Top Lakeside Getaways Near Denver
Grand Lake (credit: CBS)
One of the greatest aspects of living in Denver is just how easy it is to escape the hubbub of urban life for the tranquility and beauty of the great outdoors. While Colorado is a landlocked state, there are plenty of water-oriented getaway. Whether you're looking for a short trip filled with water sports or seeking a relaxing lakeside retreat, these five locales are excellent spots to visit. Learn more about these gorgeous lakeside getaways near Denver and book your next trip sooner rather than later.
Vallecito Lake
367 Pearl St.
Bayfield, CO 81122
(970) 884-2512
vallecitolakechamber.com
Nestled in the San Juan National Forest, the seven-hour drive to Vallecito Lake is absolutely worth it. Just 18 miles outside of Durango, Vallecito Lake offers skiing, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, boating and hiking. Visitors can choose from cabin rentals, camping, RV parks and guest ranches for lodging in the Vallecito Lake area. Additionally, there are several restaurants near Vallecito Lake and Tour of Carvings is a fascinating and beautiful outdoor exhibit that used the burnt remnants left after the 2002 Missionary Ridge Fire.
Trappers Lake
7700 Trappers Lake Road
Meeker, CO 81641
(970) 878-3336
fs.usda.gov/recreation
Just 70 miles outside of Steamboat Springs in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area of the White River National Forest, Trappers Lake is known as the "cradle of wilderness." Visitors can rent cabins and boats from Trappers Lake Lodge which also has a restaurant, bar, general store, laundry facilities, and bath house on the premises. Trappers Lake visitors can enjoy fishing, horseback riding, hiking and hunting. There are also campgrounds nearby for true lovers of the outdoors.
Grand Lake
Grand Lake, CO 80447
(800) 247-2636
grandlakecolorado.com
The small town of Grand Lake is situated between Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake, just south of Rocky Mountain National Park. Grand Lake is Colorado's largest natural body of water. While there are a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy in Grand Lake, the small town is also home to the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre. Grand Lake visitors can also enjoy golfing, snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, biking, tubing and go-kart racing.
Related: Top Spring Break Destinations Near Denver For Families
Hanging Lake
Interstate 70
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
visitglenwood.com/hanging-lake
Several years ago, Hanging Lake was named a National Natural Landmark by then-Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar. One of the state's most popular hiking destinations, this natural wonder lays on the cliffs of Glenwood Canyon. Approximately 10 miles east of Glenwood Springs, Hanging Lake visitors have a wide variety of accommodations and local activities to choose from on their lakeside getaway. Due to Hanging Lake's popularity, visitors should be warned that parking at this location is limited and fills up quickly during the peak summer months.
Lake Dillon
150 Marina Drive
Dillon, CO 80435
(970) 468-5100
lakedillon.co
Technically a reservoir, Lake Dillon is bordered by several adorable mountains towns: Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne. Whether you're hoping to ski, fish, raft, horseback ride, golf, snowmobile, snowshoe, or ride in a hot air balloon, Lake Dillon has something for everyone. Silverthorne is home to a sizeable outlet mall for shoppers. With Lake Dillon's close proximity to several mountain towns, accommodations, restaurants, a selection of indoor and outdoor activities are available.
Related: Top Spring Break Destinations Near Denver For College Students
Alli Sands is a freelance writer. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
