Sweetwater Lake

Nestled in the eastern foothills of the Flattops, Sweetwater Lake is one of Colorado's lesser known gems.  Imposing cliffs flank the lake on its north and south sides, creating dramatic vistas from many perspectives around the lake.  The mid-elevation terrain, natural shoreline and wild backdrop give the Sweetwater Lake a unique personality that will surely make it a favorite among the many paddleboarding waters in Colorado.

Sweetwater Lake

The land around the lake recently opened up to public use after many years of private ownership.  Acquisition of the surrounding land by the Forest Service was facilitated through the Eagle Valley Land Trust to protect the area from potential private development.  In October of 2021, Sweetwater Lake became the newest addition to Colorado's collection of state parks.  This will allow recreation on and around the lake to be managed under a partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the National Forest Service.    

Vicinity Map

    Location Info: [key]

    Scenery: 4
    Shoreline Interest: 2
    Use: Low-mod
    Fee: None
    Access: Gravel
    Full elev = 7709; natural

    Rec map
    Rec info 
    Weather 

Sweetwater Lake is about 40 minutes from Dotsero, Colorado.  To access the recreation site, drive 7 miles north on the paved Colorado River Road, then 10 miles northwest up the gravel Sweetwater Road to the east end of the lake.  A USFS campground is also located just east of the lake near the water access.  

Stand-up Paddle on Sweetwater Lake

The unique topography of Sweetwater provides a variety of paddleboard settings within its waters on a given summer day.  While the central part of the lake is deep and blue, the ends have expansive shallows that harbor bright, floating grasses.  And the cliffs that loom above the south shore cast an imposing shadow in the afternoon that bisects the lake into regions that are warm and sunny versus shady and cool.  The two photos below were taken only a few minutes apart.

Looking West

Looking East

Be advised that significant stretches of the southern and western lakeshore are closed to public use:  specifically, the shores beneath the bluffs on the south side and the wetlands area at the up-valley inlet.  The cliffy area between the road and the lake is also closed to public access.  Sweetwater is not particularly wide, but long enough that a moderate breeze can make choppy conditions mid-lake.  However, the surrounding topography and shallow regions can also preserve calm areas on the water, depending on wind direction.  Check the forecast before heading out.  

Sweetwater Lake, seen from USFS day use area

Sweetwater Lake makes a great side trip from an excursion in the Eagle Valley.  Considering donating to Eagle Valley Land Trust to continue their efforts to preserve more amazing places like this.  Have fun, stay safe, and take a moment to appreciate the community contributions that allowed this special place to be shared by all.