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10 places to go paddleboarding in the Colorado mountains

By June 16, 2021 | updated 5 years ago

1. Grand Lake – Grand LakeGrand Lake is Colorado’s largest natural body of water, situated high in the mountains at more than 8,300 feet in elevation. Paddle boarders enjoy calm waters on the lake’s outer edge where tall pines line the lake. Views of mountain peaks, including Rocky Mountain National Park, make for a peaceful paddle on a mountain lake.Photo Credit: Rocky Mountain SUP.

Where Colorado lacks sandy beaches and ocean waves is made up in mountain lakes and rivers. Here are 10 places to go paddle boarding in the mountains of Colorado.

Author’s Note: Some spots in this list require an entrance fee. Lifeguards may not be employed or always on duty at some of these places to paddleboard. Prepare for cold water and avoid shock by wearing a wetsuit or drysuit. Always wear a Personal Flotation Device, which is required by law at most bodies of water in Colorado.

1. Grand Lake – Grand LakeGrand Lake is Colorado’s largest natural body of water, situated high in the mountains at more than 8,300 feet in elevation. Paddle boarders enjoy calm waters on the lake’s outer edge where tall pines line the lake. Views of mountain peaks, including Rocky Mountain National Park, make for a peaceful paddle on a mountain lake.Photo Credit: Rocky Mountain SUP.
1. Grand Lake – Grand LakeGrand Lake is Colorado’s largest natural body of water, situated high in the mountains at more than 8,300 feet in elevation. Paddle boarders enjoy calm waters on the lake’s outer edge where tall pines line the lake. Views of mountain peaks, including Rocky Mountain National Park, make for a peaceful paddle on a mountain lake.Photo Credit: Rocky Mountain SUP.
2. Bear Creek Lake Park – LakewoodEnjoy a quiet lake at Bear Creek Lake Park on Big Soda Lake where only non-motorized boats are allowed. Paddleboarders can skim the calm waters and take in the mountainous views all around.Photo Credit: Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post (via AP).
2. Bear Creek Lake Park – LakewoodEnjoy a quiet lake at Bear Creek Lake Park on Big Soda Lake where only non-motorized boats are allowed. Paddleboarders can skim the calm waters and take in the mountainous views all around.Photo Credit: Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post (via AP).
3. Dillon Reservoir – FriscoPaddle around several islands in Dillon Reservoir when launching from the Frisco Bay Marino. Paddle boarders can adventure from island to island in the Giberson Bay area.Photo Credit: OutThere Colorado Staff.
3. Dillon Reservoir – FriscoPaddle around several islands in Dillon Reservoir when launching from the Frisco Bay Marino. Paddle boarders can adventure from island to island in the Giberson Bay area.Photo Credit: OutThere Colorado Staff.
4. Lake San Cristobal – Lake CityColorado’s second largest lake is Lake San Cristobal found near Lake City, a mountain town is said to be the most remote town in the lower 48 states. Lake San Cristobal is situated in the San Juan mountains, providing beautiful scenery of a high-elevation environment.Photo Credit: Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette.
4. Lake San Cristobal – Lake CityColorado’s second largest lake is Lake San Cristobal found near Lake City, a mountain town is said to be the most remote town in the lower 48 states. Lake San Cristobal is situated in the San Juan mountains, providing beautiful scenery of a high-elevation environment.Photo Credit: Kelsey Brunner, The Gazette.
5. Horsetooth Reservoir – Fort CollinsHorsetooth Reservoir offers clear water and beautiful scenery for paddle boarders. The reservoir is big enough to paddle around for hours in the mountains west of Fort Collins.Photo Credit: marekuliasz (iStock).
5. Horsetooth Reservoir – Fort CollinsHorsetooth Reservoir offers clear water and beautiful scenery for paddle boarders. The reservoir is big enough to paddle around for hours in the mountains west of Fort Collins.Photo Credit: marekuliasz (iStock).
6. Rampart Reservoir – Woodland ParkOpen May to October each year, Rampart Reservoir is nestled in the mountains between Colorado Springs and Woodland Park. Paddle boarding on this reservoir rewards paddlers with one of the best views of Pikes Peak. There are plenty of inlets to explore throughout Rampart Reservoir.Photo Credit: Brycen McCright.
6. Rampart Reservoir – Woodland ParkOpen May to October each year, Rampart Reservoir is nestled in the mountains between Colorado Springs and Woodland Park. Paddle boarding on this reservoir rewards paddlers with one of the best views of Pikes Peak. There are plenty of inlets to explore throughout Rampart Reservoir.Photo Credit: Brycen McCright.
7. Quail Lake – Colorado SpringsThose looking for urban paddling boarding need search no further than Quail Lake in Colorado Springs. This small city lake is great for sunrise or sunset paddles, as well as those new to paddle boarding.Photo by Seth Boster, The Gazette.
7. Quail Lake – Colorado SpringsThose looking for urban paddling boarding need search no further than Quail Lake in Colorado Springs. This small city lake is great for sunrise or sunset paddles, as well as those new to paddle boarding.Photo by Seth Boster, The Gazette.
8. Arkansas River – SalidaSome experienced paddleboarders flock to the Arkansas River, where they can try the Colorado version of surfing. River surfing is possible in downtown Salida where water breaks are made for those on the water to ride.Photo Credit: Jacob Boomsma (iStock).
8. Arkansas River – SalidaSome experienced paddleboarders flock to the Arkansas River, where they can try the Colorado version of surfing. River surfing is possible in downtown Salida where water breaks are made for those on the water to ride.Photo Credit: Jacob Boomsma (iStock).
9. North Star Nature Preserve – AspenOne relatively undisturbed paddle boarding destination is North Star Nature Preserve in Aspen. This area requires users keep any noise at a minimum, giving the space a serene and natural setting. The North Star flows gently through a meadow where various animals can sometimes be spotted, including moose.Author’s Note: North Star Nature Preserve is a designated quiet zone. Visitors are not allowed to stop anywhere along the river except at The Beach and can only exit at South Gate and the pedestrian bridge. Floaters must stop and exit the river at the pedestrian bridge. Read more regulations here.Photo Credit: Thaddeus Roan.
9. North Star Nature Preserve – AspenOne relatively undisturbed paddle boarding destination is North Star Nature Preserve in Aspen. This area requires users keep any noise at a minimum, giving the space a serene and natural setting. The North Star flows gently through a meadow where various animals can sometimes be spotted, including moose.Author’s Note: North Star Nature Preserve is a designated quiet zone. Visitors are not allowed to stop anywhere along the river except at The Beach and can only exit at South Gate and the pedestrian bridge. Floaters must stop and exit the river at the pedestrian bridge. Read more regulations here.Photo Credit: Thaddeus Roan.
10. South Catamount Reservoir – Pikes PeakSouth Catamount Reservoir is nestled on Pikes Peak, giving paddle boarders a front row view of the 14,115-foot mountain. The fresh mountain waters and dense wooded forest make for an ultimate Colorado paddling adventure.Photo Credit: Liz Henderson.
10. South Catamount Reservoir – Pikes PeakSouth Catamount Reservoir is nestled on Pikes Peak, giving paddle boarders a front row view of the 14,115-foot mountain. The fresh mountain waters and dense wooded forest make for an ultimate Colorado paddling adventure.Photo Credit: Liz Henderson.
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