While Colorado Springs is in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, that doesn't mean there aren't opportunities to enjoy boating. The water is even more beautiful with mountains as a backdrop.
Two state parks within easy driving distance have extremely popular boating lakes:
- Lake Pueblo has 60 miles of shoreline. Boaters can choose from two full service marinas, and enjoy sailing, motor boating and fishing. The North Shore Marina (719-547-3880) and the South Shore Marina (719-564-1043) are both open year round.
- Chatfield Reservoir in Littleton is open for boating year round, unless ice on the reservoir prevents safe navigation. The Marina (303-791-5555) offers services seasonally, so call ahead in winter .
For longer trips, check out Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water and the largest Kokanee Salmon fishing spot in the United States. The reservoir is part of the Curecanti National Recreation area, located between Gunnison and Montrose on Highway 50. The vast park is where the Crystal and Marrow Point Reservoirs are also located. There are two marinas that serve Blue Mesa Reservoir: the full service Elk Creek Marina (970-641-0707) and the Lake Fork Marina (970-641-3048). The park is also close to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, for even more recreational opportunities.
Colorado weather conditions are quite variable, so be sure to check in advance, and take changes of clothing. It's also a good idea to take your sunscreen and adequate drinking water to these high altitude parks.
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Ken and Sandy Wickham, the authors of this article, are REALTORs® with RE/MAX Real Estate Group in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO, and they welcome your real estate inquiries. To contact them, visit their website.
