Stellar Colorado Swimming Holes

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Nothing beats the heat like a sun-splashed swimming hole — the perfect place to take in Colorado’s most dazzling landscapes and revel in the best of season with all of your favorite people. Find out what makes summer on our lakes and waterways so special by following a water-activity-focused itinerary featuring some of the state’s best swimming holes and a handful of other favorite warm-weather pastimes.

Day
1
Activity
Swimming at Jackson Lake

Jackson Lake State Park features a large reservoir with sandy beaches and 240 campsites.
The water is shallow and warms up quickly in the summer. Swimming is allowed on the west shore out to the no wake buoys.

all about the smoke bbq photo
Lunch
All About The Smoke BBQ
Since 2015, All About The Smoke BBQ has built a thriving barbeque business and a catering operation in Fort Morgan, Colorado. The business is locally…
Activity
Boating at Jackson Lake

Jackson Lake is an “Oasis on the Plains” for all types of splash-worthy fun, including boating, fishing, sailboarding and water skiing.

Dinner
The Mav Kitchen & Tap House
Welcome to The Mav Kitchen & Tap House, Fort Morgan's premier dining destination.
Activity
Queen's Lounge

Live music and dancing in a casual atmosphere in the heart of Fort Morgan. Take note of the infamous toilet seats that decorate the historic bar’s walls, which once served as the grand lobby of the Queen Hotel, opened in 1930.

Lodging
Hampton Inn Fort Morgan
As the most recognized name in the industry, travelers all over the world have been saying “Take me to the Hilton” for almost a century.
Day
2
Activity
Swimming at Horsetooth Reservoir

Just west of Fort Collins, 6.5 miles of water beckons visitors to come out and play! Surrounded by 1,900 acres of public lands, this reservoir has it all: fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, swimming, scuba diving, rock climbing and water skiing.

Insider's Tip
Fuel Up for the Drive

Grab a complimentary breakfast at the Hampton Inn Fort Morgan before making your way to Fort Collins.

Lunch
Avuncular Bob's Beerhouse
Cozy Ft. Collins, CO taphouse, sharing 20 brews and fresh food with our Northern Colorado neighbors from 11am -10pm daily.
Activity
Kayaking the Cache la Poudre River

Convenient access, clear water, challenging rapids and beautiful scenery make the Cache la Poudre a river-runner’s paradise May through September. Kayaks are suitable on various stretches of the river; just make sure you use an experienced commercial outfitter. From Class I all the way to Class V, we have rapids for every age and ability.

Insider's Tip
Get the Gear

Rent a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard from a local outfitter like Mountain Whitewater or Harding Kayak Rentals

Dinner
The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm
Set in a 133 year-old building, The Farmhouse at Jessup Farm is a casual restaurant focused on elevated country and healthy farm fare.
Activity
New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing is a craft brewery well know for their Fat Tire, Ranger IPA, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle, Shift and a litany of other beers…
Insider's Tip
Movie Night

If you’re visiting on a Thursday, check the events calendar on New Belgium’s website to see if there’s a Bike-In Cinema event that evening. Riders spread out on blankets beneath the stars to sip beers and watch a flick.

Lodging
The Elizabeth Hotel
The Elizabeth Hotel is where Fort Collins comes together. Situated in the center of Old Town, the cornerstone of Firehouse Alley, our Fort Collins…
Day
3
Breakfast
Harbinger Coffee
Quality coffee and quality service unite for a life-changing coffee experience at Harbinger Coffee in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Activity
Swimming at Cherry Creek Reservoir

Welcome to Denver’s natural and spacious backyard playground. Open seasonally in the summer, the sandy beach at Cherry Creek State Park has a roped-off swimming area that is a great place for water play. There is a bathhouse with restrooms located at the beach for convenience.

Insider's Tip
Drive South

Your next stop is Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora, a city in the Denver area.

Lunch
Cherry Cricket -- Cherry Creek
We've been slinging brews, burgers and good times since 1945. Very little has changed inside the neighborhood's favorite spot.
Activity
Whitewater Paddling in Confluence Park

Where Cherry Creek and the South Platte River meet and mingle, you'll find the unique and scenic Confluence Park. Watch kayakers brave the rapids on custom-designed chutes, sunbathe on the sandy banks and enjoy panoramic views of downtown Denver.

Insider's Tip
Get the Gear

Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Denver’s Confluence Kayaks.

Dinner
The Denver Central Market
Denver Central Market brings a gourmet food emporium and community meeting place to the heart of Colorado's capital city.
Activity
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

See what’s playing at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre, home to pair of geologically formed sandstone monoliths that promote seamless acoustics for only-in-Colorado concert experiences. The open-air theater in Morrison (just 15 miles west of Denver) has charmed musicians from nearly every genre.

Lodging
Hostel Fish
Hostel Fish is Denver's upscale boutique hostel, nestled in the heart of downtown. Design-centered and high-end amenities provided, we offer…
Day
4
Breakfast
Snooze
Picture breakfast and lunch crafted from scratch recipes focusing on the highest level ingredients; a setting filled with energy and pouring over…
Activity
Swimming at Shadow Mountain Lake

With the dramatic peaks of the Rocky Mountains in the background, Shadow Mountain Lake is a high-elevation reservoir offering breathtaking views and plenty of outdoor activities, including swimming, boating and fishing.

Insider's Tip
Granby or Bust

After breakfast, drive to Granby, about 85 miles northwest of Denver. Get your camera ready — it's a scenic route that climbs into the high country.

Lunch
Maverick's Grille
Maverick’s Grille specializes in Colorado family dining where customers can enjoy a delicious selection of steaks, chicken, burgers ...
Activity
Fishing at Lake Granby

Situated on the Colorado River, just outside of the town of Granby, Lake Granby is the third-largest body of water in Colorado. Get your Colorado fishing license — the lake is continuously stocked with trout and kokanee salmon.

Dinner
Brickhouse 40
Where the locals take their guests! An American Bistro with a variety of fare ranging from Angus Steak to Street Tacos to Delicious Salads.
Lodging
Green Ridge Campground

The campground is situated between the southern shore of Shadow Mountain Lake and the banks of the Colorado River, at an elevation of approximately 8,300 feet.

Insider's Tip
Star Power

Discover sweet post-dinner stargazing spots on the shores of Shadow Mountain Lake, just a short stroll from Green Ridge Campground.

Day
5
Breakfast
Fat Cat Cafe
Family owned cafe since 2006. Miss Sally and her staff are always sure to make you smile! Wonderful all you can eat buffet every Saturday and…
Activity
Colorado River Rafting with Liquid Descent

Liquid Descent, with outposts in Kremmling and Idaho Springs, offers whitewater-rafting adventures on Clear Creek and the Colorado River. Their Upper Colorado River excursion is a great option for families or first-time paddlers looking for a scenic float trip with wildlife-spotting opportunities and mild rapids.

Insider's Tip
Cruise to Kremmling

After breakfast in Grand Lake, drive about 40 miles to Kremmling, where you’ll hook up with Liquid Descent Rafting for a half-day whitewater-rafting excursion down the Upper Colorado River.

Lunch
Moose Cafe
Great old school cafe. Now that's a breakfast! If your driving to Steamboat and miss this location you better turn back!
Activity
Swimming at Green Mountain Reservoir

Nestled along the Blue River on Hwy. 9 just south of Kremmling, Green Mountain Reservoir is a hot spot for camping, fishing, boating and lounging on the shore in the sunshine. Swimming access is available from multiple lakeside campgrounds, including McDonald Flats, Prairie Point and Willows.

Dinner
The Dean West Restaurant & Brewstillery
Stop for an after-dinner drink or have your whole meal at the world's first brewstillery and restaurant designed to make you feel like your in a pub…
Activity
Grand Adventure Brewing Company
Situated in the heart of Colorado, at the crossroads of U.S. 40 and Highway 6, Grand Adventure Brewing Company is the new, go-to stop for all types…
Lodging
Hotel Eastin
Visit us in the wild west of your imagination here at the Hotel Eastin of Kremmling, Colorado!  Our beloved "blink and you'll miss it" town has long…
Day
6
Insider's Tip
Breakfast in Silverthorne

On your way to Twin Lakes, stop in Silverthorne for some morning grub.

Breakfast
Sunshine Cafe
Petite, casual eatery offering burgers & other American lunch classics, plus all-day breakfast.
Activity
Swimming at Twin Lakes

Colorado’s highest peak — 14,439-foot Mount Elbert — is reflected in the state’s two largest glacial lakes, which are flanked by a charming little village of the same name. While the lakes are situated at 9,200 feet, the cool waters are perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day. If the water is too brisk for your taste, rent a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard in town.

Insider's Tip
Lunch in Leadville

Drive about 20 miles north to Leadville — the highest incorporated city in the U.S. at 10,152 feet — to grab some afternoon eats.

Lunch
Buchi Cafe Cubano Leadville
At Buchi, passion is the most important ingredient, and we hope to bring you a memorable Cuban Cafe experience with every bite (and sip).
Activity
Twin Lakes & Interlaken Boat Tours

Scenic narrated tours of Twin Lakes, located among the highest peaks in Colorado. Tour includes both the upper and lower glacially formed lakes and a tour of the historic Interlaken resort, established in the late 1800's as a getaway for wealthy mining tycoons. Magnificent scenery, information about the geology of the area, wildlife, history and folklore await!

Dinner
Twin Lakes Saloon
Located inside The Twin Lakes Inn, the Saloon serves up tasty meal choices within a true Wild West setting. Enjoy tasty appetizers, drinks and meals…
Insider's Tip
Toast Your Epic Adventures

Before heading back to your home for the evening at the Twin Lakes Roadhouse Lodge and Cabins, share stories of your journey over a night cap at the Twin Lakes Inn Saloon.

Lodging
Twin Lakes Roadhouse Lodge and Cabins
Experience the peaceful, quiet of scenic Twin Lakes Village, Colorado. You decide whether it's a fly rod,lake canoe, mountain biking, hiking, or…