Colorado's Lazy Lake Escape Is A Serene Swim Spot Hugged By Hills And Dotted With Kayaks

Denver is one of America's great western metropolises, with a vibrant downtown, great museums, and a thriving culinary scene that makes it one of the best U.S. cities for food lovers to add to their bucket list. Its proximity to the Rocky Mountains also means that it's a terrific winter destination for anyone into ice skating, snowboarding, skiing, snowmobiling, or other cold-weather pursuits.

That said, the Mile High City's idyllic natural surroundings are about more than snow and ski slopes. They also become another kind of outdoor playground once the temperatures heat up. Big Soda Lake, in particular, is the perfect place to unwind, take a cool dip, or glide across its tranquil surface in a kayak. 

Situated within the city limits of the Denver suburb of Lakewood, just a stone's throw from the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater, Big Soda Lake is also just 20 minutes from downtown. This makes a quick and convenient getaway from the buzz and bustle of the city once the thermometer starts spiking, a serene lakeside retreat where you can experience some of Colorado's outdoor bliss right on the outskirts of its biggest city.

Big Soda Lake sits within the Bear Creek Lake Park, a 2,624-acre expanse that offers hiking, fishing, picnicking, cycling, boating, camping, and more. The lake itself is fairly small, but it has relatively cold waters due to its high elevation, making a refreshing escape during the scorching months of the Colorado summer. 

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, sailboards, and paddle boats to take out on the water. There is a broad sandy swimming beach along with a designated swimming area, but with no lifeguards on duty, though rangers working in the Bear Creek Lake Park are available in case of emergency. The lake also comes with a concession stand, a playground, and two volleyball courts. Keep in mind that while pets are allowed on leash in the park, they are not allowed in the sand area.

One thing to keep in mind is that the lake is sometimes closed due to harmful levels of blue-green algae. A toxic bloom shut down the Big Soda Lake for a month in 2022, so make sure to check on conditions before heading out. In addition, it gets quite crowded on weekends in the summer, so arrive early to nab a sheltered picnic spot, as they fill up early during the peak season. 

Big Soda Lakes lies on the eastern slopes of the Rockies, with rolling foothills, stands of aspen and pine, open fields, and red rock formations combining to create an arresting landscape. Bear Creek Lake Regional Park, which is also home to Big Soda Lake, is worth exploration in its own right. The park's miles of trails are open to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. If you're interested in horseback riding in particular, Bear Creek Ranch and Stables can supply the horses. Alternatively, Bear Creek Lake Reservoir is angler-friendly and stocked with rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and the odd walleye and musky. It's also open to ice fishing in the winter, when the lake freezes over. However, visitors should still exercise extreme caution.

The area is also terrific for birding and wildlife spotting, with over 150 avian species including waterfowl and raptors, along with mammals such as mule deer, coyotes, prairie dogs, and beaver. In addition, the park is home to the Indian Paintbrush Campground, which has 47 RV sites with electrical hookups, as well as cabins and yurts for rent. The park's Visitors' Center also features educational displays and an array of naturalist programs and special events, including sunset and moonlight hikes and archery. For links enthusiasts, the park also boasts two 18-hole golf courses: Homestead and Fox Hollow.

The other big attraction in the area is Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, which is visible from Big Soda Lake and hosts some of the biggest names in music in a gorgeous high desert setting. For the best of Colorado's beauty and goodness, head out on this road trip through its iconic natural wonders.