Best Lakes in Denver

Urban Escapes for Paddling, Fishing & Relaxing

Denver may be landlocked, but the city and surrounding area have excellent urban lakes for paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and lakeside walks. From downtown reservoirs to mountain-view park lakes, here are the best spots to get on the water.

Sloan's Lake

Denver's Largest Lake

177-acre lake with 2.6-mile loop trail. Paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and stunning mountain views.

Paddleboarding Kayaking Fishing

Cherry Creek Reservoir

Denver's Beach

880-acre reservoir with swimming beach, boat rentals, and 12 miles of trails. Denver's closest beach experience.

Swimming Boating Beach

Washington Park Lakes

Classic Denver Park

Two connected lakes in Denver's most popular park. Grasmere and Smith Lakes offer fishing, paddling, and scenic loops.

Paddleboating Fishing Walking Loop

City Park Lake

Ferril Lake

Iconic views of the city skyline and mountains. Ferril Lake is the centerpiece of Denver's largest park.

Scenic Views Fishing Pedal Boats

Berkeley Lake

Northwest Denver Gem

Quiet neighborhood lake with mountain views. Popular with anglers and locals walking dogs on the surrounding paths.

Fishing Dog Walking Quiet

Rocky Mountain Lake

Historic Swimming Lake

Historic park with a lake that once served as a public swimming spot. Now great for fishing and walking the perimeter.

Fishing Walking Historic

Bear Creek Lake

Lakewood's Best

2,600-acre park with swimming beach, paddleboard rentals, and hiking trails. Just southwest of Denver.

Swimming Paddleboarding Hiking

Chatfield Reservoir

State Park Experience

1,500-acre reservoir with marina, swim beach, and camping. Full recreation experience 20 minutes from downtown.

Boating Camping Swim Beach

Standley Lake

Westminster's Hidden Gem

1,000-acre regional park with excellent fishing, wildlife viewing, and non-motorized boating. Quieter than other reservoirs.

Fishing Wildlife Kayaking

Aurora Reservoir

East Side Escape

820-acre reservoir with swim beach, scuba diving, and sailing. Aurora's premier water recreation destination.

Swimming Sailing Scuba

Explore More Denver

Denver Parks Walking Trails