Although Colorado is famed for outdoor activities like skiing, the fact that it is a landlocked state makes it impossible to sail on the seas. Despite the fact that there are over 2,000 lakes and reservoirs, which might be a daunting quantity for anyone seeking a fantastic spot to sail, none of them are particularly vast, especially when compared to what sailing on the ocean provides. Mountain winds are typically erratic and difficult to forecast. But, as a sailor, you can adjust and still have some of your best sailing adventures in Colorado’s mountain lakes! So, where should you go sailing in Colorado? There are some fantastic lakes in Colorado where you can sail. In this article, I will list the best sailing lakes in Colorado so as to choose the best one or all of them. Follow me!

Here Are Some of the Best Sailing Spots in Colorado

Grand Lake, Grand County, CO

Grand Lake is the place to go in Colorado if you’re searching for a massive, yet entirely natural lake. In terms of surface area, depth, and total water volume, this glacial lake is Colorado’s largest natural lake. The lake itself is stunning, as well as the environment surrounding it. Because Grand Lake is located within Rocky Mountain National Park, you can always look out over the waters and see beautiful mountains rising up over the deep blue waters. At the Grand Lake Marina, anyone who does not own a boat can charter one. Whether you’re an occasional boater or a first-time boater, Grand Lake is a great sailing destination.

Shadow Mountain Lake, Arapaho National Recreation Area

Shadow Mountain, which towers over the lake, is the one surrounding the lake. Boating beneath the watchful eye of that gorgeous mountain has a certain allure. It’s Grand Lake’s sister lake, and the two bodies of water are connected by only a few gates. Even so, Shadow Mountain Lake has its own personality. It’s a lot bigger than Grand Lake, but the water is a lot shallower. Even during peak season, its spaciousness means there’s plenty of room to stretch out and explore. Anyone interested in renting a boat on Shadow Mountain Lake should do so at the Trail Ridge Marina, as boats rented on the Grand Lake’s side cannot be transferred to the Shadow Mountain Area.

Blue Mesa Reservoir, Gunnison County

The Blue Mesa Reservoir, with its 20-mile length and 96-mile shoreline, is without a doubt one of Colorado’s top sailing sites. It is Colorado’s largest body of water and a key component of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. The Blue Mesa Reservoir is a sailor’s lake dream. It is near the town of Gunnison in Western Colorado and about 4 hours from Colorado Springs. Because it is made up of three reservoirs, it is fairly open and an impressive spot to sail. It has multiple fingers that allow sailors to take in all of the spectacular views and attractions that the lake has to offer.

The most exciting aspect of sailing in the Blue Mesa Reservoirs is that you never know what the wind will do. It’s quite tough since it may change from strong winds to complete calm in a matter of seconds, and even though it can be challenging it can also be enjoyable. Aside from sailing, the Blue Mesa Reservoir is home to one of the country’s largest trout fisheries. In essence, sailing in the Blue Mesa Reservoir will bring you closer to nature because you’ll be continuously looking at the winds, the sky, and chilling aboard your boat.

Chatfield Reservoir, Arapahoe County

While Colorado has several natural lakes, you’ll discover that the state’s man-made reservoirs are some of the best spots to go boating. The Army Corps of Engineers built the Chatfield Reservoir, also known as Chatfield Lake, in 1966 to assist prevent flooding in the area. However, as a result of this choice, one of Colorado’s best boating lakes was created.

If you want to go out on the lake, you can take your own boat or charter one on site. Chatfield Marina leases out motorboats, whereas Colorado Water Sports rents out smaller boats. The area is now being upgraded in order to increase the size of the lake and bring the facilities up to date. The renovations will increase the surface area by 500 acres and the depth by 12 feet. To summarize, the Chatfield Reservoir is a fantastic spot to visit right now, and it appears that it will continue to improve in the future year.

Dillon Reservoir, Summit County

Lake Dillon, near Frisco, is a terrific place to go sailing in Colorado, especially if you want to try mountain sailing. Just imagine sailing at a height of 9,000 feet above sea level. This is a contemporary 3,233-acre reservoir that can be borderline terrifying for any novice or even experienced sailor who is used to predictable winds in typical lakes or at sea. While there are no prevailing winds in Dillon Reservoir, sailing in a lake bordered on all sides by mountains will provide awe and adventure. The circumstances may be challenging, but you’ll have one of the best sailing experiences you’ll ever have, especially considering you’re in a landlocked state.

Cherry Creek Reservoir, Aurora County

Cherry Creek Reservoir is a great place to go boating if you’re searching for something near Denver. This lake is both large and convenient. From downtown Denver, it takes less than 20 minutes to reach this 3.25-mile-long lake. The Cherry Creek Dam, which was built in 1950, established the Cherry Creek Reservoir as we know it today. The Marina at Cherry Creek rents out pontoons as well as non-motorized choices for those who prefer to take things a little slower.

This reservoir is bustling with activity, with many sailors in the lake, particularly in the summer. A natural prairie with picturesque surroundings and gently undulating hills awaits you there. Beautiful sunsets, breathtaking views, and pleasant breezes, as well as windy situations, in addition to that. Because there are always sailors in this reservoir, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to meet new people while having an exciting and amazing sailing adventure.

Granby Lake, Grant County

Granby Lake is Colorado’s third-largest lake, covering over 7,000 acres and offering some of the best sailing opportunities in the state. This remarkable man-made lake stands at an altitude of 8,280 feet and has a 41-mile shoreline. If you’ve been considering the pleasures and trials of operating a pontoon boat, this is probably the finest spot to do it. You can switch from a sailboat to a pontoon boat and explore the numerous marinas and bays that make up this magnificent lake. This lake, deep within the Rocky Mountains, is a fantastic place to sail if you’ve ever wanted to be surrounded by mountains and some of the most panoramic views in the country.

Sloan Lake, Denver

The majority of the time, actual boating requires leaving the big city, yet Denver is one of the few major landlocked cities where you can sail in great lakes. Sloan’s Lake is one of the few places in Denver where boaters can take both motorized and non-powered boats out on the water. The boating season typically runs from April 1 to November 1, however, anyone planning on boating on Sloan Lake should verify ahead of time because these dates are subject to change depending on the weather conditions. The lake is small and shallow, with a maximum depth of only 8 feet! Boating, however, may be possible if necessary preparations are made with the boating office.

Navajo Reservoir, Archuleta County

If you enjoy adventure, it’s time to visit Navajo Reservoir, Colorado’s largest lake that is not wholly within the state. You’ll find a variety of recreational activities, camping, and lodging here, which is just partially located in southern Colorado and largely in northern New Mexico. Professional fishing guides are available to take you to some fantastic fishing locations. After you’ve finished, sit around a lakeside campfire under the stars. Swimming, hunting, and even cliff diving can all be done the next day in Navajo State Park. It is preferable to use a sailboat or a kayak for the reservoir’s canyon trip. You can rent boats at the Two Rivers Marina in Arboles, CO. Being New Mexico’s second-largest lake, means that it’s a stunning and large body of water that can answer all demands of nature and water enthusiasts.

John Martin Reservoir, Bent County

Colorado has a lot to be proud of when it comes to the John Martin Reservoir. This captivating lake, also known as a “Sapphire on the Plains,” has been attracting visitors from all over the world to see the nearby historic landmarks, exquisite fauna, and recreational opportunities. It’s east of Pueblo in Hasty, and it gets its water from the Arkansas River. This is the spot to go if you want to participate in actual wind-water activities. On the lakes, anglers can catch catfish, crappie, walleye, wiper, and other species. Some have referred to it as a birdwatcher’s paradise. It brings roughly 400 species into view and hearing range.

McPhee Reservoir, Montezuma County

The magnificent McPhee Reservoir is situated on the Dolores River. This is one of Colorado’s lakes, with a surface area of approximately 4,470 acres. The dam has a length of 1300 feet and a width of 30 feet. It reaches a height of 270 feet above the stream bed at its top. The construction of the Great Cut Dike and McPhee Dam on a saddle resulted in the formation of this reservoir. There are many boating possibilities here; for rentals, you can go to Doc’s Marina. If you truly want to experience how impressive a dam can be, this one is a must-see. Its exact location is in Dolores, near Cortez, in southwest Colorado.

Horsetooth Reservoir, Larimer County

The picturesque Horsetooth Reservoir is right in Fort Collins’ backyard. On all sides of the reservoir, there are fantastic treks to be had. Numerous parks surround the lake, including Rotary Park Open Space on the east side of the reservoir and Lory State Park in Bellvue, making it accessible all year. Horsetooth is less than ten minutes from downtown Fort Collins. Boat capacity is frequently filled on summer weekends due to its proximity to the northern front range. So, consider arriving early to ensure a good spot. Moreover, the Inlet Bay Marina has boat rentals available. Camping is popular here, in addition to boating, fishing, and hiking.