These Colorado Lakes Have The Clearest Water, Hands Down

Colorado’s biggest lakes—like Pueblo Lake and Blue Mesa Reservoir—are perfect for boating. Spots like Steamboat Lake and Jackson Lake State Park often top the list for best swimming. But which lakes can claim the title of cleanest in Colorado?

As you might expect, the most pristine lakes are usually the ones people aren’t swimming in. Many of Colorado’s clearest mountain lakes are also the coldest, so cold they’re not considered safe for swimming. Keep scrolling to check out two lakes that truly stand out for their clarity.

Crater Lake @ Maroon Bells

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Crater Lake is found about 10 miles (30 minutes) Southwest of Aspen, Colorado. The lake is a short hike (under 2 miles) from Maroon Lake and the parking area. Both are located within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area, which requires a timed entry and costs $10 per vehicle.

What keeps Crater Lake so clean? The water in Crater Lake has been glacier/snowmelt-fed for ages at an elevation of 10,076 feet. Very little silt makes its way into the lake. Humans and pets are not allowed in the water, which goes a long way to keep it crystal clear.

Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs

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Hanging Lake sits on a ledge in the White River National Forest at an elevation of 7,323 feet. Like Crater Lake, Hanging Lake is also protected. There is no swimming and no water contact allowed. You can purchase a timed-entry permit for $12, which will grant you access to hike the Hanging Lake trail.

For tens of thousands of years, dissolved minerals have been deposited as travertine to form a fragile edge around the lake that protects the water and its appearance.

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Island Lake on the Grand Mesa

Island Lake is the largest on Colorado's Grand Mesa. Limited boat activity keeps the water in pretty great shape for most of the season. At 10,300 feet, the lake is fed by snowmelt with limited sediment. Glacial melt, minimal algae, low sediment, and elevation all keep this lake in great shape. The water is clearest early in the day along the shoreline.