8 stunning island scenes found around Colorado
Though quite different than their tropically-located counterparts, islands in Colorado can also deliver a relaxing escape. Here are eight destinations where you can see islands in Colorado.
Editor's Note: Some of these islands can be reached, while access to others is not allowed. Check with a local and official source to see what current restrictions might be in place.
Lake Granby (Photo) Credit vicki watkins (flickr)
8. Lake Granby
Lake Granby is Colorado’s third-largest body of water. It is a sister lake to Shadow Mountain and Grand lakes nearby. Lake Granby features several islands, including, Elephant Island, Deer Island, Harvey Island, and more.
Photo Credit: vicki watkins (flickr).
Island Lake, Grand Mesa (Photo) Credit RobertWaltman (iStock)
7. Island Lake on Grand Mesa
Colorado’s Grand Mesa features hundreds of lakes, but Island Lake is one of the largest in the area. The island that gives the lake its name is near the east end of the lake.
Photo Credit: RobertWaltman (iStock).
Lake San Cristobal Island (Photo) Courtesy Friends of Lake San Cristobal
6. Lake San Cristobal
Lake San Cristobal is Colorado’s second-largest natural lake, featuring a bridge from the mainland to a series of islands. For more than a century, 10 acres on the lake have been privately owned. Efforts are underway to make this area open to the public.
Photo courtesy of Friends of Lake San Cristobal.
The Loch (Photo) Credit Christian Collins (flickr)
5. The Loch
A small island is found in the serene setting of The Loch in Rocky Mountain National Park. A roughly 3-mile (one way) hike with about a 1,000-foot elevation gain is required to reach this island scene.
Photo Credit: Christian Collins (flickr).
Lake Dillon (Photo) Credit Kahunapule Michael Johnson (flickr)
4. Lake Dillon Reservoir
Go island hopping on Lake Dillon Reservoir, a body of water that extends from Frisco to Dillon in Summit County. Most of the islands are located near the Frisco end of the reservoir.
Author’s Note: Swimming in Lake Dillon Reservoir is prohibited due to low temperatures and water quality concerns.
Photo Credit: Kahunapule Michael Johnson (flickr).
Shadow Mountain Lake (Photo) Credit Kimon Berlin (flickr)
3. Shadow Mountain Lake
Shadow Mountain Lake is connected to Grand Lake via a narrow waterway. Shadow Mountain Lake is a man-made reservoir that allows power boating, jet skiing, sailing, kayaking, and more. Visit some of the islands for fishing and picnicking.
Author’s Note: Swimming in Shadow Mountain Reservoir is prohibited.
Photo Credit: Kimon Berlin (flickr).
Grand Lake (Photo) Credit
2. Grand Lake
Grand Lake is Colorado’s deepest and largest natural body of water. It features many islands to which kayakers, boaters, and paddle boarders can reach.
Author’s Note: Some islands in Grand Lake prohibit foot traffic due to osprey nesting. Watch carefully for posted signs before setting foot on any island. Swimming is only allowed at the lake’s beach in Grand Lake.
Photo Credit: Stephen Martin
Island Lake (Photo) Credit OakleyOriginals (flickr)
1. Island Lake
One of the most photographed islands in Colorado is in an alpine lake nestled in the San Juan mountains. A strenuous hike is required to reach the island situated in Ice Lake Basin at about 12,400 feet above sea level.
Author’s Note: The trail to and the area surrounding Island Lake are closed due to damages caused by the Ice Fire in 2020.
Photo Credit: OakleyOriginals (flickr).