There are many great places to paddle board in Colorado. Some of the best places include lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.

The best time to paddle board is in the summer when the weather is warm and the water is calm. However, you can paddle board year-round if you dress appropriately for the conditions.

Before I start listing my recommended places, I want to let you know that Outdoor Master offers reliable paddle boards at affordable prices, free shipping, and great deals on many occasions throughout the year.

 Here are my best places to paddle board in Colorado:

1. Boulder Reservoir

Located just 30 minutes from Denver downtown, Boulder Reservoir is a great place to paddle board. It is situated at an elevation of around 5,177 feet and has beautiful views. The reservoir has a large surface area of 700 acres and is ideal for paddling, swimming, fishing, and picnicking.

There are two beaches at the Boulder Reservoir where you can launch your paddle board, Boulder Aquatic Masters (BAM) and Stroke & Stride.

Just note, that swimming runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is not allowed outside its designated area that has lifeguards.

The paddle board rental shop that I know about its availability at the Boulder Reservoir is Rocky Mountain Paddleboard.

The best time to visit Boulder Reservoir is from June to August. If you want to relax paddleboarding, I recommend you to head there during the quiet hours when it is open only for lake patrols and city-sanctioned activities.

2. Cherry Creek Reservoir

Cherry Creek Reservoir is located in Denver and is a great place to paddle board with family and friends. The reservoir has a water surface of 880 acres and is situated at an elevation of 5551 feet.

There is an official swim beach on the east side of the park to the north where you can launch your paddle board.

Fishing in Cherry Creek Reservoir is excellent for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, and hybrid striped bass.

Overnight camping is also available in this place and there is an entrance fee of $11/day per vehicle.

Since this place is Denver, you have all the SUP rental shops nearby to rent a paddle board if you don't own one.

If you are in Denver and you want to paddle board without leaving the city, I will highly recommend you check this place.

Since this place is popular, if you want a relaxed paddle board experience, avoid the weekends and holidays.

3. Chatfield Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir is located in Littleton and it is a great place to paddle board with scenic views of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. The reservoir has a water surface of 1,423 acres and is situated at an elevation of 5580+ feet.

Fishing is popular in Chatfield Reservoir and you can catch Walleye, Smallmouth bass, and Largemouth bass.

You can launch your paddle board from the boat ramp on the south side of the reservoir.

There is an entrance fee of $10/day per vehicle.

If you want to rent a paddle board, there are many SUP rental shops around Chatfield Reservoir like Colorado Watersports and 5280 Paddle Sports.

4. Bear Creek Lake

Located in the southeast suburbs of Denver, Bear Creek Lake is a great place to paddle board with family or friends.

What I like about this place is that many sources said that motorized boards are not allowed or limited to a motor size of 10hp or less, which gives the opportunity to skim the calm waters and enjoy the mountainous views around you.

Fishing is also popular in Bear Creek Lake where you can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, and channel catfish.

Rocky Mountain Paddleboard is a nearby paddle board rental shop, so you don't have to worry about lugging your own gear. The cost is around $25 an hour, which is pretty reasonable.

5. Arapaho Bend Natural Area

If you want to avoid the Denver crowds, head out to Arapaho Bend Natural Area in Fort Collins. This spot is great for those who want to see some wildlife while paddle boarding. You might even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle that lives here during the winter!

There are also several islands that you can explore and plenty of places to fish, just be sure to get a state fishing license if you plan on doing so.

6. Horsetooth Reservoir

Just a short drive from Fort Collins is Horsetooth Reservoir, another great place to paddle board in Colorado. This spot is perfect for those who want to spend a day on the water and then camp overnight at one of the many campsites nearby.

There are also several hiking trails that you can explore if you need a break from paddle boarding.

For beginners, the wakes of the boats may make you feel unbalanced, but this remains an opportunity to work on your balance. To avoid collisions with boats, stay close to the shore.

If you want to avoid the crowds, head down early in the morning.

To access this reservoir, you have to pay an entrance fee of $9/day per vehicle.

If you are in Fort Collins and you are looking to enjoy a good session of paddleboarding, then this place makes a super convenient place.

7. Alta Lakes

Alta Lakes is a high-altitude lake located in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride. This spot is perfect for those who want to get away from the heat during the summer months. 

The water here is crystal clear and there are plenty of places to explore. You can also hike to nearby waterfalls or go fishing.

Just be sure to get a state fishing license if you plan on doing so. Fish species you can get in this place are Coastal cutthroat trout and rainbow trout.

To get to Alta Lakes, you have to take a 4x4 road from Telluride. The road is pretty bumpy, so I would recommend renting a jeep if you don't have one.

8. Lake Estes

Located just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, Lake Estes is a great place to paddle board and take in the spectacular views.

There are also several islands that you can explore and plenty of places to fish.

This lake has a daily fishing limit of 4 and fish species that can get are rainbow and brown trout. This place hosted an annual fishing derby since 1986, which indicates that this lake is well-stocked.

If you are visiting this place to avoid the crowds in other places, I recommend you avoid the weekends, especially during the summer months. The best time of the year to visit Lake Estes is in the fall. This way, you can get an opportunity to fish and paddle on calmer water

I don't know about a SUP rental shop near this place. That means you have to own one, and where you can get reliable inflatable paddle boards at affordable prices? you're right, Outdoor Master.

9. Dillon Reservoir

Dillon Reservoir is located in Summit County, just a 1-hour drive from Denver downtown. This spot is perfect for those who want to spend a day on the water and then camp overnight at one of the designated U.S. Forest Service campgrounds.

Dillon Reservoir offers 26 miles of shoreline to explore and many inlets to paddle through.

For much of the year, you can see bald eagles, hawks, dear, elk, and even bears in this place.

The best time to visit Dillon Reservoir is from June to September when the weather is warm enough.

10. Grand Lake

Located in Grand County, Grand Lake is the largest and deepest natural lake in Colorado. It's about a 2-hour drive from Denver, making it a great day trip or weekend getaway.

Grand Lake has a lot to offer visitors, including boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. There are also several restaurants and shops in the town of Grand Lake.

The best time to visit Grand Lake is the summer mornings when the weather is warm and sunny and the waters are calmer. This way, you also avoid the thunderstorms of the afternoons.

This place is right on the side of the town, so you have many dining options to choose from after your paddle, and since the town is home to less than 500 residents, you can easily have ample space for yourself.

11. Lake San Cristobal

Located in the San Juan Mountains, Lake San Cristobal is the second largest natural lake in Colorado.

There are many things to do in this area, including fishing, camping, hiking, and exploring the ghost town of St. Elmo.

This place is great for those who want to get away from the city and into nature. You can find many solitudes here as it's one of the less-crowded lakes in Colorado.

The best time to visit Lake San Cristobal is in the summer when the weather is warm and sunny. However, due to its high altitude, the evenings can be cool, so make sure to bring a jacket.

If you are coming from a faraway place, you have a nearby campground that you can enjoy for a night.

12. Vallecito Lake

Vallecito Lake is a great place for those who want to escape the heat of the summer. Located in La Plata County, this spot is about a 3-hour drive from Denver.

Besides paddleboarding, Vallecito Lake offers many activities that you can practice.

The best time to visit Vallecito Lake is from June to September when the weather is warm but not too hot. However, be aware of the afternoon thunderstorms that are common in this area during summertime.

If you own a paddle board that you can hike with and you look for a secluded water body to relax your mind surrounded by the beauty of nature, then Vallecito Lake is the best place for you.

13. Blue Mesa Reservoir

Located in Gunnison County, Blue Mesa Reservoir is the largest lake in Colorado. It has 96 miles of shoreline and 9180 acres of water to paddle around.

This place has much to offer including camping, fishing, and hiking in addition to paddleboarding. The views are incredible with the surrounding mountains, and you might even spot some wildlife while you're out on the water.

To get to this lake, you'll need to be ready for a real workout. After that, I recommend you launch your paddle board from Elk Creek Marina & Visitor Center.

If you are fit for a hike with your inflatable paddle and you look to paddle board in a place with scenic lookouts, you have to consider visiting this reservoir.

14. Barr Lake State Park

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Barr Lake State Park. This 2,715-acre state park is located northeast of Denver and offers 1,950 acres of prairie reservoir to paddle over and stunning views of the mountains.

Other than paddle boarding, this park has a variety of trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

The wildlife here is also incredible with bald eagles, beavers, and waterfowl calling the park home.

If you're looking for a lovely place to paddle board in Colorado that's away from it all, Barr Lake State Park is a perfect spot.

15. Union Reservoir

Union Reservoir is a man-made reservoir located in Longmont, Colorado that's perfect for paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, and swimming.

Fishing here can get you many fish species that include largemouth bass, bream/bluegill, striped bass, muskie, catfish, saugeye, and crappie.

This spot is also lovely in the fall when the leaves are changing color. So, if you're looking for a place to paddle board with stunning scenery, Union Reservoir is one of the best places in Colorado.

FAQs

WHAT IS THE BEST PADDLE BOARD FOR ME AS A BEGINNER?

If you are a beginner, I recommend inflatable paddle boards. These are easier to transport and store than their solid counterparts.

For the type, it should be an all-around paddle board. This type works well in a variety of conditions and is great for beginners who are still figuring out what they like.

Once you have more experience, you can start to experiment with other types of paddle boards.

WHY DO I RECOMMEND OUTDOOR MASTER SUP BOARDS?

There are many places where you can buy a paddle board. However, I recommend you to go with Outdoor Master.

At affordable prices, Outdoor offers a wide variety of paddle boards that you can rely on.

Moreover, Outdoor Master offers free shipping and great deals from time to time. So, if you are looking for a place to buy a paddle board, I would recommend Outdoor Master.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M FIT TO PADDLE BOARD?

Paddle boarding is a relatively easy activity that does not require much upper body strength. However, you should be able to swim and have some basic fitness. If you are not sure of your swimming abilities, you should wear a life jacket.

CAN I BRING MY DOG PADDLE BOARDING?

Yes, dogs are allowed on paddle boards. There are a few things you can do to make them more comfortable and safe on the board.

• Make sure your dog is comfortable swimming and has a life jacket if they're not a strong swimmer.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, as well as a bowl.
• If it's a hot day, make sure to bring a shady spot for your dog to rest in during breaks.
• Keep your dog on a leash at all times, and be prepared to grab them if they fall off the board.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME WHEN I GO PADDLE BOARDING?

Besides your SUP board and its accessories (electric SUP pump, paddle, leash, fins, and life jacket) it is better to have sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, water, and snacks.

BEST TIMES OF YEAR TO PADDLE AROUND COLORADO? 

The best time to paddle around Colorado really depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. For those seeking warmer weather and calmer waters, late spring through early fall is ideal. However, if you don't mind braving the cold and are looking for a more adventurous experience, winter can be a great time to paddle board as well.

Before I say goodbye, I would like to invite you to join us on our SUP-dedicated Facebook group, where you can get help and support from experienced people.

That’s all for this article, I hope you liked it.

See y’all.