Popular Colorado Lake Named Prettiest in the State

It's time for another exciting episode of 'Reader's Digest Knows Colorado.' Remember when, in 2024, RD said the most difficult city to pronounce in Colorado was Crested Butte? They felt compelled to indicate that our state's town was not pronounced, 'Crested Butt'. Thank you, RD.

Instead of 'Crested Butts' we are going to discuss Colorado's lakes. Specifically, the magazine named each state's most beautiful lake. Let's see what they decided on for Colorado, after we ask you which lake YOU think is prettiest.

Which Colorado Lake Is Prettiest?

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👇Keep Going To See Which Lake Was Named Prettiest In Colorado👇

Before we see which lake Readers Digest selected, which lake would you select as the prettiest in our state? Grand Lake, Maroon Lake, Bear Lake at RMNP, or maybe the Blue Mesa Reservoir? Open our station app so we can see how your answer compares to Reader's Digest. Check out a few examples of Colorado's largest lakes while you make up your mind.

LOOK: The 15 Largest Lakes Found in Colorado

Take a look at Colorado's Top 15 largest lakes and reservoirs. Find out where they are in the state, and what landmarks are nearby each lake/reservoir. Colorado's largest reservoir is just down the road on Highway 50 not far from the Curecanti Recreation Area.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

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Colorado's Prettiest Natural Lake

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And the winner is....Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs. Yup, Reader's Digest says this hidden gem on the Western Slope is our state's prettiest lake. Why is Hanging Lake the winner?

According to RD, this National Natural Landmark was also given the publication's 'gold medal' for Colorado's most beautiful waterfall. Hanging Lake is open to a limited number of visitors each day, helping visitors avoid that 'over-crowded' feeling.

The Hanging Lake Trail Reopens This Summer

I'm torn between wanting to agree with this designation and thinking Hanging Lake is too small for the state's top award. I'm 100% thankful to live within a short drive of this natural wonder, and I already have my reservation to hike it later this year.

Wildfires, mudslides, and people are the largest threats to this hidden Colorado gem. Recent reservations have the trail ready for visitors this season following a closure in 2024. Get the permits you need to visit Handing Lake when it reopens with the link below.

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UP NEXT: 14 Lakes Perfect for Paddling in Colorado

Grab the kayaks, paddleboats, or canoes, and hit up these Colorado lakes for fun in the sun!

MORE: 7 Hidden Colorado Lakes Most People Don't Even Know About

The Centennial State is home to more than 3,000 lakes and reservoirs that are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. While some of the larger reservoirs are more easily accessed near larger cities, several hiking trails leading into the mountains can take you to some of the most breathtaking bodies of water that many people didn't even know existed.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

Filed Under: Colorado Outdoors, Glenwood Springs Colorado, Social

Categories: Colorado Local, Colorado News, Colorado Outdoors