7. Dillon Reservoir
Dillon Reservoir – sometimes called Lake Dillon – is in Summit County, Colorado, near the ski areas of Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin and Keystone. In the winter, when the more than 3,200-acre reservoir freezes over, the town of Dillon maintains “Lake Loops,” a multi-use track for walking, cross-country skiing, skate skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. In the summer, the vast lake is a popular spot for stand-up paddle boarding as well as boating. Multiple campgrounds here can give you a more rustic stay, or nearby hotels can be found in Silverthorne, including Hampton Inn & Suites Silverthorne.
8. Maroon Lake
The Maroon Bells are breathtaking twin peaks near Aspen that are touted as the most photographed place in Colorado. These jagged mountains, named for their shape and color, are perched above pretty Maroon Lake, which visitors can traipse around on trails of varying difficulty that lead you past a beaver lodge, meadow and more. To visit the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, about 10 miles from downtown Aspen, you’ll need a reservation, whether you take a public shuttle or your own car. Be sure to stay on the proper paths, and don’t try to approach or feed wildlife. Campsites can be found at the Silver Bar, Silver Bell and Silver Queen campgrounds along Maroon Creek Road – and visitors with a campground reservation don’t need to obtain a separate one for parking. Otherwise, stay in high-end Aspen, a renowned ski destination, where one of the more reasonably priced hotels is Mountain Chalet Aspen.