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Boulder County

Sunshine

Top 5 Lakes around Sunshine

Lakes around Sunshine offer a variety of water bodies, including reservoirs and ponds, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. The region features diverse landscapes with accessible trails and family-friendly spots. These areas are often integrated into local communities, serving as recreational hubs. Visitors can find locations suitable for walking, cycling, and fishing.

Best lakes around Sunshine

  • The most popular lakes is Maxwell Reservoir, a lake and reservoir that serves as a waypoint on travels through nearby neighborhoods. It features a paved trail, making it suitable for cycling.
  • Another must-see spot is Evert Pierson Kids' Fishing Pond, a lake and fishing pond. This spot is specifically for children up to 12 years old, with a limit of 3 fish per day, and is regularly stocked.
  • Visitors also love Varsity Lake, a small reservoir. It offers paved footpaths for circling the water and a bridge for crossing.
  • Sunshine is known for reservoirs and fishing ponds. These water bodies provide diverse options for outdoor recreation and community engagement.
  • The lakes around Sunshine are appreciated by the komoot community, with 8 upvotes and 2 photos shared by users.

Last updated: June 25, 2026

Boulder Valley Ranch Pond

Highlight • Lake

The Boulder Valley Ranch Pond is one of two bodies of water within Boulder Valley Ranch (the other is Mesa Reservoir). This smaller reservoir has a beautiful mountain backdrop and is a good place to cool off the pets on warmer days, as a lot of the trails in the Ranch area don't offer much shade.

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With a limit of 3 fish per day and a maximum age limit of 12 years, the Evert Pierson Kids' Fishing Pond is only to be fished by children. It's actually a pretty popular spot since the pond is stocked and maintained by volunteers. The pond is split into two reservoirs by a footbridge that leads to trails on the other side of the waters.

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Maxwell Reservoir

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This little reservoir is a nice waypoint on your travels to or from the neighborhoods of Washington Village and Pine Hill, or nearby Maxwell Park. There's a paved trail that makes cycling here easy.

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Varsity Lake

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Varsity Lake is a pretty small reservoir in Boulder, Colorado. You can run over the lake on the Varsity Bridge, or you can circle around the water on one of the other paved footpaths.

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Popular around Sunshine

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Tips from the Community

Matthew
February 16, 2024, Varsity Lake

Varsity Lake is a pretty small reservoir in Boulder, Colorado. You can ride over the lake on the Varsity Bridge, or you can circle around the water on one of the other paved paths.

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Lisa
January 29, 2024, Maxwell Reservoir

This little reservoir is a nice waypoint on your travels to or from the neighborhoods of Washington Village and Pine Hill, or nearby Maxwell Park. There's a paved trail that makes cycling here easy.

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Boulder Valley Ranch Pond, nestled in a serene natural landscape outside Boulder, captivates with its tranquil waters and surrounding wilderness. A haven for diverse wildlife, it offers a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts.

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Matthew
November 26, 2023, Varsity Lake

Varsity Lake is a pretty small reservoir in Boulder, Colorado. You can run over the lake on the Varsity Bridge, or you can circle around the water on one of the other paved footpaths.

0

0

With a limit of 3 fish per day and a maximum age limit of 12 years, the Evert Pierson Kids' Fishing Pond is only to be fished by children. It's actually a pretty popular spot since the pond is stocked and maintained by volunteers. The pond is split into two reservoirs by a footbridge that leads to trails on the other side of the waters.

0

0

The Boulder Valley Ranch Pond is one of two bodies of water within Boulder Valley Ranch (the other is Mesa Reservoir). This smaller reservoir has a beautiful mountain backdrop and is a good place to cool off the pets on warmer days, as a lot of the trails in the Ranch area don't offer much shade.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular lakes around Sunshine?

Visitors frequently enjoy Maxwell Reservoir, which offers a paved trail suitable for cycling. Another favorite is Varsity Lake, known for its paved footpaths and a bridge for crossing the water. For families with young children, the Evert Pierson Kids' Fishing Pond is a popular spot.

Are there family-friendly lakes in the Sunshine area?

Yes, several lakes are great for families. The Evert Pierson Kids' Fishing Pond is specifically designed for children up to 12 years old, offering a fun and safe fishing experience. Maxwell Reservoir and Varsity Lake also feature paved trails, making them accessible for strollers and easy walks with kids.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?

The area around Sunshine's lakes offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy road cycling on routes like the 'Brainard Lake loop' or 'Niwot and Nelson Roads' (Road Cycling Routes around Sunshine). For hikers, there are easy trails such as the 'Baughmans Gulley Loop Trail' or 'Wonderland Lake Trail' (Easy hikes around Sunshine). Mountain biking is also popular, with trails like 'Betasso Preserve' and 'Lefthand Trailhead' (MTB Trails around Sunshine).

Are there easy walking trails around the lakes?

Absolutely. Maxwell Reservoir features a paved trail, making it easy for walks and cycling. Similarly, Varsity Lake has paved footpaths that circle the water. For more options, check out the 'Easy hikes around Sunshine' guide, which includes trails like the 'Wonderland Lake Trail' (Easy hikes around Sunshine).

Can I go fishing at any of the lakes?

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. The Evert Pierson Kids' Fishing Pond is a maintained and stocked pond specifically for children up to 12 years old, with a limit of 3 fish per day. Other lakes in the broader Melbourne area, such as Cherry Lake, are also safe for fishing.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see near the lakes?

While specific wildlife details for Sunshine's immediate lakes aren't provided, lakes in the wider Melbourne region, like Cherry Lake, are significant wildlife reserves. Sugarloaf Reservoir is known for a vibrant array of bird species, including kookaburras and rosellas. Lake Wendouree is home to swans and colorful parrots. You can often spot various birdlife and other small animals in these natural lakeside environments.

Are there any lakes suitable for swimming?

The guide data does not specifically mention swimming at the lakes directly around Sunshine. However, in the broader Melbourne region, Lysterfield Lake is known for its gentle waters and two protected swimming bays, making it a great spot for swimming. Always check local regulations and conditions before entering any water body.

Are there places to picnic near the lakes?

Yes, many lakes offer pleasant picnic spots. While not explicitly detailed for Sunshine's specific lakes, the general nature of these areas, especially those with paved paths and family-friendly features, often includes picnic facilities. In the wider Melbourne area, lakes like Taylors Lake, Albert Park Lake, and Sugarloaf Reservoir are highlighted as ideal for picnics.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Sunshine?

Visitors appreciate the diverse options for outdoor recreation and community engagement. The paved trails at places like Maxwell Reservoir and Varsity Lake are popular for cycling and walking. The Evert Pierson Kids' Fishing Pond is particularly loved for its family-focused fishing opportunities.

Are there any lakes that are good for cycling?

Yes, Maxwell Reservoir features a paved trail that makes cycling easy and enjoyable. Varsity Lake also has paved footpaths suitable for riding around the water. For more extensive cycling, explore the 'Road Cycling Routes around Sunshine' guide (Road Cycling Routes around Sunshine).

Are there any lakes with facilities like playgrounds or restrooms?

While not explicitly detailed for the immediate Sunshine lakes in the guide data, lakes designed for family use often include such amenities. For example, Cherry Lake in Altona (part of the broader Melbourne region) features playgrounds, picnic tables, shelters, and restrooms, making it very family-friendly. It's always a good idea to check specific lake websites for current facility information.

Can I find cafes or restaurants near the lakes?

The guide data does not specify cafes or restaurants directly adjacent to the lakes around Sunshine. However, in the broader Melbourne area, lakes like Cherry Lake are noted to have cafes, restaurants, and food stalls nearby, offering convenient dining options for visitors.

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Still not found your perfect lake around Sunshine? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

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