Lakes around Colton offer diverse natural landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts. The region features various water bodies, from expansive lakes to smaller tarns and waterfalls, providing opportunities for exploration and recreation. These areas are characterized by their natural beauty, often surrounded by forests and offering scenic viewpoints. The geography supports a range of activities, making it a destination for those seeking natural experiences.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
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Popular around Colton
Great shortcut rather than heading around the north of the lake.
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Coniston Water is a lake in the Lake District. It is the third largest lake by volume, after Windermere and Ullswater, and the fifth largest by surface area. The lake is 8.7 kilometres (5.4 mi) long, 730 metres (2,400 ft) wide and 56.1 metres (180 ft) deep. The lake drains into the River Crake, which flows into Morecambe Bay via the estuary of the River Leven. (Wikipedia)
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Tom Ghyll (or Gill) is a fast flowing stream with two spectacular waterfalls. There is a path along it up to Tarn Hows. Or if you leave Tarn Hows down to Glen Mary car park.
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The beautiful Tarn Hows offers an accessible circular walk (2.4km) through beautiful countryside with majestic mountain views. A great place to walk on a well maintained path. It can get busy though.
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The lake is a wonderful place to enjoy from one of the paths along the shore or from the surrounding mountains. The Cumbria Way also runs along the shore for about 4km, passing campsites. A herd of cows grazes in a meadow adjacent to the lake – and of course, the usual sheep are also around :)
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The Cumbria Way follows the western shore of Coniston Water for 4km. This is a beautiful tranquil section of the path with good views across the lake. You will often see schools of sailing dinghys and of course the Coniston Launch ferry. There are several jetties where the launch will stop with timetables. It is much more enjoyable to walk though.
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The National Trust car park for Tarn Hows is conveniently situated for plenty of running adventures in the area. Charges apply but NT members get free parking, and all proceeds are used to help maintain the trails, so it feels good to give a little back. The car park has toilets and, in the summer, and at other busy times the ice cream van serves a great pre or post run treat. For less able visitors off road tramper wheelchairs are available to borrow.
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Residents of Colton, California, often visit several popular lakes in the surrounding Inland Empire region. These include Big Bear Lake, known for its wide range of water activities; Lake Perris, offering horseback riding, water skiing, and camping; Silverwood Lake, a favored spot for boating and fishing; and Diamond Valley Lake, the largest man-made reservoir in Southern California, popular for boating and fishing.
Yes, several lakes near Colton offer excellent fishing opportunities. Colton Recreation Lake Near Bloomington is primarily known as a fishing spot for local anglers. Additionally, Big Bear Lake, Lake Perris, Silverwood Lake, and Diamond Valley Lake are all popular for fishing, with species like bass, trout, and catfish commonly found.
The lakes in the Inland Empire region offer a variety of water activities. Big Bear Lake is popular for boating, jet skiing, and swimming. Lake Perris provides opportunities for water skiing, boating, jet skiing, and swimming. Silverwood Lake is favored for boating, fishing, and swimming. Lake Elsinore is a destination for boating, jet skiing, and kayaking, though swimming is not recommended due to algae. Diamond Valley Lake is well-regarded for boating and fishing.
Many lakes near Colton are suitable for families. Lake Perris offers a wide range of activities including camping, hiking, and swimming, making it a great family destination. Big Bear Lake also provides numerous family-friendly water and outdoor activities. Always check specific lake regulations for amenities and safety guidelines.
Lake Perris offers hiking trails in addition to water activities. While the provided data for 'Lakes around Colton' does not list specific hiking routes for the California lakes, you can explore general hiking options in the region. For example, you can find various easy hikes around Colton, such as the Easy hikes around Colton guide, which includes routes like the High Dam Lake loop.
Yes, Lake Perris is a notable destination for camping, attracting over a million visitors annually for its diverse recreational offerings, including camping. It's advisable to check specific campground availability and make reservations, especially during peak seasons.
Big Bear Lake, Lake Perris, Silverwood Lake, and Diamond Valley Lake are all excellent choices for boating. Big Bear Lake features six boat launches, while Lake Perris has five public boat launches. Diamond Valley Lake is also well-regarded for boating. Always check for specific regulations regarding boat types and permits.
Yes, Lake Elsinore stands out as the largest natural freshwater lake in Southern California, boasting over 14 miles of shoreline. It's a popular spot for various outdoor recreational activities, though swimming is generally not recommended due to significant algae.
The best time to visit lakes near Colton largely depends on the activities you plan. Spring and fall generally offer pleasant weather for hiking and outdoor recreation without the intense summer heat. Summer is ideal for water sports like swimming, boating, and jet skiing, though lakes can be more crowded. Winter can be cooler, especially at higher elevation lakes like Big Bear, offering different scenic experiences.
While specific cycling routes directly around the Southern California lakes mentioned are not detailed in the provided data, the broader Colton area offers cycling opportunities. You can explore various routes in the Cycling around Colton guide, which includes routes of varying difficulty.
For those interested in running, the region around Colton provides several options. You can find various running trails in the Running Trails around Colton guide, with routes ranging from easy to difficult, such as the Oscar's Café loop from Staveley-in-Cartmel.
Diamond Valley Lake is the largest man-made reservoir in Southern California, covering nearly 5,000 acres and featuring three dams. It is highly regarded for boating and fishing, with the lake regularly stocked with large-mouth bass. However, swimming and jet skiing are typically not permitted at Diamond Valley Lake.


Still not found your perfect lake around Colton? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.