In most states some portion of beaches are public land and all members of the public have a right to use that portion of the beach. The ability to walk along the beach is known as lateral beach access.

But the land between where people can park or walk to the beach and where they can enjoy the beach is often private property, making it difficult to provide access to the public while protecting personal property rights. The ability to reach the beach is known as vertical beach access.

Laws regarding public access to beaches vary from state to state but many states recognize the public trust doctrine, a legal doctrine that certain natural resources such as beaches are owned or held by the government in trust for the public’s use and enjoyment and that the government has an obligation to protect and maintain these resources for the public.

In Colorado, the issue of beach access is not as prominent as in coastal states due to its landlocked geography. However, the state does have numerous lakes and reservoirs, some of which may have beaches. In general, the public trust doctrine applies, meaning that certain natural resources are held in trust by the state for public use and enjoyment. Colorado state parks and public recreational areas typically provide both lateral and vertical access to their beaches. These areas are managed to balance public access with environmental protection and private property rights. While specific regulations can vary by location, public access to these areas is generally protected, although there may be restrictions to ensure the safety and privacy of both the public and property owners. It's important to check local regulations and property boundaries when planning a visit to a beach in Colorado.