6 Best Lakeside Towns in Colorado
The naturally beautiful state of Colorado is known for its diverse landscape, from lush alpine forests and rugged Rocky Mountain peaks to pristine rivers and the seemingly endless Great Plains. Add in a stunning collection of lakes into the mix, and you have the perfect place to retreat to any time of the year. The six best lakeside towns in Colorado play the ideal hosts to your waterfront vacation, and offer quaint downtowns, unique shops, and delicious eateries in addition to the watery playgrounds that help define them.
Steamboat Springs
Nestled in northern Colorado's pretty Yampa Valley, the sweet town of Steamboat Springs is best known for its soothing natural hot springs that entice in visitors from all over the world. During the snowy winter months, the Steamboat Ski Resort is a top-rated, family-friendly vacation destination. Throughout the warmer spring, summer and early autumn days, however, it's the clean, clear water of nearby Steamboat Lake that beckons to nature lovers. The 1,101-acre lake is actually a reservoir completed in 1967. Much to the delight of anglers, Steamboat Lake is stocked with a variety of fish species, including all types of trout. The lake and the surrounding Steamboat Lake State Park are also home to birds, such as great blue herons and osprey, making each an ideal bird-watching spot. After spending time on the lake, take a stroll through historic downtown Steamboat Springs, sampling local cuisine at restaurants such as Creekside Cafe.
Granby
Another small town situated in the majestic Rocky Mountains, historic Granby was founded by in 1905 alongside the Denver, Northwestern & Pacific Railway. No matter what type of outdoor recreational activities you crave, such as downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross-country-skiing, fishing, camping, hiking, and biking, you'll find it in charming Granby. The welcoming town also sits near Lake Granby, which was formed in 1950 when the Granby Dam was constructed. The eye-catching lake is known as the third-largest body of water in the state and tempts visitors with about 40 miles of relaxing shoreline. You can launch your own personal watercraft from one of the Lake Granby Yacht Club's three boat ramps; you'll be doing so at one of the world's highest-elevation yacht clubs! Visitors can also rent a pontoon boat from the Beacon Landing Marina. Finally, history lovers won't want to miss a trip to the Moffat Road Railroad Museum.
Leadville
Perched more than 10,000 feet above sea level between the towering Mosquito and Sawatch mountain ranges, Leadville is the quintessential Colorado high country town. In fact, no city in the United States is at a higher elevation than Leadville, and two nearby mountains — Elbert and Massive — are the second- and third-highest mountains, respectively, in the contiguous United States. A Victoria-era mining town, Leadville has a historic downtown filled with unique boutique, antique shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants serving local cuisine. Leadville is also a lakeside town, as it's situated near Turquoise Lake. The sparkling body of water is the ideal vacation destination for those wanting to go fishing, boating, swimming, or camping. Hikers can explore one of the town's several scenic trails, including Timberline Lake Trail and Colorado Midland Trail. You can learn more about Leadville's rich mining history by checking out the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum, Matchless Mine, and Baby Doe's Cabin.
Evergreen
Revered for its abundance of natural beauty, the quaint mountain town of Evergreen is what Colorado vacation dreams are made of. Although the community has a peaceful, relaxing vibe, it's anything but sleepy as it hosts several lively special events each year. The Summerfest, Evergreen Jazz, and the Mountain Music festivals are all worth checking out. The town's namesake lake has been a beloved vacation destination since 1927; it's surrounded by thousands of acres of vibrant forest land, which is ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and waterfront camping. During the warm summer months, Evergreen Lake plays host to several fishing tournaments as it's stocked with a variety of fish species. The local parks and rec department has also started hosting an ice fishing tournament in the winter.
Grand Lake
For many people, Grand Lake is the premier Rocky Mountain getaway. Travelers seeking everything from a family summer vacation experience to a romantic weekend trip, will find it here in this picture-perfect lakeside town. You can canoe, kayak, or go fishing and swimming in the town's namesake — Colorado's largest and deepest natural lake. Visitors can rent their own canoe, kayak, or pontoon boat, or paddleboard from Grand Lake Marina & Boater's Choice or Trail Ridge Marina for an adventure of a lifetime. Grand Lake is also the western gateway town to the impressive Rocky Mountain National Park, which features trails for hikers of all skill levels. There are even a few trails that conveniently lead directly from Grand Lake, for those who want to explore the town and then head out on a hiking excursion. If you're visiting during the snowy winter months, sign up for one of the national park's guided snowshoe tours.
Trinidad
Rounding out the list of Colorado's best lakeside towns is lovely Trinidad, which is situated near Trinidad Lake State Park, a man-made reservoir ideal for fishing, boating, and swimming during the summer. Not only is Trinidad Lake picturesque, the surrounding area delights visitors with a lush landscape, and plenty of opportunities for wildlife-watching. Rent a personal watercraft, kayak, or another type of personal watercraft from Trinidad Boat Rentals and set off on a fun adventure. If art and culture are more to your liking, you won't be disappointed in charming Trinidad. The town's vibrant art scene includes the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art, as well as galleries displaying local and regional artwork. If you're visiting during June, spend some time at the lively Santa Fe Trail Days event, a festival known for its family-friendly entertainment.
Final Thoughts
No matter what the reason is for visiting scenic Colorado, take some time to explore the Centennial State's many lakeside towns. These waterfront communities are the perfect places for relaxing respites or outdoor adventures, depending on what type of experience you're seeking. Not only are they big on natural beauty, but they also appeal to arts, culture, and history lovers as well. The six best lakeside towns in Colorado await your arrival!
