Colorado's Remote Mountain Lake With Crystal-Clear Water Could Be Getting A New State Park

Colorado is known for being home to some truly breathtaking natural beauty. From picturesque top-tier Rocky Mountain hiking trails to spectacular whitewater rafting adventures to unbeatable skiing experiences, this state is made for lovers of the great outdoors. It's also home to dozens of gorgeous state parks. In fact, in 2021, Sweetwater Lake was chosen to become the Centennial State's 43rd state park. Located off the beaten path in northwestern Colorado, the lake may someday become a popular attraction with cabins, an equestrian center, and more. For now, however, it's simply a beautiful getaway for those who don't mind roughing it just a bit.

The 488 acres of land on which the upcoming park now resides have been in the sights of developers for years, putting it in danger of being turned into everything from a water bottling plant to a luxury golf course. Fortunately, it was purchased by the Eagle Valley Land Trust and The Conservation Fund and later acquired by The White River National Forest. It's been several years since the initial state park announcement, and so far it remains relatively unchanged, in part due to disagreements between Sweetwater Lake residents and the Forest Service on how to proceed with development of the area. In fact, some commenters on Google Reviews have even mentioned they've been visiting the area since the 1980s and are glad to see it's still very much the same — quiet, secluded, and beautiful. 

While Colorado has plenty of lakes to visit and state parks to explore, some are busier than others. Locals near the lake say visitation is actually a bit down lately, meaning it's a great time to visit if you're hoping for some solitude and crystal-clear water, as the lake is located in the Flat Top Mountains, which feature some of the cleanest waters in the country. And while there may be big changes happening here in the future, for now, Sweetwater Lake remains a relatively untouched gem.

Coloradans are a fortunate bunch, with more than 2,000 lakes to visit at any given time of year. And Sweetwater Lake is one of the largest of them all, at an impressive 72 acres. Within this lake, you'll find all kinds of fish, thanks in part to being stocked with trout via Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Spend enough quiet time on this lake, and you just might snag everything from brook trout and rainbow trout to brown trout and kokanee salmon.

Speaking of quiet, it's important to know that while boats are allowed on the lake, electric motors must be 5 h.p. or less. Additionally, no gas motors are allowed on Sweetwater Lake. That said, you're free to bring kayaks and canoes, and even paddleboards, to fish from. If you'd prefer not to get directly on the water, you can also fish from a limited number of shoreline spots. 

Perhaps because of all these limitations (or maybe due to its remote location overall), this lake remains relatively free from big crowds even during the warmest of weather (or coldest, if you're into ice fishing, which is also allowed here). Of course, you're always welcome to check out any of the other local scenic lake towns with Rocky Mountain views if you'd prefer a little less isolation.

Outside of fishing, Sweetwater Lake is home to a number of hiking trails that will guarantee a good workout and some peace and quiet. The easiest of these is the North Shore Connector. At just under 2 miles long, it's an easy hike that takes about an hour to complete. Another easy hike is the Sweetwater Lake Loop, offering views of the lake and local wildlife for a full 2.5 miles. For a more moderate hike, try the 3.8-mile Sweetwater Creek Trail or the Rim View Trail, the latter of which gains 700 feet of elevation over 4.6 miles, but rewards you with fantastic lake and forest views in return.

Colorado regularly sees snowfall well into the springtime, so the best time to visit lies between the end of spring and early fall, with relatively cool-to-warm temperatures. While summertime sees the most visitors, you'll be rewarded with fewer tourists if you visit during the fall. Also worth noting is the lake's elevation. Standing at 7,700 feet, you'll want to make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and water along with you to stave off the effects of the altitude. And speaking of hydration, there's no potable water here, so pack more than what you think you'll need just in case.

Camping at Sweetwater Lake is available on the south end for just $8 per night (at the time of writing), with nine total campsites available. Also on site are picnic tables, fire rings, food lockers, and a single vault toilet. You can also find horse camping accommodations over at A.J. Brink Outfitters, a local family-run establishment that also offers horseback riding tours. The closest town with hotels and motels is Glenwood Springs, a resort city full of relaxing hot springs, with rooms ranging from $80 to $300 per night.