Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
LAKE DAY IN COLORADO
19
items New to Colorado and the outdoor lifestyle? Let me, a Colorado Native (born and raised!) help you find the perfect lake and make sure you don’t come unprepared!
Sections
2
Lakes
Gear
Lakes
HUGE and stunning lake right outside of Estes Park. This is ways away from Denver, but the drive is well worth it. Gorgeous mountain view’s, lots of wildlife to see, plus you’re right by Old Town Estes where you can shop and find a nice sit down rest...
Things to Do at Lake Estes | Outdoor Activities & Experiences
A reservoir right outside of Denver, about 20-30 minutes away depending on traffic. This reservoir is extremely popular, it gets very busy on weekends! You can swim, paddleboard, fish, and boat!
Chatfield State Park
My personal favorite, about 45 minutes outside of Denver in the mountains. On the drive up, don’t forget to pick up some famous Palisade Peaches! Mostly popular for fishing, row boats and paddle boarding are allowed. I will say there’s not many spots...
Georgetown Lake
This is located in Rocky Mountain National Park! Fishing is allowed, but it’s not clear on whether swimming, boating, and paddle boarding are allowed. Gorgeous views nonetheless, and there’s a 0.7 mi hike around the lake!
Twin Lakes
This is a nice lake to walk around that’s close to Denver! Just about 15-20 minutes out. You can rent paddleboards and boats for a good price, or bring your own! Swimming isn’t allowed in the water for pets or for people
Standley Lake Regional Park and Wildlife Refuge
Probably one of the most gorgeous and notorious lakes in Colorado. It’s a bit of a hike to get there but it’s absolutely worth it. A true Colorado gem. No swimming, fishing, paddle boarding, or boating allowed. The ecosystem is fragile.
Hanging Lake Trail Permits & Reservations - Official Page
Gorgeous lake up in Loveland. Boats, paddleboard, swimming are allowed !
Boyd Lake State Park
Beautiful lake just 15 minutes from Denver with gorgeous mountain views, sandy shore, and lots of shade. This lake does get extremely busy so get there early! There’s small charcoal grills which are free to use. You can also rent paddleboards and boa...
Bear Creek Lake Park - City of Lakewood
Gear
Just in case you visit a lake without a place to rent paddleboards, bring your own! You definitely want an inflatable one. much lighter, easier to haul around and store!
Inflatable Paddle Boards – ROC Paddleboards
If you want to do any water sports, you NEED to a life vest. I’ve seen so many people fall of their boats, paddleboards, etc. Life vests are quite literally life saving!
Life Jackets & Vests in Water Sports(1000+)
And don’t forget a life vest for your fur baby! They need to be safe too!
Dog Life Jackets & Life Vests
This sunscreen is for my fellow brown and black people who are SICK of the white cast!!! An absolute must for a lake day
Black Girl Sunscreen | Sunscreen for Black Skin & Dark Skin Tones
Trust me when I say a canopy is a must, the times you’re not on the lake, you need a shady, cool place to rest up and enjoy some food! Comes in handy especially for that unpredictable colorado weather, one moment it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring.
Canopies & Shelters in Camping Gear
If you’re like me and absolutely HATE bug spray, try mosquito wipes! I recently discovered them after visiting the drive in, these are a must have!
Insect Repellent Wipes
If you’re bothered by the sun, don’t you think your fur baby is too? Especially if you have them on the lake, you want their eyes to be protected!
Rex Specs - Dog Goggles for the Active Dog
Pretty much anywhere you go in CO, dogs MUST be leashed at ALL TIMES. Don’t let yourself get caught by the ranger and fined! It’s not cheap
Dog Leashes: Strong, Adjustable and Reflective
say what you want about these hats, but they work! Keep yourself protected from the sun and cool. A lot of people don’t realize you can get sunburnt on your head and ears
Lifeguard Hats | Premium Straw Hats with UPF 50+
May seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to bring a cooler!
Coolers | Lunch, Beverage & Food Insulated Coolers
If you’re not going with a huge group of people, a cooler backpack is the way to go! Bring a lunch and drinks, trust me.
The All Day Madeleine Midi Cooler Backpack | 20 Can | 14.8 QT | 14.0 L