Under the lazy, rolling hills of the Rocky Mountains and well within eyeshot of the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater sits Big Soda Lake. It’s situated within Bear Creek Lake Regional Park, and it is a serious hot spot for Denver locals in part because it’s a short 20-minute drive from the heart of the city. It’s a small and very calm lake, making it super kid friendly.

Paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, sailboards and paddleboards are available for rent between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but sometimes on a scorching mid-summer day, nothing will do short of a full-on submerge, and Big Soda Lake almost always sits at a cold but agreeable temperature. There’s a 400-foot swimming lane that parallels the shore for those who are looking for a little more than a lounge day, but note that there is never a lifeguard on duty. That said, there is a well-organized fleet of park rangers that are always nearby and well-trained in emergency rescue procedures. Note that there’s a clearly designated swimming area, and going outside of the boundary puts you at risk of getting struck by moving watercraft.

There are large asphalt parking lots as well as overflow dirt lots.