Five places to go paddle boarding in Colorado
Where Colorado lacks sandy beaches and ocean waves is made up in mountain lakes and rivers. Here are five places to go paddle boarding in the mountains of Colorado. (Five more coming soon!)
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 Lake
Grand 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.
2. Bear Creek Lake Park — Lakewood
Enjoy 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.
3. Dillon Reservoir — Frisco
Paddle 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.
4. Lake San Cristobal — Lake City
Colorado’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.
5. Horsetooth Reservoir — Fort Collins
Horsetooth 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.
Grand Lake
Bear Creek Lake
Dillon Reservoir
Lake San Cristobal
Horsetooth Reservoir
