evergreen Lake is a popular destination for people who love fishing and camping. The lake has been around for more than 100 years and has been the site of many fishing tournaments.

Colorado has a wide variety of lake towns, all stunning in their own way. From Conifer’s beautiful view of the Big Thompson River to Grand Lake’s view of the Rocky Mountains, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to relax by the lake or enjoy a day of outdoor activities, a lake town in Colorado is perfect for you.