Top 14 Lakes in Denver County

Denver County's lakes offer a variety of activities. You can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing at Sloan's Lake, or fishing and non-motorized boating at Berkeley Lake and Rocky Mountain Lake. Washington Park's lakes are popular for paddleboarding and fishing, while City Park's Ferril Lake and Duck Lake provide opportunities for birding, fishing, and pedal boating. For more extensive options, nearby Cherry Creek Reservoir allows swimming, power boating, sailing, and jet skiing, and Big Soda Lake at Bear Creek Lake Park is great for swimming and paddleboarding.

Yes, many lakes in Denver County feature excellent trails. Sloan's Lake boasts a 2.6-mile loop trail perfect for walking, running, and cycling, offering views of the Denver skyline and Rocky Mountains. Washington Park also has trails for running and cycling around Smith Lake and Grasmere Lake. Ferril Lake in City Park is surrounded by paths ideal for jogging. For longer routes, the Cherry Creek Trail – South Section passes along Cherry Creek and Lollipop Lake, providing a mostly paved and well-maintained route.

Several lakes in Denver County are very family-friendly. Sloan's Lake Park, Washington Park (with Smith Lake and Grasmere Lake), and City Park (with Ferril Lake and Duck Lake) all offer playgrounds, picnic areas, and safe spaces for children to enjoy. City Park is also home to the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, making it a hub of family activity. Bluff Lake Park is managed as a wild habitat, offering a unique educational experience for families to observe flora and fauna.

Many parks around Denver County's lakes are dog-friendly, typically requiring dogs to be on a leash. Berkeley Lake is particularly popular with locals walking their dogs. For off-leash opportunities, Cherry Creek State Park, located in the greater Denver metropolitan area, features a designated off-leash dog area near its reservoir.

The lakes offer several scenic spots. The View of Denver skyline from Sloan's Lake west shore provides an iconic panorama of the city and mountains. City Park's Ferril Lake and Duck Lake also offer stunning views of the skyline. Bluff Lake Park is Denver's largest natural open space, managed as a wild habitat where you can observe local fauna and flora. Washington Park features a beautiful rose garden in addition to its lakes.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. Washington Park's lakes, Berkeley Lake, and Rocky Mountain Lake are all known for good fishing opportunities. Ferril Lake and Duck Lake in City Park also allow fishing. For a wider range of fishing experiences, Cherry Creek Reservoir and Bear Creek Lake Park in the greater Denver area are also excellent choices.

The lakes in Denver County are enjoyable year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for walking, cycling, and picnicking. Summer is ideal for water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming (where permitted), especially at Cherry Creek Reservoir and Big Soda Lake. Winter can be beautiful for scenic walks, though water activities may be limited.

While specific accessibility details for all trails vary, many urban parks like City Park and Washington Park strive to offer accessible paths around their lakes. The Water Garden highlight indicates wheelchair accessibility, suggesting that parts of the larger park areas may be accommodating.

You'll find a variety of cycling routes near the lakes. For road cycling, you can explore routes like the Cherry Creek, South Platte & Sand Creek Trails Loop, or the High Line Canal and Cherry Creek Trail Loop. Mountain biking enthusiasts can try the Colorado Front Range Trail or the Mount Carbon Loop near Bear Creek Lake. Gravel biking options include the Blackmer Lake loop. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Road Cycling Routes in Denver County, MTB Trails in Denver County, and Gravel biking in Denver County guides.

Given their urban settings, many lakes in Denver County have amenities nearby. Sloan's Lake, Washington Park, and City Park are all situated within vibrant neighborhoods that offer a range of cafes, restaurants, and other services within walking distance or a short drive. These parks are popular community hubs, ensuring convenient access to refreshments and dining.

Sloan's Lake is an excellent choice for non-motorized watercraft such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing, as motorized boats are generally not allowed, ensuring a calm environment. Washington Park's lakes also welcome paddleboarding. Berkeley Lake and Rocky Mountain Lake are good options if you bring your own non-motorized boat. For a larger experience, Big Soda Lake at Bear Creek Lake Park is popular for paddleboarding and canoeing with no motorized watercraft permitted.