1. Grand Lake
Grand Lake – set in a north-central Colorado town of the same name – is the state’s largest and deepest natural lake, spanning more than 500 acres and reaching depths of nearly 400 feet. Originally called Spirit Lake, this body of water has long been a sacred place for the Ute tribe. In the winter, the lake is popular among ice fishing enthusiasts, as well as visitors looking to enjoy the Winter Carnival, the Pond Hockey Classic and a variety of cold weather sports. The summer months bring boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing or simply strolling the waterfront with an ice cream. Wooden sidewalks give the small town an Old West vibe, and Grand Lake makes an excellent home base for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, which surrounds the lake on three sides. Consider overnighting in a cabin at Grand Lake Lodge.
2. Emerald Lake
Tucked into the mountains in Colorado’s stunning Rocky Mountain National Park, Emerald Lake is accessible via a 4-mile out-and-back hike from the Bear Lake trailhead. This alpine lake sits at an elevation of more than 10,000 feet, and you actually pass by two other pristine bodies of water – Nymph Lake and Dream Lake – along the Emerald Lake Trail. For such a popular hiking area, the National Park Service advises setting out for your trek early in the day to avoid crowds, especially on summer and fall weekends. The closest campgrounds to the trailhead are Moraine Park and Glacier Basin on the east side of the national park.