Looking for the most stunning beaches in Colorado?
When it comes to natural beauty, Colorado is one of the undisputedly gorgeous states in America. Its gorgeous rock formations, snow-capped mountains, and crystal clear rivers are unparalleled. However, its beaches may come as a surprise to many.
Colorado has numerous amazing beaches that offer clear views of the Rocky Mountains and wide expanses of sand long enough for even the most energetic beachgoers to roam.
From breathtaking sunsets at San Luis Lake State Park to thrilling water activities at Spinney Mountain Reservoir, explore the best beaches that Colorado has to offer this summer.
Also Read: 19 Best State Parks in Colorado to Visit Now
Best Beaches in Colorado
Colorado, while landlocked, has many beautiful and diverse beaches.
Lie back on the sand and catch some sun. Go swimming in views of the mountains.
Enjoy activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, and even scuba diving.
Go hiking or try out the horseback riding trails on the shores.
From serene lakefronts with gentle waves to rugged shorelines, you can easily find the perfect Colorado beach vacation that you desire.
Here are the best beaches in Colorado to beat the sun on a hot summer day.
Medano Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park
The top spot that comes to mind when you think of sandy beaches, silky dunes, and sand castles in Colorado is Medano Creek!
This beach is within Great Sand Dunes National Park and located near Alamosa, Colorado.
The national park holds the distinction of being home to the tallest sand dunes in North America.
The majestic sand dunes, reaching heights of up to 750 feet, are the key highlight of the park.
Visiting the park allows you to explore this unique ecosystem that supports diverse wildlife.
On the edge of these impressive dunes lies Medano Creek, a seasonal stream that creates a beach-like atmosphere.
The creek, a shallow waterbody, is a delightful spot for family picnics and water fun.
During the peak flow in late spring and early summer, the creek provides gentle waves that are perfect for tubing and body surfing.
As the summer progresses, the waters of the creek recede, leaving behind warm sands that are perfect for sunbathing and sand castle building.
Grand Lake Beach, Grand Lake
The mountain town of Grand Lake is famously known as the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
It is also home to one of the most popular Colorado beaches – the beach at Grand Lake.
Grand Lake is Colorado’s largest natural lake and stunningly pretty.
Complete with a boardwalk, picnic tables, and host of other amenities, the soft sandy beach here is an excellent spot to beat the summer heat.
The Grand Lake beach is ideal for families, as it offers a plethora of activities.
You can rent kayaks, paddle boards and rowboats to explore the lake or enjoy walking along the shore with a cone of Rocky Mountain ice cream!
Water skiing on the lake is also popular.
The shallow waters make swimming a perfect option for children and adults of all ages.
For those who prefer to stay out of the water, you can relax on a blanket in the sun or take long strolls along the boardwalk.
The breathtaking backdrop of mountain peaks, forests and wildflowers makes this beach even more special.
Confluence Park, Denver
Confluence Park is the closest beach near Denver, CO!
It holds a top spot amongst the best beaches in Colorado due to its urban location.
It’s highly accessible for Denver residents looking for a beach experience without leaving the city.
The park is where Cherry Creek and South Platte River meet, creating a sandy beach and a calm water body ideal for sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming.
The park also features a whitewater course for kayaking and other water sports, adding a dash of excitement to an otherwise relaxed environment.
Its proximity to bike paths and walking trails provide additional activities for those who wish to enjoy the outdoors.
The park is also close to numerous restaurants and shops in Denver, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists to unwind and enjoy a sunny day.
Blue Mesa Reservoir, Curecanti National Recreation Area
Curecanti National Recreation Area is located in western Colorado and is a notable destination for tourists due to its unique attractions.
The area is home to Colorado’s largest waterbody, the Blue Mesa Reservoir.
It was created by the construction of Blue Mesa Dam on the Gunnison River.
This reservoir, with its expansive shoreline, forms an appealing beach that is popular among visitors.
The Blue Mesa Reservoir Beach is a standout point of interest in Colorado for its refreshing blue waters and extensive sandy stretches.
It’s an ideal location for people who enjoy a sunny beach day, complete with activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and picnics.
The reservoir is also a prime location for fishing, with opportunities to catch salmon and trout.
Curecanti National Recreation Area’s location also provides easy access to other attractions such as Morrow Point Dam and the Dillon Pinnacles, ensuring visitors can experience varied landscapes and points of interest.
South Bay, Horsetooth Reservoir
Horsetooth Reservoir, located in the foothills west of Fort Collins, is a popular destination for outdoor activities in Northern Colorado.
The reservoir offers a range of recreational activities and scenic views that make it an ideal spot to spend a summer day.
One of the most favored spots at Horsetooth Reservoir is South Bay.
The beach, with its expansive sandy shoreline and clear waters, offers an excellent setting for a fun and relaxing day.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, sunbathing and picnics.
The reservoir also has plenty to explore underwater – its submerged trees provide an interesting habitat for fish while providing snorkelers with an exciting adventure.
The beach also contains a playground and volleyball court, making it suitable for families with children.
Steamboat Lake, Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Lake is an iconic landmark in Steamboat Springs, a city in northern Colorado recognized for its ski slopes and natural hot springs.
The city’s name, inspired by the chugging sounds of a local hot spring, sets the stage for the natural beauty waiting to be discovered at Steamboat Lake.
The beach at Steamboat Lake State Park is a delightful spot, particularly during the summer months.
It a prime location for a beach vacation in Colorado for families.
The sandy expanse are perfect for visitors to set up a picnic, bask in the sun, and enjoy a competitive volleyball game.
The clear, refreshing waters of the lake are perfect for cooling off, swimming, or launching a kayak or canoe.
Equipped with modern amenities and surrounded by towering trees, the beach provides a comfortable, shady retreat.
The attractions of Steamboat Lake extend beyond its beach.
The lake and its surroundings are a natural playground, with activities spanning from hiking and bird watching to fishing and boating.
The vistas of Hahn’s Peak from the beach, especially during sunset, are truly a sight to behold.
Jackson Lake State Park
On the shores of Jackson Lake, deep within Jackson Lake State Park, you will find miles of pristine sandy beach.
The beach is a popular summer destination for families, with activities such as swimming, fishing, and sunbathing.
Often times, the park’s resident birds provide an entertaining show – flocks of seagulls flying above or sandpipers chasing each other on the shoreline.
Jackson Lake also offers visitors opportunities to explore its surrounding canyons and wildflower meadows, providing a different kind of beauty.
The park is quite accessible for those coming from the Denver or Colorado Springs area.
It is by far one of the most convenient locations to experience a beach day in all of Colorado.
Boulder Reservoir Beach
Boulder Reservoir Beach, located near the city of Boulder, is an engaging beach destination in Colorado.
The beach here is known for its vast stretches of sand and tranquil waters.
It’s a top choice for locals and tourists seeking a beach experience within the city’s limits.
The reservoir’s calm waters make it an excellent spot for swimming and paddleboarding.
Picnickers can enjoy a sunny afternoon by the water while sunbathers can relax on the sandy shore.
The Boulder Reservoir Loop trail is also a good way to take in the scenery of the Front Range.
The beach is conveniently located near the city, adding to its appeal by providing easy access to Boulder’s amenities and attractions.
It’s an ideal spot for a quick weekend getaway or a full-day trip, providing visitors with a combination of fun outdoor activities and a relaxing beach experience.
Cherry Creek State Park Beach
Cherry Creek State Park is located nearby the city of Denver, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities.
The park offers a multitude of activities from sunning on its beaches to fishing in its lakes.
One of the main attractions at Cherry Creek State Park is its beach – a stretch of sand and clear water perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
The beach at Cherry Creek State Park is an ideal spot for a family outing or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon.
The large expanse of sand provides plenty of space for visitors to spread out and enjoy their activities without feeling cramped.
In addition, the park offers amenities such as picnic tables and grills which are accessible and close to the beach, perfect for an outdoor meal.
Cherry Creek State Park also provides easy access to other attractions in the area, such as trails and a nature center.
Visitors can explore these sites while still enjoying the beauty of the park’s shoreline.
Twin Lake, Leadville
Twin Lakes, located near the historic town of Leadville, is known for its striking landscapes and its beach is no exception.
The beach at Twin Lake offers a popular spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Given the lake’s clear water and sandy shoreline, it’s an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Visitors can enjoy a picnic on the sandy shore, while fishers can cast their lines in hopes of a successful catch.
Besides these activities, the beach’s surrounding nature provides beautiful sights to behold.
The lake’s waters reflect the vast Colorado sky during the day and glitter with reflected stars at night.
The mountain backdrop adds a majestic touch to the beach’s overall appeal.
This makes Twin Lake’s beach an ideal location for those seeking a combination of relaxation, recreation, and natural beauty.
The beach is also equipped with facilities, such as restrooms and picnic tables, enhancing the comfort of its visitors.
Chatfield State Park Beach
Located just south of Littleton, Chatfield State Park is a popular destination with an outstanding beach.
The park contains a massive reservoir and a beach area that attracts many visitors during the summer months.
The water is usually calm and clear, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
The beach also has a number of facilities including restrooms, picnic tables, and grills, making it convenient for a full day of fun under the sun.
The park surrounding the beach is spacious and ideal for various activities such as hiking, camping, and biking.
The perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and outdoor activities makes this beach a top choice for summer outings.
Aurora Reservoir, Denver
The Aurora Reservoir in Denver provides visitors with a unique beach experience.
This beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, which are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
The reservoir’s shoreline features soft sand that stretches out several hundred yards into the lake and provides plenty of space to relax or play some beach volleyball.
The beach is often quite busy, with families and friends enjoying the sun and the water.
For those looking for a more remote experience, there are several secluded spots located in the park’s farther reaches.
Aurora Reservoir also offers numerous activities, such as fishing, paddleboarding, hiking trails, and playgrounds.
It is one of the popular beaches in Colorado for fun day trips.
Rock Canyon Swim Beach, Pueblo
Rock Canyon Swim Beach, located in Lake Pueblo State Park, is a popular destination for those who love spending time by the water.
With smooth sands and clear waters, it’s a prime spot for swimming and sunbathing.
With a surrounding area that is spacious and ideal for picnics, it’s not uncommon to see families enjoying a meal while watching children build sandcastles at the water’s edge.
For those who enjoy fishing, Lake Pueblo presents an excellent opportunity to cast a line.
The park’s proximity to Pueblo makes it an accessible destination for day trips.
Visitors can round off a day at the beach with a visit to the local restaurants and shops in Pueblo.
With its excellent facilities and beautiful surroundings, Rock Canyon Swim Beach continues to be a draw for locals and tourists.
Ridgway Reservoir, Ridgway State Park
Located in Ridgway State Park, the Ridgway Reservoir beach is a stand-out destination for beach lovers.
The beach has a wide expanse of soft sand that gradually slopes into the reservoir’s clear, cool waters, creating an ideal environment for swimming and sunbathing.
The park itself is well-equipped with facilities including restrooms, picnic tables, and BBQ grills, adding convenience to your visit.
The reservoir is also a popular spot for fishing, with anglers frequently spotting various species of fish.
Beyond the beach, the park is home to several hiking trails that lead through diverse landscapes, providing stunning views of the surrounding beauty of the San Juan mountains.
With its blend of recreational activities and natural beauty, Ridgway Reservoir beach is a must-visit location when exploring Colorado’s beaches.
Lake Dillon Beach, Frisco
Lake Dillon Beach is a top destination located near Frisco, Colorado.
This beach near Frisco Bay Marina is known for its clear, cool waters and its large sandy shoreline.
Visitors flock to this beach for sunbathing and aquatic recreation.
The water quality is excellent for swimming, and the expansive shoreline provides ample space for beach games and relaxation.
Lake Dillon itself is a hot spot for outdoor activities beyond the beach.
In addition to swimming, the lake is a prime location for fishing, jet skiing, and boating.
The crystal clear water is home to a variety of fish species, making it an attractive spot for fishing.
Boat rentals are available for those who want to explore the lake in depth.
Additionally, the lake is surrounded by a park that provides a number of activities.
Visitors can hike the nearby trails, enjoy a picnic at one of the many picnic spots, or explore the local flora and fauna.
The beach at Lake Dillon, along with the surrounding park and lake, provide a great combination of relaxation and activity for visitors.
Colorado might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of beach destinations, but it undoubtedly offers an abundance of unique and enjoyable beach experiences.
Moreover, the added convenience of facilities and proximity to urban areas make these beaches an excellent choice for day trips or weekend getaways.
From secluded coves and hidden lakeshores to wide-open spaces with majestic sand dunes, the Centennial State has many hidden gems for beach-goers.
Don’t be deceived by Colorado’s landlocked status; it holds a surprising number of beach experiences waiting to be discovered.
Did you like our list of best beaches in Colorado? Which are your favorite swimming beaches in the state? Let us know below.