Destination: Colorado Cool Off in July
Splash into summer with stops at scenic Colorado lakes, and cool off at some of the top ice cream shops on your journey.
Boulder Reservoir
Just 15 minutes from downtown, the Boulder Reservoir is a 700-acre lake that’s ideal for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Known locally as “the Rez,” there is also a beach for sunbathing and a 5.3-mile loop for walking, jogging, or hiking on the Boulder Reservoir Loop Trail.
After an invigorating afternoon, stop by Sweet Cow for a scoop of their small batch, hand crafted ice cream. Locally made in Colorado, they have locations in South Boulder and North Boulder with flavors rotating regularly. Favorites include Coconut Cream Pie, Fruity Pebbles, and Golden Oreo and they have several vegan options.
Cherry Creek Reservoir
This 880-acre reservoir is flanked by green hills and offers easy access to boating, fishing, rowing, and sailing, located just east of the Denver Tech Center at the northeast end of Cherry Creek State Park. The sandy beach is open during summer months for sunbathing and swimming.
The Cherry Creek Reservoir Loop Trail is 6.7 miles long and circles the reservoir for walking and jogging. Dogs are not permitted on this trail so leave your four-legged friends at home.
There is also a 107-acre fenced off-leash dog area with water access as well. Visitors must have a DOLA pass and dogs must be under voice control when off-leash.
Sloan’s Lake
Located in Northwest Denver, Sloan’s Lake Park’s 290 acres are bordered by the neighborhood of Edgewater and West Highlands. The lake is surrounded by a path for walkers and joggers vith views of the Denver skyline and mountains to the west.
The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is hosted here each July, with 50 teams racing across the water, as well as an Asian marketplace, art demonstrations, Asian food courts, and more.
Edgewater Marketplace is just blocks away with over 20 options for food and drink, including Happy Cones, a New Zealand-style creamery.
Lake Dillon
Perched at an elevation of 9,017 feet, Lake Dillon, also known as Dillon Reservoir, is a high alpine lake boasting gorgeous views of the peaks of the Ten Mile Range. It’s surrounded by the towns of Dillon, Silverthorne, and Frisco. Whether you are sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, or enjoying a walk or jog around the lake, the vistas are spectacular.
The Dillon Marina offers pontoon, sailboat, stand-up paddle boards, and kayak rentals, as well as sailing lessons. The Dillon Yacht Club hosts racing regattas as well.
After an invigorating day on the water, kick back with snacks and drinks at Pug Ryan’s Lakeside Tiki Bar. Stroll down charming Main Street in Frisco and enjoy a scoop from I Scream Gelato. With over 70 rotating flavors, favorites include Ferrero Rocher, Dulce de Leche, Wild Berry Sorbet, and Crème Brûlée.
Hanging Lake
The colorful water of Hanging Lake is a frequently photographed location in Glenwood Canyon. To arrive at the lake, hikers must tackle a steep, rocky trail of 1.2 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. Make sure to bring plenty of water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and use the restroom at the trailhead as there are no facilities at the lake. Leave your dogs at home as no animals are permitted on the trail.
To preserve the natural beauty of the lake, no swimming or walking on the log bridge is allowed. Permits are required for hikers in advance of visiting Hanging Lake. Reservations become available weekly, with hiking dates and times released each Tuesday at 8am.
After a strenuous hike with gorgeous scenery, stop by Sundae in Glenwood Springs for a scoop of artisan, small batch ice cream, a milkshake or one of their famous sundaes. Located on historic Grand Avenue, all ice cream is handmade on site and rotating flavors include Salted Cookies & Cream, Espresso, and Sweet Cream.
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