Colorado is a Rocky Mountain state renowned for world-class skiing, stunning national parks, and vibrant outdoor culture. From the soaring peaks of the Rockies to the red rock canyons of the southwest, Colorado offers some of America's most dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Colorado.
-
- Family-friendly lakeside beach
- lifeguards in summer
- boat rentals
- kayak rentals
- restrooms
- picnic areas
- parking
Chatfield State Park Beach
Popular sandy beach at Chatfield Reservoir with lifeguards in summer, boat rentals, and extensive picnic areas. Colorado's closest beach experience to Denver with a warm, welcoming family atmosphere.
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 9 a.m. on summer weekends to secure a parking spot near the beach; lots fill by late morning
-
- Active and family-friendly
- lifeguards
- boat rentals
- swimming area
- restrooms
- picnic areas
- dog beach area
Cherry Creek State Park Beach
Sandy beach at Cherry Creek Reservoir popular with swimmers and watersports enthusiasts. Great for families with young children with supervised swimming area and excellent facilities.
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 10 a.m. on summer weekends — main parking lots fill by late morning
-
- Active outdoor and social
- boat ramps
- kayak rentals
- camping
- restrooms
- hiking trails
- multiple beach areas
Horsetooth Reservoir Beach
Stunning red rock canyon reservoir with multiple beaches and coves popular for swimming, boating, and cliff jumping at designated areas. A Fort Collins summer institution with beautiful sandstone scenery.
Editor’s tip. South Bay is the best option for families with young children; Satanka Cove and North Inlet draw a more active crowd
-
- Remote and scenic mountain lake
- camping
- boat ramps
- fishing piers
- hiking trails
- picnic areas
Turquoise Lake Beach
High-altitude mountain lake at 9,900 feet with a stunning rocky shoreline and crystal-clear cold water. The turquoise color and surrounding mountain peaks create one of Colorado's most beautiful lake landscapes.
Editor’s tip. Campsite reservations at Turquoise Lake open six months ahead on Recreation.gov and fill within hours — set a calendar alert on opening day
-
- Relaxed southern Colorado
- lifeguards
- marina
- boat rentals
- camping
- restrooms
- picnic areas
Lake Pueblo State Park Beach
Southern Colorado's premier water recreation spot with warm water temperatures ideal for swimming - much warmer than mountain lakes due to lower elevation. Extensive marina and facilities.
Editor’s tip. Book campsites months in advance for summer holiday weekends — the park is a regional hub and fills quickly
-
- Remote and scenic
- boat ramps
- kayak rentals
- camping
- restrooms
- fishing access
Shadow Mountain Lake
Beautiful high country lake adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park with sandy shores, excellent fishing, and stunning mountain reflections. A gateway to pristine wilderness.
Editor’s tip. Early morning, before 8 a.m., is the best time for flat-water paddling and wildlife sightings before afternoon winds develop on the lake
-
- Uncrowded and scenic
- boat ramps
- swimming beaches
- camping
- restrooms
- picnic areas
Carter Lake Beach
A less-crowded alternative to Horsetooth Reservoir with beautiful red rock canyon scenery, swimming beaches, and extensive boating facilities in northern Colorado.
Editor’s tip. The south end of the lake near the main beach tends to attract fewer visitors than areas adjacent to the primary boat ramp
Beaches by vibe
Pick by the mood you want — quiet, social, family, or active — and we point you at where that style lives along the coast.
Relax
Quiet & peaceful
Turquoise Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake offer peaceful high-altitude mountain lake retreats away from crowds
Family
Family-friendly
Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks are perfect for families with lifeguards, facilities, and calm water
Sport
Active & sporty
Horsetooth Reservoir is the go-to for watersports, cliff jumping, and active beach culture near Fort Collins
Social
Lively scene
Chatfield State Park has Colorado's most social beach scene on summer weekends - popular with Denver residents
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Colorado memorable.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Extremely popular on Colorado's reservoirs with rental equipment widely available at major state parks
Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Horsetooth Reservoir
Kayaking
Calm reservoir waters are perfect for kayaking and exploring coves and inlets. Rentals available at most major parks.
All listed reservoirs offer kayak rentals in summer
Fishing
Excellent fishing at all Colorado reservoirs and mountain lakes for trout, bass, and other species. Colorado fishing license required.
Turquoise Lake (trophy trout), Shadow Mountain Lake (lake trout), Chatfield (bass and trout)
Wakeboarding and Water Skiing
Popular at larger reservoirs with designated boating areas and calm morning water conditions
Lake Pueblo State Park, Cherry Creek State Park
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Best season
Memorial Day to Labor Day (May-September) for warm swimming; reservoirs open year-round for boating and fishing
Getting there
Colorado State Parks require day-use pass ($10/vehicle) or Annual Pass ($80). America the Beautiful Pass NOT valid at state parks.
On-beach facilities
Major state park reservoirs have full facilities including restrooms, picnic areas, boat ramps, and rental equipment in summer
Costs to budget
State park day use $10/vehicle, boat rentals $40-100/hour, kayak rentals $20-40/hour, paddleboard rentals $20-35/hour
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Colorado’s coast.
Are there lifeguards at Chatfield State Park Beach?
Lifeguards are on duty during the supervised swimming season, which typically runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Hours are generally 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but visitors should confirm current hours with the park before visiting.
From the Chatfield State Park Beach editorial.
Is there an entry fee for Chatfield State Park?
Yes, a daily vehicle pass is required. As of 2025, the fee is approximately $10-$12 per vehicle per day. An annual Colorado State Parks pass covers entry to all state parks and is worthwhile for frequent visitors.
From the Chatfield State Park Beach editorial.
Are lifeguards on duty at Cherry Creek State Park Beach?
Yes, lifeguards staff the designated swimming area during summer, typically from late May through Labor Day. Swimmers should remain within the roped zone during staffed hours.
From the Cherry Creek State Park Beach editorial.
Can dogs access Cherry Creek State Park Beach?
Dogs are not permitted on the main swimming beach, but a dedicated dog beach is available in a separate area of the park with its own parking access. Dogs must remain on leash throughout the park.
From the Cherry Creek State Park Beach editorial.
Is cliff jumping allowed at Horsetooth Reservoir?
Cliff jumping is permitted only at designated zones clearly marked by official signage. Jumping from unauthorized locations is illegal, carries fines, and is dangerous due to submerged rocks and uneven depths.
From the Horsetooth Reservoir Beach editorial.
What type of shoreline does Horsetooth Reservoir have?
The shoreline alternates between sandy beaches and rocky outcrops set within a red sandstone canyon. The main sandy beach areas are concentrated at South Bay and a few other designated spots along the western shore.
From the Horsetooth Reservoir Beach editorial.
Can visitors swim at Turquoise Lake?
Swimming is permitted but water temperatures rarely rise above 60°F even in peak summer. Most visitors focus on fishing, kayaking, and photography. Hardy swimmers occasionally wade in on warm August afternoons, but extended swimming is uncommon.
From the Turquoise Lake Beach editorial.
Is there a day-use fee to visit Turquoise Lake?
There is no general day-use entry fee to drive the loop road or access the shoreline pull-outs. Overnight camping at the Forest Service campgrounds requires a nightly fee and advance reservation through Recreation.gov.
From the Turquoise Lake Beach editorial.