Jefferson Lake Recreation Area
A breathtaking mountain lake offering stunning scenery, fishing, and cold-water recreation. Perfect for a scenic escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters for paddling
Jefferson Lake Recreation Area
Best Time
Calm waters for paddling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking mountain lake offering stunning scenery, fishing, and cold-water recreation. Perfect for a scenic escape.
"Beautiful lake in the mountains, perfect for fishing and kayaking, though the water is very cold!"
🥶 Brace for Cold Water
Swimming is allowed but the water is very cold, rarely above 60°F. Kayaking is a great alternative!
🚗 Prepare for Rough Roads
The road to the lake is wash-boarded. Drive slowly and be prepared for a bumpy ride.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 118 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jefferson Lake's Crystal Waters
The main lake area
A breathtaking mountain lake, perfect for scenic views and a refreshing, albeit cold, dip. Kayaking is a must!
Abundant Fishing Opportunities
Various points around the lake
A popular spot for anglers, with many visitors reporting successful catches. Enjoy the serene atmosphere while you fish.
Wildlife Sightings
Surrounding areas and the lake itself
Keep an eye out for local fauna; one visitor even spotted a moose swimming across the lake!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Chill: Swimming & Water Fun
Road Conditions & Entrance Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Recommendations for easy hikes around Fairplay during late november/early december
I’ll be going to Fairplay during Thanksgiving weekend and am a fairly beginner hiker. Especially since neither of my group have been to Colorado before lol. I’ll be with a small group of people. Looking for easy trails nearby around 1 hour drive.
🥶 Brace for Cold Water
Swimming is allowed but the water is very cold, rarely above 60°F. Kayaking is a great alternative!
🚗 Prepare for Rough Roads
The road to the lake is wash-boarded. Drive slowly and be prepared for a bumpy ride.
Jefferson lake CO
Took a solo trip to get away from the 4th of July! Gorgeous area!
Looking for a lake I can drive to for paddleboarding with my dog
Hello! I’m looking for a nice lake to drive my truck to and paddleboard with my pup this spring/summer. I’ve done soda lake/bear creek, looking for something a bit more “off the grid”, or just less crowded. Any recs greatly appreciated!
💰 Be Ready for Entrance Fee
There's a daily entrance fee, currently around $11.
🎣 Bring Your Fishing Gear
Jefferson Lake is known for good fishing. Many visitors enjoy casting a line here.
If you had one place to camp for the rest of your life, where would it be?
*and why?
Tips
from all over the internet
🥶 Brace for Cold Water
Swimming is allowed but the water is very cold, rarely above 60°F. Kayaking is a great alternative!
🚗 Prepare for Rough Roads
The road to the lake is wash-boarded. Drive slowly and be prepared for a bumpy ride.
💰 Be Ready for Entrance Fee
There's a daily entrance fee, currently around $11.
🎣 Bring Your Fishing Gear
Jefferson Lake is known for good fishing. Many visitors enjoy casting a line here.
🛶 Kayak or Paddleboard
Enjoy the lake's beauty from the water. Kayaking is highly recommended by visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Jefferson Lake Recreation Area is praised for its stunning mountain scenery and excellent fishing opportunities. Visitors appreciate the ability to swim and kayak, despite the very cold water. However, the rough road conditions and increasing entrance fees are common drawbacks mentioned by some.
"I heard it was anywhere from 40'-155' deep, I measured 180' deep, water probably doesn't get above 60° all summer. Saw a moose swim across it."
Tim Brockert
"Beautiful lake! Very very cold but they do let you go swimming which is kind of hard to find in this region. Decent fishing, but mostly just for sights and fun."
Neil Cook
"Beautiful lake in the mountains not that big but, I would really like to go back and kayak."
Dave Henry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jefferson Lake Recreation Area is located in the mountains. The road leading to it can be quite rough and wash-boarded, so drive with caution and at a slower pace.
Visitors frequently mention that the road is 'horrendously wash-boarded' and rough. It's advisable to have a vehicle that can handle uneven terrain and to drive slowly.
Public transport options are very limited for reaching remote mountain recreation areas like Jefferson Lake. It is best to plan for a personal vehicle.
Jefferson Lake is approximately a 2-3 hour drive from Denver, depending on traffic and the specific route taken.
The final approach to Jefferson Lake involves mountain roads that can be unpaved and rough. Always check local road conditions before you depart.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a daily entrance fee for Jefferson Lake Recreation Area. Visitors have noted it has been increasing and is currently around $11.
Typically, Jefferson Lake Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis for day use and camping, with an entrance fee collected at the site. Advance booking is usually not required for day visits.
Jefferson Lake Recreation Area is generally open for day use during daylight hours throughout the season. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check with the Forest Service for the most current information.
Information on specific discounts for the entrance fee is not widely available. It's recommended to check with the managing Forest Service district for any applicable passes or discounts.
Payment methods for the entrance fee can vary. It's advisable to have cash on hand, as some remote areas may not accept credit cards.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Yes, swimming is permitted in Jefferson Lake, but be prepared for very cold water, which rarely gets above 60°F even in summer.
Popular activities include fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, scenic viewing, and hiking. Swimming is also allowed, though the water is cold.
Yes, there is a trail around the lake. Some sections are described as rough, but it offers nice views of the water and surrounding mountains.
Jefferson Lake is known for trout fishing. Many anglers report success in catching various trout species.
Basic facilities like restrooms are typically available. Camping is also an option, with some sites offering more space.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire lake offers stunning mountain vistas. Early morning or late afternoon light provides beautiful reflections on the water.
Drone usage is subject to Forest Service regulations. It's essential to check current rules and restrictions before flying a drone in the area.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography, with golden hues reflecting on the lake and mountains.
The viewpoints along the trail around the lake offer diverse perspectives. The main access points also provide classic lake and mountain panoramas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
Social
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