Stand-up paddleboarding, affectionately shortened to SUP, is the latest craze in Colorado’s water recreation scene. If you’re curious as to why, we’ve got some ideal starting spots in mind.

Before you go, make sure you’re up to speed on rules, regulations and fees that vary across jurisdictions.

Bear Creek Lake Park: While many Denverites take their boards to Cherry Creek Reservoir and Sloan Lake, the benefit to this Lakewood park is twofold: It’s home to Soda Lake and the larger Bear Creek Lake. No motorized vessels on Soda Lake means you as a first-timer won’t have to worry about the wake. Small engines are allowed on Bear Creek Lake, meaning it won’t be much of a step up, and you get a different view.

Evergreen Lake: The boathouse has offered rentals over the years to onlookers easily captivated by the SUP trend here in the hills beyond Denver. There have been yoga classes on paddleboards along with sunrise and full moon programs. It’s a lake free of gas engines, which adds even more tranquility amid the tranquil, forested scene.

Grand Lake: There might be no better beach experience in Colorado than this town situated on the state’s largest natural body of water. And there might be no better way to experience the water than with an upright view of the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park’s western side.

Lake San Cristobal: Lake City is a quaint, ideal base camp for exploring western Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. But who says you have to venture higher? You can stay put at the state’s second largest lake — a calm, blue dream. Don’t miss the island toward the middle of the water, also reached by a suspension bridge.

Enjoying the great outdoors of Teller County

Rampart Reservoir is pretty as a picture.

Rampart Reservoir: Prospect and Quail lakes are the popular spots in Colorado Springs — with a big emphasis on popular. High in the national forest west of town, Rampart Reservoir also gets busy and, unlike the other two bodies of water, motor boats are allowed here, so the waters could be bumpy in spots. But at least there’s a lot more room to roam. And you can’t beat the view of Pikes Peak.

Vallecito Lake: For being one of Colorado’s biggest bodies of water, Vallecito Lake tends to hide from popular view. Don’t miss it on your next trip to Durango. About 20 miles northeast of town, the lake is serviced by Vallecito Marina, which has rented paddleboards for a quiet, unforgettable experience under the high peaks of Weminuche Wilderness.