Park Activities
This lake retreat on the Western Slope is the perfect spot for water adventures, including boating, water skiing, swimming, sailboarding and paddle boarding. The lake is a largemouth bass trophy fishery, so it’s great for anglers too. It’s also a popular area for birdwatching.
Biking
Mountain biking on gravel or dirt roads.
(Updated: 3/30/2019 1:14 PM)
Boating
Power boating, sailing, jet-skiing and canoeing are popular activities at Sweitzer Lake. A boat ramp is located at the west end of the lake near the dam. Visitors also enjoy water skiing, swimming and scuba diving. Swimming is permitted in the swim area only. Swim beach attendants are not on duty at the swim area. Boaters are subject to Colorado boating statutes and regulations; brochures are available at the entrance station and park headquarters.
(Updated: 6/2/2025 10:30 AM MT)
Cross-country Skiing
Sometimes yes. Check for local weather conditions in Delta.
(Updated: 3/30/2019 1:14 PM)
Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in the park as long as:
- they are on a six foot or shorter leash at all times
- their waste is properly disposed of
- they are not allowed on the swim beach
- Please DO NOT leave them in your car while you are enjoying the park.
(Updated: 3/30/2019 1:16 PM)
Fishing
Sweitzer Lake is considered a good fishing spot for youngsters with catfish, bluegill, green sunfish, and carp. The lake is a largemouth bass trophy fishery. Sweitzer Lake is a catch and release only lake.
(Updated: 6/2/2025 10:30 AM MT)
Hiking
Sweitzer Lake offers visitors a trail around the lake. The Sweitzer Trail is 1.4 miles and is suitable for hiking and biking.
(Updated: 1/6/2025 10:30 AM MT)
Horseback Riding
Yes, except in designated picnic areas, and swim beach.
(Updated: 3/30/2019 1:16 PM)
Hunting
Waterfowl hunting is allowed only in the six designated hunt zones on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays and legal holidays after Labor Day. Shotgun hunting is allowed within the park’s boundaries.
Hunting reservations can be made through the CPW Shop. Duck blind reservations are mandatory.
- Waterfowl hunting is prohibited, except on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays and legal holidays after Labor Day.
- Waterfowl hunting is prohibited, except in the six (6) designated hunt zones.
- From 5:00 am until 12:00 pm, reservations are required to hunt waterfowl. Reserved zones which are unoccupied by 7:00 am will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, any hunt zone must be yielded at any time upon request of a hunter holding a valid and active reservation for that zone.
- Reservations are not required to hunt waterfowl from 1:00 pm until sunset, and hunting is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Leaving decoys overnight is prohibited.
- Hunting reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance by phone at (800) 244-5613.
(Updated: 6/2/2025 10:30 AM MT)
Jet Skiing
Allowed. Please obey all rules of the road concerning boats on the water. Jet skis are encouraged to use the area in the southwest corner of the lake to avoid conflict with other boaters.
(Updated: 3/30/2019 1:17 PM)
Paddle Boarding
Sweitzer Lake offers the perfect paddle-boarding opportunity! Get on the water to enjoy stunning views and a full-body workout. Be sure to have a life jacket as well as a sound-producing device (like a whistle).
(Updated: 6/2/2025 10:30 AM MT)
Picnicking
Picnicking is Sweitzer Lake’s primary visitor activity, with 32 picnic sites, including some shelters. Picnic sites offer a fire ring and a nice view of the lake.
(Updated: 1/6/2025 10:30 AM MT)
Sailboarding
Sailboarding is allowed.
(Updated: 3/30/2019 1:42 PM)
Swimming
A sandy beach for all to enjoy! Colorado State Park swim beaches do not have lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk. Children must be supervised by adults at all times. Swimming is permitted in the swim area only.
(Updated: 1/6/2025 10:30 AM MT)
Volleyball
Bring your own net and ball, and set up in area that will not interfere with other users.
(Updated: 3/30/2019 1:43 PM)
Water Skiing
Counter-clockwise direction around the Ski buoys in middle of the lake.
(Updated: 3/30/2019 1:43 PM)
Winter Activities
Ice is usually considered unsafe at this lake. Please call the park office for weather conditions. Before going out onto a frozen lake, pond or river, it’s important to take safety precautions to reduce the risk of falling through the ice. Knowing how to judge ice conditions will also help you make more informed decisions while enjoying winter activities.
(Updated: 12/16/2020 9:22 AM)