We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.

Aurora Reservoir, Colorado, USA

If you’re looking for a peaceful, activity-oriented Colorado vacation in the Denver Region, you can’t go wrong with Aurora Reservoir. This 820-acre city-owned and operated reservoir used to be considered “The Outback,” but a recent building boom has brought several stylish new real estate developments nearby. Now, you can get close to the water and still have all of the amenities that Aurora and Denver provide. A…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Aurora Reservoir! Article topics include:

Looking for Aurora Reservoir cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

Explore Area Hotels

Nearby offer more hotel accommodations:

  • Check TripAdvisor
  • Check Expedia
  • Check Hotels.com
  • Check Booking.com

    • All About Aurora Reservoir, CO

    Lake Locations: USA - US West Region - Colorado - Denver Area, CO -

    If you’re looking for a peaceful, activity-oriented Colorado vacation in the Denver Region, you can’t go wrong with Aurora Reservoir. This 820-acre city-owned and operated reservoir used to be considered “The Outback,” but a recent building boom has brought several stylish new real estate developments nearby. Now, you can get close to the water and still have all of the amenities that Aurora and Denver provide.

    A few years ago, Aurora was a small suburb of much bigger Denver. Because new growth forecast the need for a larger water supply, the City of Aurora contracted to have a new reservoir built southeast of the city. The former facility, Senac Dam and Reservoir, on Senac Creek, wasnt big enough to add storage capacity to augment the other, main storage basin. It was enlarged, renamed Aurora Reservoir, and gains water via Senac Creek, a tributary of Coal Creek. The water originates in the South Platte River and augments water supplies from Quincy Reservoir to the west.

    Since the lake was built in 1990 for water storage, the City of Aurora has attempted to follow all best practices to handle the water in an ecologically-sound manner: no gasoline engines are allowed on the reservoir except for Water Patrol and emergency boats. Electric motors are allowed. This not only keeps the water free of combustion byproducts, but is quieter and restricts speeds. A city-owned 2300-acre park encloses the 8-mile shoreline completely, assuring a green buffer perimeter. Within the park, the city has set aside areas for swimming, archery, sailing and windsurfing. The latter enjoys a nearly two-mile reach, making it an exhilarating experience.

    A separate scuba diving area has a twin-engine plane submerged to give divers the opportunity to dive a wreck, making Aurora Reservoir a sought-after diving destination. For scuba spectators (and divers needing a rest), large picnic pavilions are available and can be reserved for groups. Bicycle and walking trails cris-cross the area and interconnect with other public walking trails. The park is a favored spot to hold reunions and special events. Triathlons and tournaments often vie for a spot on the park calendar. Small boats, canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized water sport craft can be rented on-site.

    Fishermen are always welcome at Aurora Reservoir. Catfish, largemouth bass, perch, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, walleye and wiper are available for pursuit. All boats must obtain a permit; a system of inspection is followed to assure no invasive species gain entry to the lake. As with most Colorado reservoirs, Aurora has its own set of regulations covering bag limits, sizes and baits that are allowed. Fishing tournaments occur on a regular basis and information regarding upcoming events is listed on the park’s website. The no-wake atmosphere makes Aurora Reservoir a excellent place to teach a child the ancient art of bobber-watching. A disability-accessible fishing dock assures everyone can enjoy wetting a line here.

    The trail system offers plentiful opportunities for wildlife viewing and birding. The combination of water and short-grass prairie brings many seldom-seen small mammals into view along with shore birds, hunting birds and songbirds. The perimeter trail around Aurora Reservoir is available during daylight hours year round and is used for skateboarding, roller skating and, in winter, cross-country skiing.

    The city of Aurora may not be as big as Denver, but when it comes to activities, events and attractions, it’s certainly no slouch: fine dining and nightlife abound. The city contains several historical buildings available for tours and the Aurora Fox Theater offers stage productions for both adults and children in a restored 1940’s theater setting. Southlands Mall is less than six miles from Aurora Reservoir, with exclusive shops and unusual retail offerings. The Aurora History Museum offers both in-house and traveling exhibits of Colorado history and culture. And there’s always a rodeo happening somewhere nearby, if that’s your interest. The city website lists local golf courses that are open to visitors. Of course, you can always head into Denver proper to take advantage of such attractions as the Butterfly Pavilion, Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Zoo.

    It’s in the area of nature, ecology and outdoor activity that the area near Aurora Reservoir excels: miles of trails connect most attractions across the city. At Star K Ranch, home of Morrison Nature Center, wildlife viewing is available for various wildlife in their natural habitat. Also at Star K Ranch, AWQUA Lounge (Aurora Water Quality Understanding and Appreciation) offers learning activities on water appreciation and conservation for kids and adults. The Plains Conservation Center gives visitors a better understanding of the fragile dry plains ecology and its effects on native animals. Just north of the city, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge can provide views of larger plains animals, such as mule deer, buffalo and the ever-present antelope.

    Although there is no private development along the shore of Aurora Reservoir, new real estate developments are being built immediately outside the park perimeter. Condos and vacation rentals can be found in the areas of Tallyn’s Reach, Beacon Hill and Southshore. A bit farther from the lakefront, the visitor may find exactly what they’re looking for in the areas of Littleton, Foxfield, Pheasant Run and Aurora proper. So, come visit Aurora Reservoir. Enjoy the water, the wildlife and the selection of laid-back activities. Spend a little time here – you may fall in love.

    Things to Do at Aurora Reservoir

    These are some activities in the Aurora Reservoir, CO area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Fishing Tournaments
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Scuba Diving
    • Golf
    • Picnicking
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • National Wildlife Refuge
    • Museum

    What Kind of Fish Are in Aurora Reservoir?

    Aurora Reservoir has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Catfish
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Perch
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Trout
    • Walleye
    divider

    Find Places to Stay at Aurora Reservoir

    If you’re considering a Aurora Reservoir lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Aurora Reservoir Vacation

    Our interactive Aurora Reservoir lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

    Check TripAdvisor
    Check Expedia
    Find a Campspot
    All Travel Resources

    Aurora Reservoir Statistics & Helpful Links

    divider

    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: City of Aurora

    Surface Area: 820 acres

    Shoreline Length: 8 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 5,930 feet

    Average Depth: 39 feet

    Maximum Depth: 110 feet

    Water Volume: 31,650 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1990

    Water Residence Time: 6 years

    Drainage Area: 4 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Mesotrophic

    Aurora Reservoir Map
    Local Weather Forecast

    We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

    Shop Aurora Reservoir Gifts

    Custom Lake Tumblers

    Captain / First Mate Custom 20 oz Tumbler

    SHOP NOW
    Custom Lake T Shirt

    Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

    SHOP NOW
    Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

    On Lake Time Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

    SHOP NOW
    VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

    More Aurora Reservoir news from LakeLubbers.com

    • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
    • The Aurora Reservoir forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
    • New Aurora Reservoir photos coming soon!
    • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
    • Share this Aurora Reservoir article with your fellow LakeLubbers: