When most people think of beaches, they think of such tropical locations as Mexico, Hawaii, and Florida (or better yet, the Florida Keys), but if you are a tried-and-true Coloradan, you know very well that we have several beautiful beaches and lakes of our own that may or may not totally rival those vacation-destination beaches you see in the movies. If you are craving a pseudo-tropical getaway, we recommend visiting one (or all) of these six awe-inspiring hidden beaches in Colorado:
- Sandbeach Lake (Allenspark)
Colo-Mtn-Hiker/TripAdvisor If you are looking for something extremely well-hidden and very little-known, you are in luck, as the beautiful Sandbeach Lake fits both bills! Nestled within Rocky Mountain National Park, Sandbeach Lake is situated smack-dab in the middle of the mountains, making this one of the most picturesque hidden beaches in Colorado and perhaps the country. Do note that the trail to Sandbeach Lake is 4.5 miles long, so come prepared with proper shoes and hiking equipment! It’s one of the most remarkable hidden beaches in Colorado. Check out the AllTrails website for more information. Sandbeach Lake Trail, Allenspark, CO 80510, USA
2. Rock Canyon Swim Beach (Pueblo)
Lake Pueblo State Park/Facebook If you crave a more traditional beach setting than most of Colorado offers, the Rock Canyon Swim Beach at Lake Pueblo State Park may just be the perfect place for you. Situated beside the Lake Pueblo Dam, the Rock Canyon Swim Beach is southern Colorado’s go-to-spot for not only swimming and sunning but also tubing, camping, and plenty more. Check out the the official Lake Pueblo Parks and Wildlife website for more information.
Address: 640 Pueblo Reservoir Road, Pueblo, Colorado, 81005 640 Pueblo Reservoir Rd, Pueblo, CO 81005, USA
- Cherry Creek State Park (Aurora)
Matthew Coconis/Google Maps Don’t have the time to escape the city? Thanks to Cherry Creek State Park, you do not have to go far, as this suburban oasis is also home to its own campground, hiking trails, boating, and - you guessed it - swimming! Nestled away beside the 880-surface-acre reservoir, the Cherry Creek State Park beach is the perfect place to spend either an hour or an entire weekend! It’s one of the best Colorado beaches to visit. Check out the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for more information.
Address: 4201 South Parker Road, Aurora, Colorado, 80014 4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014, USA
4. Jackson Lake State Park (Orchard)
Chandrasekaran Ayyasamy/Google Maps Do you dream of camping on the beach? Your dream is about to come true, as you can do so at the northeastern Jackson Lake State Park, which was named one of the “Top 15 Park Beaches” by Reserve America! Whether you prefer tent camping or want to bring the whole RV on out, you’ll find the perfect beach-accessible spot among Jackson Lake State Park’s 260+ epic campsites. Check out the official website for more information.
Address: 26363 County Road 3, Orchard, Colorado, 80649 County Road 3, Co Rd 3, Colorado, USA
5. Horsetooth Reservoir (Fort Collins)
Tanya Scelzi/Google Maps Horsetooth Reservoir is known near and far as being one of northern Colorado’s most popular attractions, and there is an excellent reason for it: its crystal-clear water is simply breathtaking. Also famous for its watersports, Horsetooth Reservoir is a great place to swim, too, thanks to the beach that is set amongst the colorful mountain scenery. It’s one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in Colorado. Check out the Larimer County website for more information.
Address: 4200 West County Road 38 East, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80526 4200 W County Rd 38 E, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
- Medano Creek (Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve)
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve/Flickr Last but certainly not least is one of the most one-of-a-kind hidden beaches in Colorado of all: the seasonal Medano Creek! Located inside of Great Sand Dunes National Park, Medano Creek is a seasonal stream that is brought on by snowpack and rain, and first appears in late March to early April, peaks in June, and then disappears for another year by the time August rolls around. Besides the unique stream, Medano Creek also boasts some of the most velvety-soft sand in the entire Centennial State. Check out the NPS.gov website for more information. Medano Creek, Colorado, USA
Which hidden beaches in Colorado are your favorite? Let us know in the comments! For even more fun things to do during the warmer months, check out these Lazy River Summer Tubing Trips In Colorado To Start Planning Now.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Allenspark, CO, USAAddress: 640 Pueblo Reservoir Rd, Pueblo, CO 81005, USAAddress: 4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014, USAAddress: County Road 3, Co Rd 3, Colorado, USAAddress: 4200 W County Rd 38 E, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USAAddress: Medano Creek, Colorado, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Beaches in Colorado April 13, 2021 Tori Jane Are there sandy beaches in Colorado? Well, Colorado is an entirely land-locked state, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have any sandy beaches you can escape to. Some of the best ones are such gems as Medano Creek, a sandy paradise within Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and the reservoir at Chatfield State Park, which is one of the most breathtaking places you could ever lounge around at. Grand Lake is an excellent pick if you want to surround yourself in beautiful Colorado forest alongside the beach. You’ve got a ton of choices - deciding won’t be easy! What are some of the best hidden gems in Colorado? Colorado is a state where tons upon tons upon tons of folks come to visit every year, especially in certain seasons. It’s tough to find things that aren’t always swamped with people, but when you do, it’s a totally extraordinary treat. For example, there are places like Crystal Mill, a long-deserted mill over the Crystal River, and the Florissant Fossil Beds at the Florissant National Monument, too, which is weirdly wonderful and ridiculously informative. For some of our favorite Colorado hidden gems, check this article out! You might just snatch some inspiration. Where are the best beaches in Colorado? Both Grand Lake and Jackson Lake are excellent spots for those who are craving a day at the beach (but live in Colorado). A few state reservoirs, like the ones at Chatfield State Park and the Blue Mesa Reservoir, are also great picks for beach-like relaxation. Sure, we might not be close to a true beach, but we sure have some pretty good replacement beaches!
- Sandbeach Lake (Allenspark)
Colo-Mtn-Hiker/TripAdvisor If you are looking for something extremely well-hidden and very little-known, you are in luck, as the beautiful Sandbeach Lake fits both bills! Nestled within Rocky Mountain National Park, Sandbeach Lake is situated smack-dab in the middle of the mountains, making this one of the most picturesque hidden beaches in Colorado and perhaps the country. Do note that the trail to Sandbeach Lake is 4.5 miles long, so come prepared with proper shoes and hiking equipment! It’s one of the most remarkable hidden beaches in Colorado. Check out the AllTrails website for more information. Sandbeach Lake Trail, Allenspark, CO 80510, USA
2. Rock Canyon Swim Beach (Pueblo)
Lake Pueblo State Park/Facebook If you crave a more traditional beach setting than most of Colorado offers, the Rock Canyon Swim Beach at Lake Pueblo State Park may just be the perfect place for you. Situated beside the Lake Pueblo Dam, the Rock Canyon Swim Beach is southern Colorado’s go-to-spot for not only swimming and sunning but also tubing, camping, and plenty more. Check out the the official Lake Pueblo Parks and Wildlife website for more information.
Address: 640 Pueblo Reservoir Road, Pueblo, Colorado, 81005 640 Pueblo Reservoir Rd, Pueblo, CO 81005, USA
- Cherry Creek State Park (Aurora)
Matthew Coconis/Google Maps Don’t have the time to escape the city? Thanks to Cherry Creek State Park, you do not have to go far, as this suburban oasis is also home to its own campground, hiking trails, boating, and - you guessed it - swimming! Nestled away beside the 880-surface-acre reservoir, the Cherry Creek State Park beach is the perfect place to spend either an hour or an entire weekend! It’s one of the best Colorado beaches to visit. Check out the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for more information.
Address: 4201 South Parker Road, Aurora, Colorado, 80014 4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014, USA
4. Jackson Lake State Park (Orchard)
Chandrasekaran Ayyasamy/Google Maps Do you dream of camping on the beach? Your dream is about to come true, as you can do so at the northeastern Jackson Lake State Park, which was named one of the “Top 15 Park Beaches” by Reserve America! Whether you prefer tent camping or want to bring the whole RV on out, you’ll find the perfect beach-accessible spot among Jackson Lake State Park’s 260+ epic campsites. Check out the official website for more information.
Address: 26363 County Road 3, Orchard, Colorado, 80649 County Road 3, Co Rd 3, Colorado, USA
5. Horsetooth Reservoir (Fort Collins)
Tanya Scelzi/Google Maps Horsetooth Reservoir is known near and far as being one of northern Colorado’s most popular attractions, and there is an excellent reason for it: its crystal-clear water is simply breathtaking. Also famous for its watersports, Horsetooth Reservoir is a great place to swim, too, thanks to the beach that is set amongst the colorful mountain scenery. It’s one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in Colorado. Check out the Larimer County website for more information.
Address: 4200 West County Road 38 East, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80526 4200 W County Rd 38 E, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
- Medano Creek (Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve)
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve/Flickr Last but certainly not least is one of the most one-of-a-kind hidden beaches in Colorado of all: the seasonal Medano Creek! Located inside of Great Sand Dunes National Park, Medano Creek is a seasonal stream that is brought on by snowpack and rain, and first appears in late March to early April, peaks in June, and then disappears for another year by the time August rolls around. Besides the unique stream, Medano Creek also boasts some of the most velvety-soft sand in the entire Centennial State. Check out the NPS.gov website for more information. Medano Creek, Colorado, USA
Which hidden beaches in Colorado are your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Colo-Mtn-Hiker/TripAdvisor
If you are looking for something extremely well-hidden and very little-known, you are in luck, as the beautiful Sandbeach Lake fits both bills! Nestled within Rocky Mountain National Park, Sandbeach Lake is situated smack-dab in the middle of the mountains, making this one of the most picturesque hidden beaches in Colorado and perhaps the country. Do note that the trail to Sandbeach Lake is 4.5 miles long, so come prepared with proper shoes and hiking equipment! It’s one of the most remarkable hidden beaches in Colorado. Check out the AllTrails website for more information.
Sandbeach Lake Trail, Allenspark, CO 80510, USA
Lake Pueblo State Park/Facebook
If you crave a more traditional beach setting than most of Colorado offers, the Rock Canyon Swim Beach at Lake Pueblo State Park may just be the perfect place for you. Situated beside the Lake Pueblo Dam, the Rock Canyon Swim Beach is southern Colorado’s go-to-spot for not only swimming and sunning but also tubing, camping, and plenty more. Check out the the official Lake Pueblo Parks and Wildlife website for more information.
Address: 640 Pueblo Reservoir Road, Pueblo, Colorado, 81005
640 Pueblo Reservoir Rd, Pueblo, CO 81005, USA
Matthew Coconis/Google Maps
Don’t have the time to escape the city? Thanks to Cherry Creek State Park, you do not have to go far, as this suburban oasis is also home to its own campground, hiking trails, boating, and - you guessed it - swimming! Nestled away beside the 880-surface-acre reservoir, the Cherry Creek State Park beach is the perfect place to spend either an hour or an entire weekend! It’s one of the best Colorado beaches to visit. Check out the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for more information.
Address: 4201 South Parker Road, Aurora, Colorado, 80014
4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014, USA
Chandrasekaran Ayyasamy/Google Maps
Do you dream of camping on the beach? Your dream is about to come true, as you can do so at the northeastern Jackson Lake State Park, which was named one of the “Top 15 Park Beaches” by Reserve America! Whether you prefer tent camping or want to bring the whole RV on out, you’ll find the perfect beach-accessible spot among Jackson Lake State Park’s 260+ epic campsites. Check out the official website for more information.
Address: 26363 County Road 3, Orchard, Colorado, 80649
County Road 3, Co Rd 3, Colorado, USA
Tanya Scelzi/Google Maps
Horsetooth Reservoir is known near and far as being one of northern Colorado’s most popular attractions, and there is an excellent reason for it: its crystal-clear water is simply breathtaking. Also famous for its watersports, Horsetooth Reservoir is a great place to swim, too, thanks to the beach that is set amongst the colorful mountain scenery. It’s one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in Colorado. Check out the Larimer County website for more information.
Address: 4200 West County Road 38 East, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80526
4200 W County Rd 38 E, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve/Flickr
Last but certainly not least is one of the most one-of-a-kind hidden beaches in Colorado of all: the seasonal Medano Creek! Located inside of Great Sand Dunes National Park, Medano Creek is a seasonal stream that is brought on by snowpack and rain, and first appears in late March to early April, peaks in June, and then disappears for another year by the time August rolls around. Besides the unique stream, Medano Creek also boasts some of the most velvety-soft sand in the entire Centennial State. Check out the NPS.gov website for more information.
Medano Creek, Colorado, USA
For even more fun things to do during the warmer months, check out these Lazy River Summer Tubing Trips In Colorado To Start Planning Now.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Beaches in Colorado
April 13, 2021
Tori Jane
Are there sandy beaches in Colorado? Well, Colorado is an entirely land-locked state, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have any sandy beaches you can escape to. Some of the best ones are such gems as Medano Creek, a sandy paradise within Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and the reservoir at Chatfield State Park, which is one of the most breathtaking places you could ever lounge around at. Grand Lake is an excellent pick if you want to surround yourself in beautiful Colorado forest alongside the beach. You’ve got a ton of choices - deciding won’t be easy! What are some of the best hidden gems in Colorado? Colorado is a state where tons upon tons upon tons of folks come to visit every year, especially in certain seasons. It’s tough to find things that aren’t always swamped with people, but when you do, it’s a totally extraordinary treat. For example, there are places like Crystal Mill, a long-deserted mill over the Crystal River, and the Florissant Fossil Beds at the Florissant National Monument, too, which is weirdly wonderful and ridiculously informative. For some of our favorite Colorado hidden gems, check this article out! You might just snatch some inspiration. Where are the best beaches in Colorado? Both Grand Lake and Jackson Lake are excellent spots for those who are craving a day at the beach (but live in Colorado). A few state reservoirs, like the ones at Chatfield State Park and the Blue Mesa Reservoir, are also great picks for beach-like relaxation. Sure, we might not be close to a true beach, but we sure have some pretty good replacement beaches!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Well, Colorado is an entirely land-locked state, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have any sandy beaches you can escape to. Some of the best ones are such gems as Medano Creek, a sandy paradise within Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and the reservoir at Chatfield State Park, which is one of the most breathtaking places you could ever lounge around at. Grand Lake is an excellent pick if you want to surround yourself in beautiful Colorado forest alongside the beach. You’ve got a ton of choices - deciding won’t be easy!
What are some of the best hidden gems in Colorado?
Colorado is a state where tons upon tons upon tons of folks come to visit every year, especially in certain seasons. It’s tough to find things that aren’t always swamped with people, but when you do, it’s a totally extraordinary treat. For example, there are places like Crystal Mill, a long-deserted mill over the Crystal River, and the Florissant Fossil Beds at the Florissant National Monument, too, which is weirdly wonderful and ridiculously informative. For some of our favorite Colorado hidden gems, check this article out! You might just snatch some inspiration.
Where are the best beaches in Colorado?
Both Grand Lake and Jackson Lake are excellent spots for those who are craving a day at the beach (but live in Colorado). A few state reservoirs, like the ones at Chatfield State Park and the Blue Mesa Reservoir, are also great picks for beach-like relaxation. Sure, we might not be close to a true beach, but we sure have some pretty good replacement beaches!
