She is the head writer and editor for TravelBoulder.com. Can’t get enough of the water? Drawn to its sparkling waters, people flock here each summer to swim, boat and windsurf. , an expansive body of water, and a little slice of heaven for Fort Collins residents. From hiking around the water to fishing, boating, picnicking, and swimming, there are endless ways to spend the perfect day here. While the ponds are a short and steep trek away, you’ll be rewarded with a serene environment, spectacular views, and the company of birds and wildlife. Between Shields Street and College Avenue, you’ll find several spectacular swimming holes on the La Poudre River. Winter swimming in the Colorado rivers is a great way to get your heart pumping and your blood flowing. Even if not, the views are amazing and the cool water is refreshing in the summer. Here are some lakes near Fort Collins you should visit pronto. It's a Colorado bucket list item because of its size; many people don't expect a 20-mile body of water in this landlocked, mountain-filled state. You can’t exactly swim here, as the water often runs at more of a trickle than a surge, but it’s a unique oasis for sandcastle building and splashing in the water in the shadow of the towering tunes.​. It is one of the project’s twelve reservoirs. Swimming in lakes, rivers, and streams can be safe at designated swimming areas that are protected by lifeguards. The pools sit alongside the rivers, sheltered from the colder river water by large rocks. Conundrum Hot Springs is a destination worth its own designation, mainly because it’s one of the world’s highest hot springs. Colorado’s two dozen rivers and 2,000 lakes and reservoirs are a playground for boaters, whitewater rafters, fishers and kayakers. Although this holiday is much more like a big city party. Or if you’d rather splash around indoors, we’ve got indoor water parks and slides, too. Located near Durango at the bottom of Molas Pass, the falls draws adventurers from all over the state to hunt for the gorgeous waterfall and swimming hole. Located in — you guessed it — Boulder, Boulder Creek was named one of the "10 best lazy rivers for tubing in the U.S." by Men’s Journal and features a slow and steady stream of cool water that is perfect for cruising via an inner tube. There's always something going on at Boulder Creek in Boulder. Adams Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Beaver Falls. One of three reservoirs that make up the Curecanti National Recreation Area, the Blue Mesa Reservoir between Gunnison and Montrose is the largest body of water in Colorado. You can hike around the surrounding trails before cooling off in the water, and if you’re looking to extend your stay, camp on the shores. Colorado Rivers Shown on the Map: Animas River, Apishapa River, Arikaree River, Arkansas River, Beaver Creek, Big Sandy Creek, Blue River, Box Elder Creek, Cache la Poudre River, Cherry Creek, Colorado River, Dolores River, Gunnison River, Huerfano River, Laramie River, Little Snake River, Mancos River, North Platte River, Platte River, Purgatoire River, Rio Grande, Rush Creek, San … Arkansas River: Only the locals know of this Swimming Hole, Canon City - See 10 traveler reviews, 16 candid photos, and great deals for Colorado, at Tripadvisor. When you are submerged in the cold river, your heart will immediately start pumping blood to your organs, increasing your circulation and flushing out your circulation system. Colorado isn’t just landlocked; it’s “doubly landlocked," one of ten states from which you'd have to travel through two U.S. states, Mexico or Canada in order to reach a major body of water. While the ponds are a short and steep trek away, you’ll be rewarded with a serene environment, spectacular views, and the company of birds and wildlife. Zappata Falls is one of our favorite places to cool off in San Luis Valley, but make sure you’re visiting when the run-off isn’t too fast, or it won’t be safe to make it all the way to the falls. Fed from waterfalls near the Chicago Basin in the San Juans, Needle Creek is a semi-secret haven for locals. Summer is never long enough. King Solomon Falls is the legendary swimming hole on the middle fork of the Little Snake River. Bet You Don't Know About These 9 Lesser-Known Hot Springs in Colorado. Big River Man. Tettegouche State Park. Additionally, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards are the perfect way to explore the calm water segments of the Colorado. Station in the Fulford Cave Campground and explore the trails that will lead you to this alpine lake, perched at 11,400 feet above sea level. Prepare for a polar plunge. 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