Newest reservoirs in Colorado
The year that a reservoir was first filled to the reservoir’s normal elevation – or the year that a natural lake was first dammed – is the determining factor in the age of the body of water. A large reservoir can take more than a year to fill after its dam is first closed. You can find many of the the world’s newest reservoirs on LakeLubbers in the comparison table below. Many of the world’s oldest reservoirs appear on the last page of that list. Note: For some lakes, the completion year data is unknown, so you may see fewer lakes than the total 49 articles we have published for Colorado lakes.Thinking about booking a Colorado lake vacation home rental, cabin or hotel?
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Below are lakes within USA > US West Region > Colorado > Compared by newest (youngest) reservoirs and the year it was completed. This list does not represent all lakes in Colorado, only the 49 Colorado lake articles we have published on the LakeLubbers website.
Lake name | Completion year | Lake description |
---|---|---|
Standley Lake, CO (Colorado, Front Range Region, CO, US West Region, USA) |
1966 | A welcoming oasis on Colorado’s dry Front Range region, Standley Lake draws residents and visitors alike to its shores. Unsung sentinel to the north D … |
Blue Mesa Reservoir, CO (Colorado, Southwest Colorado, US West Region, USA) |
1965 | Also known as Blue Mesa Lake Beautiful mesas, deep canyons, and steep rocky cliffs surround Blue Mesa Reservoir, the second largest lake entirely in Colorado. The clear, blue, mou … |
Lake Dillon, CO (Colorado, Northwest Colorado, US West Region, USA) |
1963 | Also known as Dillon Reservoir Nestled in the middle of some of Summit County’s best skiing, Lake Dillon is the perfect year round getaway. With its rich history, fantastic sport fi … |
Navajo Lake NM (Colorado, New Mexico, Northwest New Mexico, NM, Southeast Colorado, US Southwest Region, US West Region, USA) |
1963 | Also known as Navajo Reservoir Navajo Lake offers a surprising and welcome expanse of water in northwestern New Mexico. The 15,600-acre reservoir stretches north into southwest Colo … |
Pearl Lake, CO (Colorado, Northwest Colorado, US West Region, USA) |
1963 | Also known as Lester Creek Reservoir Capturing a scene from America’s West, Pearl Lake reflects pine-covered hills, rocky peaks and expansive blue skies typical of northwestern Colorado. … |
Carter Lake CO (Colorado, Front Range Region, CO, US West Region, USA) |
1954 | Also known as Carter Lake Reservoir, Carter Reservoir Carter Lake is a major source of fun for residents and visitors to the Loveland area of Colorado’s Front Range. The reservoir is one of two main stora … |
Willow Creek Reservoir (Colorado, Northwest Colorado, US West Region, USA) |
1953 | A vital link in the chain of water projects that irrigate Colorado’s Eastern Slope, Willow Creek Reservoir is less-known and less crowded than many ne … |
Horsetooth Reservoir, CO (Colorado, Front Range Region, CO, US West Region, USA) |
1951 | Also known as Horsetooth Lake On the high, arid ridges and plains of Colorado’s Front Range, Horsetooth Reservoir delights the visitor and refreshes the senses. Developed as a stor … |
Cherry Creek Reservoir, CO (Colorado, Denver Area, CO, US West Region, USA) |
1950 | Also known as Cherry Creek Lake Affectionately called “Denver’s Backyard,” Cherry Creek Lake and State Park provide recreation opportunities for families from all over. Located in Au … |
Lake Granby, CO (Colorado, Front Range Region, CO, US West Region, USA) |
1949 | Also known as Granby Lake Nestled in the shadows of the majestic Rocky Mountains near the headwaters of the Colorado River, Lake Granby is a great place for a mountain getaway. … |
John Martin Reservoir, CO (Colorado, Southeast Colorado, US West Region, USA) |
1948 | Standing among the large boulders on the gravel shore watching bald eagles soar over the water, it’s easy to believe that John Martin Reservoir is an … |
Shadow Mountain Lake, CO (Colorado, Front Range Region, CO, US West Region, USA) |
1946 | Set against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains in Colorado’s Front Range region, Shadow Mountain Lake is a picture-postcard Colorado getaway … |