Where to paddleboard in Colorado: Grand Lake, Horsetooth Reservoir
When it comes to watersports, nothing matches the serenity – or scenery – of gliding across a mountain lake on a stand-up paddleboard.
On some Colorado lakes and reservoirs, stand-up paddleboarding is confined to a specific, relatively small area. However, there are several liquid oases where you can capture the full panorama of the surrounding peaks, forests and shores, and explore to your heart’s content.
Here are some of our favorites.
Grand Lake
The largest and deepest natural water source in Colorado, Grand Lake measures 515 surface acres and is 265 feet at its deepest point. The shoreline measures 4.5 miles and because it’s connected to the neighboring and even more expansive Shadow Mountain Reservoir (accessed through a narrow passage that’s ideal for SUPs), the opportunities for exploration are bountiful. Considering its proximity to the west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, the lake is also surprisingly uncrowded.
With the dark green presence of Shadow Mountain looming on the southern shoreline, the aroma of pine trees is ever-present across the water, which is smoothest and most manageable in the morning.
The lake is bordered on one side by Grand Lake’s historic downtown, featuring picturesque old saloons, restaurants, boutique shops and ice cream parlors.
As you paddle along the western shoreline of Grand Lake and around Point Park (the start of the channel that leads to Shadow Mountain Lake, including a passage under Jerico Road) you’ll come across a colorful array of lakeside residences, varying from historic cabins to mansions. (Actor Tim Allen is said to own a home here.)
Need to know: Personal flotation devices are required for all individuals (even dogs) on paddleboards. Check the wind direction and start your paddle into the wind to make the return trip less taxing. The lake often gets choppy in the afternoon.
Parking: Grand Lake Marina is your best bet. There’s also Arapaho National Recreation Area, a large parking lot on the Shadow Mountain Lake side of the water with quick, easy access for visitors with their own paddleboards.
Gear rentals: Paddleboard rentals, including paddle and PFD, are available at Rocky Mountain SUP (dogs allowed) starting at $30 for one hour or at the marina (no dogs allowed) starting at $26 for one hour.
Lake Dillon
Views of the majestic Ten Mile Range, especially the triangular Peak One scarred by an enormous avalanche path, don’t get better than from the middle of this expansive reservoir between Frisco and Dillon. Although parking areas around the lake fill up and both the Frisco Bay and Dillon Marinas get busy, especially on weekends in July and August, you can find plenty of areas to spread out on this body of water.
Because Lake Dillon serves as Denver’s drinking water, speed boats and motorized personal watercraft (as well as swimming) are prohibited.
Although there are always a few pontoon boats chugging across the main corridor and a fair share of sailboats around the lake, kayakers and paddleboarders can venture where they please. Take a picnic and find a remote slice of sand on an island (there are more than a dozen) or a quiet piece of shoreline to spend an hour or two relaxing in the sunshine.
Keep an eye on the forecast, however, as winds can pick up mid-day and thunderstorms often roll in during summer afternoons. The early morning is when the water surface is typically its glassiest and most inviting.
Need to know: Personal flotation devices are mandatory for every individual on Lake Dillon. Summit County sheriff’s deputies patrol the water by boat daily in summer and will stop you and most likely issue a steep fine if you don’t have a PFD on your body or at least strapped to your board. Because the water is frigid (typically around 50 degrees all summer) and hypothermia sets in quickly, it’s smart to actually wear one.
Parking: In addition to the Dillon and Frisco Bay marinas, there are numerous put-in areas around the lake, including from the handful of shoreside campgrounds and parking lots. For $8, reliable parking and smooth lake access is available at the Giberson Bay Day Use lot.
Gear rentals: Paddleboards, including paddles and PFDs, are available at the Frisco Bay Marina starting at $51 for 2 hours. (Book early for a discount and to ensure you get one.) In Dillon rentals start at $60 at Stand Up Paddle.
Meridian/Long Lake
This narrow body of water near Crested Butte is a bit of a locals’ secret and it takes some effort (of the cardiovascular variety) to reach.
After a short drive and a walk on a dirt road you’ll emerge from the thick pine forest to find yourself in a lush meadow of wildflowers lining this stunningly turquoise, knife-shaped lake. You can picnic and put in wherever you find a spot along the 2 miles of shoreline (without crushing wildflowers or sensitive soil, of course). Other than the few clusters of fellow swimmers and SUPers, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a private paradise.
Need to know: This area is surrounded by private land and residences, so abide all signs and stay on roads and trails.
Getting there/Parking: From the town of Crested Butte, take Gothic Road (Route 135) north 1.75 miles. Turn left onto Washington Gulch Road (County Road 811) and drive 1.5 miles. Park in front of the tennis courts on the right side. Walk across the dam and past the private lake on your right. Follow the road around to the left and head through the gate. Follow the gravel road up around one switchback and down to the lake. There are no real beaches around the lake, but there are a few flattish dirt areas. Just pick a place to put in – and be sure to pack out all trash.
Gear rentals: Paddleboard packages (4 hours) start at $47 at Wheelies and Waves in Crested Butte.
Carter Lake
Home to an absolute smorgasbord of lakes, Loveland is a water lover’s hotbed. Lying 15 miles southwest of the historic downtown, Carter Lake is arguably the area’s most spectacular offering.
Three miles long and about 1 mile wide, the 1,100-acre reservoir is surrounded by 1,000 acres of public land that includes numerous camping spots overlooking the lake. The water is teeming with walleye, trout and largemouth bass. From your board, it’s not unusual to see fish splashing through the surface.
The lake is a go-to spot for sailing, water skiing, swimming and even scuba diving. A day use entrance fee of $10 per vehicle is required. Paddleboards can be used in any part of the lake besides the marina, but the warmest and smoothest areas to paddle are closest to the shore. The swim beach is a great starting point, as the serenity of the ever-growing quiet is delightful as you pull away to your own piece of shoreline.
Need to know: Paddlers are required to have a PFD at all times. Fast-moving motorboats frequent the middle of the lake, so it’s safest to stay close to the shore.
Getting there/Parking: The Carter Lake swim beach is located at Dam 2, past the marina between the Big Thompson and Sky View campgrounds, and includes restrooms. There is a $10 entrance fee per vehicle.
Gear rentals: What’s SUP is located at the south shore behind the boat dock. Rentals (including PFD and paddle) start at $25 for one hour.
Horsetooth Reservoir
Named after the snaggled rock formation that overlooks the lake, Horsetooth Reservoir lies less than 20 minutes from Old Town Fort Collins. This large (6.5-mile-long) stretch of liquid paradise is the region’s epicenter for outdoor recreation. In addition to swimming, boating and paddlesports, people while away summer weekends hiking and biking on the miles of trails surrounding the water, as well as rock climbing and horse riding.
The best place to paddleboard (also the location of the rental shop) is at the north end of the lake at Satanka Cove. From here you can push off into the still, glassy expanse and glide around the clove-shaped reaches of the cove. Lush with lime green vegetation set off against red rocks and sand, the colors are otherworldly. Chances are, you’ll mostly have it to yourself. Early morning is the most magical time to paddle here.
Need to know: Although Horsetooth warms up in late summer, the water is deep in places and a PFD is required on your board at all times.
Getting there/parking: Park at Satanka Cove. A $9 day pass is required and can be purchased at the pay machine in the parking lot.
Gear rentals: What’s SUP is located at Satanka Cove. Rentals (including PFD and paddle) start at $25 for one hour.
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