Most of us think of autumn as football season (which it is). Or back to school season (ditto). And this year, political season is in high gear (sigh).
But for boaters, autumn represents the last few weeks of boating, and for many of us, it’s the best part of the year. Our favorite lakes and reservoirs are decidedly less crowded than during the summer months (everyone else is watching football games!).
And here along the Front Range, autumn is color season. The aspens go golden and other deciduous trees show their colors as well. It makes an afternoon out on the water a riot of color and scenic beauty which cannot be matched any other time of the year.
So it’s a good time to plan one (or two) last outings. And we’ve got some recommendations on where to go to enjoy great boating with autumn colors.
Lake Granby. If you’re looking for great color and scenic boating, there’s fewer better places than Lake Granby in the high country. Just outside the Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll find three public boat launches, forty miles of shoreline and some really gorgeous mountain views all around. It’s an hour and a half drive from Denver, but worth the drive. And the town of Granby, a crowded tourist mecca in the summer, is quieter and more relaxed this time of year.
Boyd Lake State Park. Tucked beneath the slopes of Long’s Peak near Loveland, this 1,700 surface-acre lake is a delight for boaters. You can put in at the Boyd Lake Marina (or rent a pontoon or fishing boat for the day) and skim around in secluded comfort admiring the views. And the 2000-acre park offers lots of activities as well.
Chatfield State Park. Just south of metro Denver, this year-round park offers plenty of recreational activities, including 197 campsites, and the 1500-acre lake is wonderful for boating and fishing. Rental boats available at the Chatfield Marina, which has public boat ramps. And the mountain scenery is spectacular.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir. Located in Hartsel, west of Colorado Springs in the high country, this reservoir is said to be one of Colorado’s best trout fishing spots. But even if you don’t fish, it’s a great lake for cruising, picnics and, this time of year, snapping scenic shots.
Carter Lake Reservoir. Southwest of Loveland, this picturesque mountain lake nestled in the foothills offers stunning scenery and lots of activities. This time of year, the boat traffic will be smaller than in summer, offering more opportunities to fish the coves that are often crowded in July. A great place for that last family picnic on the boat before winter sets in!
