5. American Lake
If you’re looking for a challenging hike near Aspen, put the American Lake Trail on your list. This 3-mile one-way trek winds through aspen groves and spruce forest as well as meadows that burst with wildflowers in July and August. Hikers will be rewarded with a quiet lake at more than 11,300 feet in elevation that makes an ideal place to fully embrace Colorado’s high-altitude mountain views. Pack your tent and camping gear if you’d like to overnight in this serene spot, as camping is allowed within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area, but not within 100 feet of the lake. You can also toss a fishing line in American Lake.
6. Lake Granby
Lake Granby, a few miles northeast of the town of Granby, is Colorado’s third-largest body of water at more than 7,200 surface acres. With its 40 miles of shoreline, Lake Granby is another sister lake of Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake, created by the Granby Dam in 1950. Fishing for trout and kokanee salmon is a popular activity here, and there are three boat launches for putting in your motorized or nonmotorized watercraft, from power boats to kayaks. In winter, the area’s extensive snowmobile trails draw visitors. Sunset Point Campground has first-come, first-served campsites on the lake’s shores.