As a general rule, Colorado and beaches do not go hand in hand. In fact, when most people think of the Centennial State, they picture somewhere that is landlocked with tons of mountains and only a few lakes here and there. If you live in Colorado, however, you know this is not the case and that we do in fact have some stellar options. Without further ado, here’s more on the hidden beach in Colorado. These clear waters rival the Caribbean.

Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins is a popular northern Colorado lake that is as beautiful as it is recreational.

Flickr/David Shankbone

Sitting in the foothills just west of town, the reservoir is an incredible 6.5 miles long and 1 mile wide, making it an ideal spot for all things water sports.

Google/Amber Hale, Health Coach

Constructed in 1949, Horsetooth Reservoir is open year-round but seems to come to life even more in the summer, thanks to not only its clear waters but surrounding mountains and lush foliage.

Google/Alex Harm

In addition to its landscape, Horsetooth Reservoir houses a beautiful swim beach that is perfect for swimming, sunning, or just splashing around with the kids.

Google/Ken Schafer

Admission to Horsetooth — including the swim beach and other amenities — is $9 for the day and can be paid for at the entrance.

Google/tanya scelzi

it’s important to note that swimming at Horsetooth is unsupervised and only designated in certain areas, so make sure to stay safe and follow the rules.

Google/Jan R.

Not a fan of swimming? Horsetooth Reservoir offers a number of other fun water sports, including paddle boarding, boating, scuba diving, and fishing.

Flickr/katiebordner As if fun on the water wasn’t enough, you can also hike, bike, horseback ride, and camp at Horsetooth.

Horsetooth Reservoir has different hours depending on the season.

Google/Grzegorz Tokarski Address: 4200 West County Road 38 E, Fort Collins, CO 80526

FoCo or the Caribbean? You tell us! Without a doubt, this is some of the most beautiful water in Colorado.

Google/Jarred McVay

To learn more about visiting or camping at Horsetooth — or to rent equipment — please visit Larimer County’s website.

Google/Hayley Sackos

Have you visited this hidden beach in Colorado? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! For even more incredible Centennial State beaches, click on 10 Little Known Beaches In Colorado That’ll Make Your Summer Unforgettable. (Psst… before it’s too late, be sure to also check out You Can Only Visit This One-Of-A-Kind Colorado Beach For A Few Short Weeks Each Year!)

Flickr/David Shankbone

Google/Amber Hale, Health Coach

Google/Alex Harm

Google/Ken Schafer

Google/tanya scelzi

Google/Jan R.

Flickr/katiebordner

As if fun on the water wasn’t enough, you can also hike, bike, horseback ride, and camp at Horsetooth.

Google/Grzegorz Tokarski

Address: 4200 West County Road 38 E, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Google/Jarred McVay

Google/Hayley Sackos

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Address: Horsetooth Reservoir, Colorado, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Hidden Beach In Colorado June 09, 2020 Beth C. What are the most beautiful beaches in Colorado? Due to geographical limitations, Colorado doesn’t have coastline or beaches in the traditional sense. However, thanks to an abundance of natural lakes and manmade reservoirs, there are plenty of sandy spots to relax in the Centennial State. In addition to Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins, there are a handful of other beautiful beaches in Colorado worth visiting. Some of these locations include the beach at Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora, the beach at Grand Lake, Little Medano Creek, Chatfield State Park, and the Rock Canyon Swim Beach at Lake Pueblo State Park. Where can I find the bluest water in Colorado? If you’re looking for the absolute bluest water in Colorado, look no further than Hanging Lake. Located seven miles east of Glenwood Springs, this popular destination draws visitors near and far. The water is a distinctive blue because of the dissolving minerals, which are also believed to have healing properties. In addition to being one of the most beautiful destinations in Colorado, Hanging Lake is also one of the most fragile ecosystems. If you visit, be sure to protect wildlife and leave no trace from your visit. You can learn more about visiting Hanging Lake by clicking here. Can I camp right on the water in Colorado? Colorado has no shortage of memorable camping destinations, from high-altitude campgrounds to those you’ll find in the scenic plains. And if you’re looking to camp right on the water, you won’t be disappointed by your options. Thunder Ridge Campground in Woodland Park is located along Rampart Reservoir and makes for a spectacular place to sleep under the stars. If you are considering camping near the water, don’t forget to pack plenty of bug spray as the mosquitos tend to enjoy the waterfront areas as well. Curious to learn about a beautiful destination where you can camp right on the beach? Check out this article and learn more about Jackson Lake State Park.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Hidden Beach In Colorado

June 09, 2020

Beth C.

What are the most beautiful beaches in Colorado? Due to geographical limitations, Colorado doesn’t have coastline or beaches in the traditional sense. However, thanks to an abundance of natural lakes and manmade reservoirs, there are plenty of sandy spots to relax in the Centennial State. In addition to Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins, there are a handful of other beautiful beaches in Colorado worth visiting. Some of these locations include the beach at Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora, the beach at Grand Lake, Little Medano Creek, Chatfield State Park, and the Rock Canyon Swim Beach at Lake Pueblo State Park. Where can I find the bluest water in Colorado? If you’re looking for the absolute bluest water in Colorado, look no further than Hanging Lake. Located seven miles east of Glenwood Springs, this popular destination draws visitors near and far. The water is a distinctive blue because of the dissolving minerals, which are also believed to have healing properties. In addition to being one of the most beautiful destinations in Colorado, Hanging Lake is also one of the most fragile ecosystems. If you visit, be sure to protect wildlife and leave no trace from your visit. You can learn more about visiting Hanging Lake by clicking here. Can I camp right on the water in Colorado? Colorado has no shortage of memorable camping destinations, from high-altitude campgrounds to those you’ll find in the scenic plains. And if you’re looking to camp right on the water, you won’t be disappointed by your options. Thunder Ridge Campground in Woodland Park is located along Rampart Reservoir and makes for a spectacular place to sleep under the stars. If you are considering camping near the water, don’t forget to pack plenty of bug spray as the mosquitos tend to enjoy the waterfront areas as well. Curious to learn about a beautiful destination where you can camp right on the beach? Check out this article and learn more about Jackson Lake State Park.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Due to geographical limitations, Colorado doesn’t have coastline or beaches in the traditional sense. However, thanks to an abundance of natural lakes and manmade reservoirs, there are plenty of sandy spots to relax in the Centennial State. In addition to Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins, there are a handful of other beautiful beaches in Colorado worth visiting. Some of these locations include the beach at Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora, the beach at Grand Lake, Little Medano Creek, Chatfield State Park, and the Rock Canyon Swim Beach at Lake Pueblo State Park.

Where can I find the bluest water in Colorado?

If you’re looking for the absolute bluest water in Colorado, look no further than Hanging Lake. Located seven miles east of Glenwood Springs, this popular destination draws visitors near and far. The water is a distinctive blue because of the dissolving minerals, which are also believed to have healing properties. In addition to being one of the most beautiful destinations in Colorado, Hanging Lake is also one of the most fragile ecosystems. If you visit, be sure to protect wildlife and leave no trace from your visit. You can learn more about visiting Hanging Lake by clicking here.

Can I camp right on the water in Colorado?

Colorado has no shortage of memorable camping destinations, from high-altitude campgrounds to those you’ll find in the scenic plains. And if you’re looking to camp right on the water, you won’t be disappointed by your options. Thunder Ridge Campground in Woodland Park is located along Rampart Reservoir and makes for a spectacular place to sleep under the stars. If you are considering camping near the water, don’t forget to pack plenty of bug spray as the mosquitos tend to enjoy the waterfront areas as well. Curious to learn about a beautiful destination where you can camp right on the beach? Check out this article and learn more about Jackson Lake State Park.