Farley Canyon

Farley Canyon is one of countless side canyons on Utah's Lake Powell, but offers the perk of being vehicle-accessible with a 4X4.  In years past, Farley Canyon was a popular launch point and camping area.  The low water levels of recent years have caused the shoreline to retreat a couple of miles from the original recreation area.  At present, Farley Canyon is a separate water body from Lake Powell proper but is connected to the Colorado River by a short inflow channel.  

Primitive camping is available at Farley Canyon, and there is a restroom at the adjacent recreation site (may be locked off-season).  As part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, there is a fee of $12/night to camp here.  Camping is permitted both at the recreation area and shoreside below the high water elevation of 3700 feet.  Check regulations and fees, as they are subject to change by the National Park Service.  Quagga mussels--an aquatic invasive species--have also been present in this area.  Be sure to thoroughly clean, drain and dry any vessel or gear that has contacted the water after use.  Also ensure that no water is transported out of this lake into any other body of water.  

   

Vicinity Map

    Location Info: [key]

    Scenery: 5
    Shoreline Interest: 4
    Use: Low
    Fee: $12/day if camping
    Access: 1+ mi of 4WD 

    with sidehill section before water
    Elev at full = 3700; 

    cut-off from main lake under 3600, 

    good at any water level 
    Rec info 
    Weather 

Denver City Parks

The City and County of Denver permits hand-launched boating on five designated lakes within its parks system:

• Ferrill Lake (City Park)
• Smith Lake (Washington Park)
• Sloan Lake
• Berkely Lake
• Rocky Mountain Lake

Previously, Denver Parks required a permit to launch a watercraft on these lakes.  As of 2021, permits for hand-launched vessels are no longer required.

Vicinity Map

    Location Info: [key]

    Scenery: 1
    Shoreline Interest: 1
    Use: High
    Fee: None
    Access: Paved
    Rec. info 
    Weather 







These public urban parks might not have the grandeur of Colorado's mountain lakes, but they are close and convenient for a great number of Colorado's residents.  They also inhabit charming neighborhoods with unique, eclectic shops and restaurants.  These city lakes are good options when time only allows an hour or two to get on the water.  Have fun, be safe, and support neighborhood businesses!

Please feel free to add observations of current conditions to the comments!

McIntosh Lake

McIntosh Lake is an close, convenient stand-up paddle place for those in the Boulder County area.  Located within a Longmont neighborhood park, it enjoys a scenic backdrop of Longs Peak and Mt. Meeker.  

To minimize traffic and noise impacts for area residents, the city has implemented a 25 watercraft maximum on the lake.  If there are more than 25 vessels on the water, please return at a less busy time, or instead visit another water body.  Union Reservoir, 15 minutes to the east, is a good alternative when McIntosh is busy.  

Vicinity Map

    Location Info: [key]

    

    Scenery: 2
    Shoreline Interest: 1
    Use: High
    Fee: None
    Access: Paved
    Full elev = 5080; 

    late season drawdown possible
    Rec. info 
    Weather 

Please be respectful of the community that shares this wonderful amenity with the public by adhering the the 25 watercraft maximum.  Avoid busy times by visiting early morning, weekdays, or off-season.  In late summer and fall, the water level may drop requiring a short traverse over mud flats to access the shore.  Have fun and stay safe!

Please feel free to add observations of current conditions to the comments!

Southwest Utah

Located in the southwest corner of Utah, the St. George area is about as removed of a getaway that one can get from Denver while crossing only one state line.  But at about 3000 feet in elevation, the region enjoys an early spring climate more comparable to Las Vegas than the rest of Colorado and Utah.  There is also a surprising cluster of lakes in the area that maintain more moderate early season water temperatures than lakes on the Front Range.  Additionally, a large vacation rental market makes it a viable option for an early season destination from Colorado (i.e. spring break).  

Sand Hollow Lake

Multiple stand-up paddle places are featured here and they all have different personalities.  Adding recreational variety to a trip here are numerous hiking and mountain biking trails in the surrounding red-rock lands, including renowned Zion National Park and Gooseberry Mesa.  

Bear Creek & Big Soda Lakes

Conveniently located within the City of Lakewood, Big Soda Lake is possibly the worst kept stand-up paddle secret in Colorado.  High visibility, easy access, and a wake-free water contribute to its popularity.  Neighboring Bear Creek Lake allows motorized boating but offers more wooded coves and a change of scenery.  Both lakes are accessed with a day pass ($10) or annual pass ($80) to Bear Creek Lake Park.

Big Soda Lake

    Location Info: [key]
    Bear Creek & Big Soda

    Use: High
    Fee: $10/vehicle
    Access: Paved

    Rec map 

    Rec info 

    Weather 

    Bear Creek Lake: [key]

    Scenery: 3
    Shoreline Interest: 3
    Full (active) elev = 5565

    Big Soda Lake: [key]

    Scenery: 2 

    Shoreline Interest: 2

    Full elev = 5700; 

    may experience late-season algae bloom

Bear Creek Lake Park can get very busy on summer weekends, and entry to the park is not assured for late morning or mid-day arrivals.  For less company, visit in the evening or on a weekday.