An increasingly popular water-based activity, stand up paddleboarding is a great choice in coastal areas. However, you need not move to a beach town to enjoy water sports. Colorado has several beaches suitable for paddleboarding. Although landlocked, Colorado is home to more than 24 major rivers with about 2,000 lakes and reservoirs, which make it a perfect destination for paddleboarding. Colorado has unique beaches with serene views of the Rocky Mountains that you might not find on the ocean coastlines. Never paddle boarded before? Don’t worry, it’s not difficult to pick it up! These are a few of our favorites.
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Big Soda Lake
Big Soda Lake is a 20-minute drive from Denver and it is the first choice of city dwellers during the months of summer. There are many places to rent equipment for different water-related activities. The season here starts from Memorial Day which is the last Monday in May to Labor Day, which is the first Monday of September. These shops will not be open out of the season. It is a popular paddleboarding destination so arrive early and book the equipment. It is located in Bear Creek Lake Park which is complete with a swimming lane, picnic shelters, volleyball courts, and a beach.
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Grand Lake
The Grand Lake is surrounded by the Rocky Mountain National Park and it lives up to its name. There is a surface area of 500 acres and it is the largest natural lake in Colorado which makes it a very popular spot for water activities. There is a marina where you can find different shops for rental equipment and you can also relax and sunbathe at the beach after your paddle. If you are traveling as a group or with family, this is an ideal place to enjoy paddleboarding.
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Vallecito Lake
Vallecito Lake is about 18 miles from Durango and it is positioned in a beautiful valley with outstanding mountain views. The lake is 7,800 feet above sea level and it is the largest body of water at this elevation in Colorado. It is a quiet place and you can enjoy paddleboarding and plenty of other activities. It is also an excellent place for fishing. You can bring your boards or rent from Vallecito Marina.
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Dillon Reservoir
The Dillon Reservoir is located in Summit County and it covers 3,300 acres and 27 miles of shoreline. It is an ideal place for paddleboarding and you can rent the boards from Frisco Bay Marina which has the beach and several cafes, bars, and restaurants. You will also see several campgrounds nearby with an adventure park for land activities.
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Lake San Cristobal
Located in the beautiful Lake City in the San Juan Mountains, Lake San Cristobal is the perfect expanse of water for paddleboarding. It is also the second-largest natural lake in Colorado. It has calm, cold waters and is the perfect spot for beginner paddle boarders. The lake is home to a variety of trout for those who want to enjoy fishing. You can either take your own SUP or rent from the local shops nearby. The best thing about this location is the campground nearby. You can get away and enjoy the tranquil and local wildlife for a night or two with your family and friends.
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Boulder Reservoir
The Boulder Reservoir is located north of the city of Boulder and is 25 miles from Denver. It is easily accessible and a very popular location for water activities. It remains open for boating, SUP, and kayaking throughout the year but the swimming season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In this season, there is an entry fee of $7 for adults for a day. The reservoir has a few quiet hours on specific days in a week. During these days, the lake remains wakeless except for some lake patrols. If you are a beginner at paddleboarding and want to make the most of the calm waters, it is the best time to get a head start.
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Horsetooth Reservoir
Located right outside Fort Collins, the Horsetooth Reservoir is 7 miles long and is 1 mile wide. Since it is close to the city, the area remains busy during summer with swimming and boating activities. It is the perfect spot to paddleboard in autumn. Because of the high level of activity at the reservoir in the summer season, the water could be rougher than the other areas mentioned here. As a beginner, you might find it hard to remain balanced amidst the waves and wakes. If you are experienced in paddleboarding, you will have an excellent time here. You could even try SUP yoga. Make sure to reach early in the morning to avoid the crowds and stay close to the shore to avoid fast boats. The entry fee is $7 for every vehicle.
Colorado is the perfect place to engage in water activities. It has several lakes, rivers, creeks, and reservoirs where beginners and professionals can enjoy adventures on the water. If you are a beginner, stick to the calm waters in the summer months and hire equipment from a reliable shop. The type and quality of equipment make a lot of difference to the overall experience. You may want to book ahead to avoid disappointment. If this is your first time and you are only getting started, avoid heading out on a windy day and ask a friend to join you so that you can watch out for one another. Always wear the right type of clothes to make sure you are dressed for the temperatures you will be encountering. Falling and getting back on the board is a part of the activity and do not panic if you fall down a few times when starting. Most importantly, relax and enjoy the view!
