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Cool off at one of these 10 Colorado state parks that offer loads of lakeside amusement

Take a dip in a cool lake. Work your core on a stand-up paddleboard. Or enjoy the breeze from a pontoon boat.

There are endless options at Colorado’s state parks, many of which feature prominent lakes and waterways. Here are 10 of our favorite summer destinations when we’re looking to make a splash.

Taking a break Cyclists stop at a sheltered overlook at Chatfield Reservoir recently. The reservoir on South Platte River is near Littleton. (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)
Taking a break Cyclists stop at a sheltered overlook at Chatfield Reservoir recently. The reservoir on South Platte River is near Littleton. (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)

Chatfield State Park, Littleton: The heart of this 3,895-acre park south of Denver is its namesake reservoir. Sailing, water skiing, fishing, paddleboarding — it’s all permissible. The full-service marina has pontoon boats for rent while Colorado WaterSports sets up people with canoes, kayaks and Corcls (round boats suited for kids). On the west side, a designated swimming area is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Forgot your picnic lunch? Swing by Seagull’s Restaurant.

Crawford State Park, Crawford: This state park is often overshadowed by its neighbor, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, but its smaller size doesn’t diminish the incredible scenery and outdoor recreation that awaits. Boating, water skiing, jet skiing and swimming are particularly popular on the 414-acre reservoir. Both warm- and cold-water fish are present, with anglers scooping up yellow perch, largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie and German brown trout.

Fishing families cast lines on the shores of Eleven Mile State Park. Seth Boster, The Gazette
Fishing families cast lines on the shores of Eleven Mile State Park. Seth Boster, The Gazette

Eleven Mile State Park, Lake George: If you like to fish, look no further than this reservoir west of Colorado Springs. You can reel in trout, kokanee and pike from the shore or a boat. Non-anglers can windsurf, canoe or sail thanks to the area’s pleasant wind conditions. Or they can explore the park’s nearly five miles of trails. Birders will easily while away hours searching for rare species such as bald eagles and American peregrine falcons; waterfowl hunting is an option in fall.

Jackson Lake State Park, Orchard: An oasis in northeast Colorado, Jackson Lake’s shallow waters and sandy bottom make it an ideal swimmers’ beach. More adventurous water lovers can splash through its 1,910 acres on water skis, jet skis or motorboats. Rent gear such as paddleboards and lily pads — and pick up all-important snacks — at the Shoreline Marina. The park is a Certified Dark-Sky Place so check out the year-round campsites to take advantage of starry nights.

A hiker makes her way to the end of the trail to Arkansas Point for a view of Lake Pueblo below Thursday, July 22, 2021, at Lake Pueblo State Park. See Happy Trails in Monday's Gazette for more information on the hike. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)
A hiker makes her way to the end of the trail to Arkansas Point for a view of Lake Pueblo below Thursday, July 22, 2021, at Lake Pueblo State Park. See Happy Trails in Monday’s Gazette for more information on the hike. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock) (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)

Lake Pueblo State Park, Pueblo: There are many reasons why Lake Pueblo is Colorado’s most visited state park. The 5,399-surface-acre reservoir — with 60 miles of shoreline — is served by two full-service marinas and is a prime spot for fishing, sailing and jet skiing. Rock Canyon Swim Beach offers a place to cool off. On land, mountain biking trails provide riders of all abilities with miles through prairie and piñon-juniper woodlands. Oh, did we mention the clear views of Pikes Peak?

The Spanish Peaks, with Horseshoe Lake in the foreground, can be seen from the top of the William Henry Jackson Trail, a spur from Hogback Trail, in Lathrop State Park. 19th-century photographer William Henry Jackson took his famous 1885 picture of the peaks from this spot. (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)
The Spanish Peaks, with Horseshoe Lake in the foreground, can be seen from the top of the William Henry Jackson Trail, a spur from Hogback Trail, in Lathrop State Park. 19th-century photographer William Henry Jackson took his famous 1885 picture of the peaks from this spot. (Christian Murdock/The Gazette)

Lathrop State Park, Walsenburg: Colorado’s first state park is a hidden gem to the south. There are two lakes from which to choose. Martin Lake’s warm water (average summer temperature: 75 degrees) is ideal for swimmers (there’s even a lap lane), but skiers, windsurfers and sailboats also ply the waters. Horseshoe Lake is for wakeless fun, with kayaking, canoeing and fishing. The park’s 1,460 acres also encompass an archery range and the only golf course within a state park.

Navajo State Park, Arboles: Straddling Colorado and New Mexico, Navajo State Park — nicknamed “Colorado’s Lake Powell” — is a water lover’s paradise. The 35-mile-long namesake reservoir boasts 15,600 surface acres, meaning there’s plenty of room to cool off on a rented pontoon boat (check out Two Rivers Marina), enjoy a stand-up paddleboard or sail across state lines (just make sure you’re registered in both states). Anglers can reel in crappie, trout, northern pike and bass.

Ridgway State Park, Ridgway: This state park in southwest Colorado abides by the “location, location, location” mantra. Uncompahgre River runs right through the setting, offering rafting and kayaking opportunities. A reservoir sits in the shadow of the San Juan Mountains and is a hot spot for water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, swimming and more. The park features more than 14 miles of trails and more than 250 campsites. The adventure hub of Ouray is only 15 miles south.

Rifle Falls State Park, Rifle: Waterfalls are not the state’s predominant sightseeing draw, unless you’re visiting this state park 30 miles northwest of Glenwood Springs. Here, you can take a short, accessible walk to the base of a 70-foot triple waterfall. A pair of limestone caves that pockmark the walls beneath the cascade invite explorers and spelunkers. East Rifle Creek is swimming with trout. Take a hike on Bobcat Trail to Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery, one of the largest trout hatcheries.

Steamboat Lake State Park, Clark: If you can divert your eyes away from the stunning views of towering peaks and, in the fall, the surrounding yellow- and orange-speckled forests, there’s plenty else to occupy your attention at Steamboat Lake. A swim beach calls for those brave enough to take a chilly, high-alpine dip. It’s also possible to spot deer and elk from your perch on a motorboat, sailboat or other watercraft. The nearby, family-owned marina can handle any rental needs.

Sunbathers share the Chatfield Reservoir with a friend Canada Goose in this Gazette file photo. (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)
Sunbathers share the Chatfield Reservoir with a friend Canada Goose in this Gazette file photo. (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)
The Chatfield Reservoir on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)
The Chatfield Reservoir on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette) (JERILEE BENNETT THE GAZETTE)
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