When you think of outdoor fun in the Centennial State, the first thing that comes to mind might be skiing, not diving. Incredibly though, you can enjoy some excellent diving in Colorado, whether that's getting up close and personal with sharks and other marine life at the Denver Aquarium, diving the state's beautiful lakes, or enjoying some bottom time in Colorado's many reservoirs. While there are lots of reservoirs to dive in this state, some stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Horsetooth Reservoir - Colorado Dive Sites
A fantastic 1,900 acres of water surrounded by another 2,000 acres of public lands, Horsetooth Reservoir is nestled in the foothills west of Fort Collins at an elevation of 5,430 feet above sea level. A popular site for diver training and recreational diving, it is open year round, and is part of Colorado's Big Thompson project. There are a few different areas where you can dive at Horsetooth Reservoir, including the South Bay Swim Area and at Lower Sunrise all week, and on weekdays at Dixon, Orchard, and Quarry coves. Check with Larimer County for a map with all diving areas and regulations clearly outlined.
Maximum depth here is 200 feet, and visibility varies with the weather; it is generally between 2 and 10 feet. As you explore, you'll find bass and bluegill, crappie, and plenty of trout. There is a fee to enter the park but no charge to dive, and Inlet Bay Marina provides a number of services.
Blue Mesa Reservoir - Colorado Dive Sites
Colorado's largest body of water, at 20 miles long and with 96 miles of shoreline, Blue Mesa Reservoir holds the distinction of being home to the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the US. Part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, it is located approximately 200 miles southwest of Denver. When full , the reservoir features maximum depth at 300 feet, and an elevation of 7,400 feet. Besides the Kokanee salmon, you'll find Brown Trout and Lake Trout here. Unless you come to the East Portal, where there is a small entrance fee, it's free to use the lake. The city of Gunnison is nearby, and Elk Creek Marina offers supplies, plus there is a restaurant on site. One of the nicest things about this site is the visibility; it averages 20 feet.
Jefferson Lake Reservoir - Colorado Dive Sites
Located just outside Jefferson, off Highway 285, Jefferson Lake Reservoir is home to brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and pike, some of which are very large. Due to its mountain location and high elevation of 10,000 feet, this reservoir is very chilly all year. Maximum depth is around 400 feet, and visibility is usually between 10 and 15 feet. This lake freezes in late autumn most years, and thaws completely in very late spring or early summer. It is a popular destination for ice fishing; divers with the right training and equipment can ice dive here, and Denver's dive shops often do ice diving certifications at this site.
Aurora Reservoir - Colorado Dive Sites
Located just outside the city of Aurora, Aurora Reservoir is a great site for all divers, with maximum depth at 50 feet and an average depth of just about 30 feet, and visibility that can sometimes exceed 20 feet. One of the reservoir's best features is a twin engine beach craft at a depth of 30 feet; while you're exploring, you'll meet carp, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and lots of crayfish. Visit on a weekday if you can; on weekends, the site is usually busy with certification classes, which can lead to a major drop in visibility.
Chatfield Reservoir - Colorado Dive Sites
Located near Littleton, Chatfield Reservoir has a few sunken attractions to see, including two toilets, a fire hydrant, and a sunken boat. You'll find a few fish here, along with lots of crayfish. Maximum depth is 47 feet though average depth is 20 feet, and visibility is usually between 2 and 10 feet.
No matter where you find yourself when the urge to get wet strikes, the odds are good that you are probably only an hour or two away from a good place to dive. Best of all, all of these dive sites offer great amenities nearby. Fill your tanks in advance unless you are coming with an organized trip, and be prepared for cold water. Whether you're looking for ice diving or a good place to beat the heat, Colorado's reservoirs have much to offer.