Best lakes around Montrose offer diverse natural settings for outdoor activities. This region features a mix of urban parks and natural areas with various water bodies. Visitors can explore a range of landscapes, from historic parks to tranquil ponds. The area provides opportunities for recreation and enjoying natural features within an accessible environment.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Montrose.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
A captivating sanctuary where black bears will sometimes frolic beside a tranquil pond, and the majestic mausoleum of James and Sallie Dooley stands as a testament to their legacy.
1
0
Forest Hill Park is a 105-acre historic urban park. The park is home to bald eagle, river otter, and great blue heron, which are not common to find in an urban park. The park also has hiking and biking trails, picnic areas and public restrooms.
0
0
Joseph Bryan Park is a 262-acre urban park. The park has 2 ponds, several streams and a large amount of grassy open spaces. There are several paved and unpaved trails to ride on.
0
0
Belle Island is a great place for a ride. The small island is on the James River and on it, you will find a mix of hills and flat single track. The trails are usually well maintained.
0
0
Beautiful pond that was created when an old quarry was filled with water. This is a popular spot for people come to relax and enjoy the wonderful views of the pond and the James River.
0
0
An old, flooded quarry that has a boardwalk around the perimeter.
0
0
A beautiful park in the heart of Richmond where you can walk, run and relax.
1
0
For a wide range of activities, Forest Hill Park offers a 105-acre historic urban park with trails and natural features. Joseph Bryan Park is another excellent choice, spanning 262 acres with two ponds and various trails for riding.
Yes, several lakes in the Montrose area are great for fishing. Sweitzer Lake is known for catch-and-release fishing, regularly stocked with catfish, bluegill, and carp. Buckhorn Lakes are popular for stocked trout, and Buckeye Reservoir is a good spot for brown, cutbow, and rainbow trout. Montrose Reservoir also offers convenient fishing close to town.
Forest Hill Park and Joseph Bryan Park are both excellent family-friendly options, offering trails, picnic areas, and natural settings. Flooded Quarry Pond is also a popular spot for families to relax and enjoy scenic views.
Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado's largest body of water, is ideal for paddling, water skiing, wakeboarding, and other water sports. It features two full-service marinas, Elk Creek Marina and Lake Fork Marina, to support these activities.
Yes, at Morrow Point Reservoir, part of the Curecanti National Recreation Area, you can take a one-and-a-half-hour scenic pontoon boat tour through the dramatic Black Canyon between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
At Forest Hill Park, you might spot bald eagles, river otters, and great blue herons. Blue Mesa Reservoir is renowned for its exceptional trout and salmon, particularly its legendary lake trout.
Yes, many lakes offer nearby hiking opportunities. For instance, you can find various trails at Forest Hill Park and Joseph Bryan Park. For more extensive hiking options, explore the Hiking around Montrose guide, which includes routes like the Chimborazo Park Trail and the Brown's Island – Historic Tredegar Iron Works loop.
Absolutely. Parks like Joseph Bryan Park have paved and unpaved trails suitable for riding. For a broader range of cycling adventures, check out the Cycling around Montrose guide, which features routes like the Virginia Capital Trail.
Morrow Point Reservoir is home to the East Portal, site of the Gunnison Diversion Tunnel, which is a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Additionally, Forest Hill Park is a historic urban park itself.
For a more tranquil experience, Sweitzer Lake offers a serene environment for fishing. Buckeye Reservoir is also a smaller, more contained option for trout fishing. These can be good alternatives to larger, more popular destinations.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural settings and the variety of outdoor activities available. Many enjoy the peaceful fishing at spots like Sweitzer Lake and Buckhorn Lakes, while others are drawn to the extensive water sports and scenic beauty of Blue Mesa Reservoir. The urban parks like Forest Hill Park are valued for their accessibility and unexpected wildlife sightings.


Still not found your perfect lake around Montrose? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.