From alpine lakes to serene city parks, Colorado offers plenty of stunning scenic picnic spots.

Here are some of the best picnic spots across Colorado:

1. Sprague Lake

Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, along Bear Lake Road, Sprague Lake features picnic tables near the paved parking area. There is also a 0.7-mile trail that loops around the lake, and the area is a great place for wildlife viewing and fishing. Visitors will also be treated to spectacular views of the Continental Divide.

2. Sapphire Point Overlook

This scenic day-use area sits between Keystone and Breckenridge on Swan Mountain Road, and offers a stunning view of Dillon Reservoir and the Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges. It is a nonexclusive day-use area that can be reserved for three-hour blocks for private gatherings. Check out more information about the site here.

3. Mount Crested Butte

Visitors can either hike up or enjoy a relaxing ride up the Silver Queen Express chairlift to the top of the mountain. Then, take a walk into the woods and find picnic tables to enjoy your meal. Visitors can also venture further along the mountain’s trails to find the perfect spot to picnic.

4. Washington Park

This park in Denver features 155 acres of area to play in including two lakes, two flower gardens and plenty of room to picnic. The park provides a great spot for city dwellers to enjoy some scenery.

5. Take a llama to lunch

If you’re looking for a unique picnic experience that you won’t have to plan, this is it. Paragon Guides in Vail offers guided hikes accompanied by curious, lunch-carrying llamas. You’ll trek through forests and wildflowers until you reach your picnic spot, where you’ll enjoy the meal alongside your special hiking companions.

6. Chautauqua Park

This park in Boulder features open turf, a playground, basketball court, pickleball, tennis courts and more for guests to enjoy as they enjoy picnics.

7. Cottonwood Lake

Located in Buena Vista, this alpine lake can be accessed by a road that goes up into the Collegiate Peaks. According to Colorado.com, there are picnic tables on the lake’s eastern edge. Visitors can also enjoy a canoe ride out onto the lake.

8. John Denver Sanctuary

This tribute to John Denver is located in the heart of Aspen, next to the Rio Grande Park and near the Roaring Fork River. The sanctuary features the Song Garden, with Denver’s lyrics etched into native river boulders placed in a circle and a perennial flower garden, making it an excellent spot for a tranquil picnic.

9. Cheyenne Mountain State Park

This stunning state park is located beneath Cheyenne Mountain south of Colorado Springs and offers an excellent spot to picnic.

10. Coyote Valley Trail

This is a paved trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, and it features amazing views of the Colorado River and surrounding mountains. A short distance up the trail is a picnic area where you can enjoy lunch in the stunning Colorado mountains.

11. Horsetooth Reservoir

Not far outside of Fort Collins, find the Sunrise Picnic Area at Horsetooth Reservoir. With views of the water, its a great place to visit at any time of the day, and honestly, it might even be best to visit around sunset as it faces west.

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