Where to Find the Largest Lakes in Western Colorado

Where can you make the biggest splash in Western Colorado? While sometimes the answer changes due to drought conditions, our corner of the state has plenty of water gems (some hidden, some are hard to miss).

Where is the largest body of water in Mesa, Delta, and Montrose counties? Keep scrolling for a look at all the qualifying answers.

Morrow Point Reservoir: Montrose County’s Scenic Canyon Jewel

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Montrose County: Morrow Point Reservoir
Location: Upper Black Canyon on the Gunnison River
Type: Reservoir (Aspinall Unit, part of Curecanti NRA)
Surface Area: 817 acres
Elevation: 6,170 feet
Activities: Boating (permit required), kayaking, fishing, hiking along canyon trails, photography
Fishing: Yes (rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, brown trout, smallmouth bass)

In Montrose County, the Morrow Point Reservoir goes on for over 12 miles along the Gunnison River, including part of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. It is the largest body of water located entirely within Montrose County.

Marrow Point Reservoir is accessible by boat from Blue Mesa Reservoir. You can catch Kokanee Salmon here between September 1st and December 31st. Fishing must be kept a few hundred yards away from the dam.

Crawford Reservoir: Delta County’s Premier Outdoor

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Delta County: Crawford Reservoir
Location: South of Crawford
Type: Reservoir
Surface Area: 406 acres
Elevation: 5,300 feet
Activities: Boating, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, birdwatching
Fishing: Yes (rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, channel catfish)

When full, Crawford Reservoir is Delta County’s largest body of water, and a favorite place for anglers and paddlers. Lately, Delta County has had to move the party over to Sweitzer State Park when the water levels dip severely at Crawford State Park.

When conditions are right, the reservoir is a great place to boat, camp, and spot wildlife. It’s got the peaceful feeling you would expect from a Colorado State Park, and you can catch the Grand Mesa and the West Elks in your photos, depending on direction.

Highline Lake: Mesa County’s Largest Waterfront Escape

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Mesa County: Highline Lake
Location: Loma / Grand Valley area
Type: Reservoir (part of Highline Lake State Park)
Surface Area: 137–153 acres
Elevation: 4,580 feet
Activities: Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, hiking, picnicking, wildlife viewing
Fishing: Yes (largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, bluegill, crappie)

While Highline Lake State Park has fought a hard fight against zebra mussels in recent years, it is still one of Western Colorado’s favorite parks. Anglers can fish both Highline Lake and Mack Mesa Lake, and paddle across both. Birdwatching, picnic areas, and MTB and hiking trails surround both lakes.

TSM GJ WA

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Look: These Are Colorado’s Five Biggest Inland Lakes

Colorado's largest lakes are also home to some of our state's best fishing, hiking, and camping destinations. Let's take a closer look at the biggest inland lakes in Colorado by scrolling through the top five in the photo gallery below.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

Look: Plan Your 2025 Halloween with These Western Colorado Events

From Grand Junction to Montrose, families have plenty of chances to load up the treat bags long before October 31 rolls around. Whether you prefer a traditional downtown candy crawl or a creative trunk-or-treat, there’s something for everyone this spooky season.

Gallery Credit: Tim Gray

Next: The Smallest Towns in Western Colorado You Can Still Visit Today

If you love the idea of strolling quiet main streets, chasing mountain views, and uncovering history without the crowds, Western Colorado’s tiniest towns are calling your name. Scattered across the Rockies and canyon country, these communities may be small in population — some with just a few dozen residents — but they’re big on character.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams