Green River Lakes

The Green River Lakes form the headwaters of the Green River--the same Green River that flows through Flaming Gorge, Dinosaur and Canyonlands National Park.  Lower Green River Lake with the backdrop of Squaretop Mountain forms one on the most photogenic vistas in the state of Wyoming.  Located at the northwest corner of the reclusive Wind River Range--outside of any national park boundary--the Green River Lakes are far less known and less visited than the more familiar scenes of the Tetons and Yellowstone.  From the Cirque of the Towers in the south to Titcomb Basin in the north, the 80-mile long Wind River Range features some of the most remote, wild and dramatic terrain of the lower 48 states.  The Green River Lakes are no exception.  

Lower Green River Lake with Squaretop Mountain beyond

The western flank of the Wind Rivers is home to several large, natural, glacially formed lakes--the largest of which (Fremont Lake) is 12 miles long and up to 600 feet deep.  Lower Green River Lake, significantly smaller, is better proportioned for human-powered paddle craft.  The Green River Lakes Recreation Site is 50 miles north of Pinedale, WY along mostly unpaved road.  Despite the distance, the road is in decent condition and the miles pass surprisingly smoothly.  The northern half of the road is public land and has many pleasant and scenic dispersed camping sites in the rolling meadows between the Wind River Range foothills and the meandering Green River.  There is also a forest service campground at the lake.  Bears inhabit this area, so camp responsibly.

 

Vicinity Map

    Location Info: [key]

    Scenery: 5
    Shoreline Interest: 2
    Use: Low-moderate
    Fee: None for day use
    Access: Gravel
    Full elev: 7975; minimal variation; natural

    Rec info

    Weather

Rocky Mountain and Estes Park

Majestic Rocky Mountain National Park is an immensely popular tourist destination that many locals avoid during peak season.  For the 2021 season, the park is planning to a timed entry system from 5/28/2021 through 10/11/2021.  Off-season is still busy but can offer a more leisurely experience if you get a little creative with when you visit.  We recommend visiting on a weekday, even in the off-season.  

The current published policy on watercraft is buried at the bottom of the park's fishing regulations, and allows non-motorized crafts on all park waters except Bear Lake.  There are a handful of nice paddleboarding lakes in the park that are both close to a road and area not Bear Lake.  The park has specific fishing regulations for different water bodies within the park, so carefully review the fishing page if you plan to bring a rod.  A parks entrance permit ($25/daily) or annual pass is required for all waters and trails.  

Lake Estes with Lumpy Ridge beyond

Estes Park--the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain--also features a pleasant paddleboarding destination in Lake Estes.  Lake Estes is a great backup plan for days when parking or entry to Rocky Mountain proves difficult, or when conditions higher up are less pleasant.  With a larger water surface and rentals available, it's also a great destination on its own.  Scroll to the end of the post for info on Lake Estes. 

Wellington Lake

Tranquil Wellington Lake is nestled in the rolling pine forests south of Bailey.  A well-recognized rocky peak called The Castle adds to the scenic backdrop of this inviting location.  Wellington Lake is 12 miles south of Bailey on County Road 68.  It is also quite close to the Buffalo Creek mountain bike trail network, and makes for a nice post-ride excursion after a day in the saddle. 

Wellington Lake and The Castle

Starting June 2021, Wellington Lake will be implementing an online reservation-only system for summertime day use, accessed here.  Camping is also available at the lake and can be reserved online as well.  However, sites may book up quickly in the summer due to the lake's popularity.  Dispersed camping is also permitted at designated sites in the Buffalo Creek mountain bike area, such as Forest Roads 550 and 554.  These areas are also popular on weekends.  

Vicinity Map

    Location info: [key]

    Scenery: 4
    Shoreline Interest: 2
    Use: Moderate-High
    Fee: $14/person
    Access: Gravel
    Full elev = 8000; Best near full

    Rec. map

    Rec. info

    Weather

Wellington Lake is privately owned and operated, but has been open to public enjoyment for decades. Considering how many private lakes are not open to public, it's refreshing that Wellington Lake continues to be shared as a recreational gem for the region. The day use and camping fees collected here help the operator to sustain its presence in our mountains.

Day Use area at Wellington Lake

Wellington Lake

Paddleboard and kayak rentals are available at the lake during the summer. This makes Wellington Lake a great place to introduce family or friends to the sport as part of a larger, varied outing. A signed waiver and PFD are required for all paddling activities, whether rented or brought. Local hiking trails and a waterfall add to the diversions around the lake's perimeter.

Springtime mountain backdrop at Wellington Lake

The water can be quite cold in the spring, so PFD usage is prudent. The lake also has enough wind exposure to make for choppy conditions mid-lake. If the water is cold and a breeze exists, it's always a good option to sit or kneel on the paddleboard for a lower center of gravity.  But, as the top photo shows, conditions can just as easily be still and glassy.  Consider a wetsuit during the early season (before June) in case of an inadvertent dip, especially if still building comfort with the board.  For more information on cold water considerations, browse through the  safety page.  Have fun exploring the area, and stay safe on the water!

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

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.  

Grand Mesa

Grand Mesa is Colorado's wonderland of water.  The lush plateau at 10,000 feet of elevation features thick forests, subalpine meadows and more than a hundred lakes.  There are a handful of developed campgrounds off the main roads and many more dispersed sites in the surrounding national forest.  The vast array of lakes make for a great multi-day excursion that can be complemented with nearby hiking and mountain biking, or even with a vineyard escape to Palisade.  

Waterdog Lake; Grand Mesa

The mesa top region is traversed by the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway (State Highway 65).  Water access ranges from roadside Cobbett Lake and Island Lake (featured below) to many secluded lakes only reachable by high-clearance or four-wheel-drive.  

Vicinity Map

Location Info: [key]

(Island Lake)

Scenery: 4
Shoreline Interest: 2
Use: Low-moderate
Fee: $4 or as posted
Access: Gravel
Full elev = 10260
Rec info 
Weather 

Chatfield State Park

Chatfield State Park is one of the most popular spots for stand-up paddleboarding in Colorado. 

Non-motorized ponds and large wake-free areas of the main reservoir make for a variety of inviting paddling opportunities.  In addition, multiple rental sites for paddleboards, kayaks and other crafts set up within the park.  There are enough places to explore that it will take multiple trips to tour them all.  

Chatfield Gravel Pond

Chatfield's proximity to Denver makes it a convenient place for a half-day time window or a great opportunity to stretch the early or late limits of the season.  Summer weekends can be very busy.  Once the park reaches capacity, incoming vehicles will be turned back at the gates.  But if you have already made it into the park, there is plenty of water acreage for everyone.  Better yet, early mornings, weekdays, spring and fall offer the chance to avoid crowds altogether.  The  photo of solitary padding above is from a warm day in mid-November.  

Vicinity map

Location info: [key]

Scenery: 2
Shoreline Interest: 2-3
Use: High
Fee: $9/vehicle
Access: Paved
Full (active) elev = 5430; Best near full, 

late season drawdown possible;  

Water level 

(scroll down to "water levels")
Rec map 
Rec info 
Weather 

Clear Lake

Clear Lake is a compact, mountain lake above Georgetown that offers a scenic, high-country paddleboard experience a short distance from Denver.  With substantially less visibility and wind exposure than better-known Georgetown lake, it features calm waters and steep, forested shorelines.  

Clear Lake

Clear Lake is close enough to Denver to visit in a half-day from the metro area.  It also makes for a refreshing late day add-on after a hike of Mt. Bierstadt, Square Top Mtn, or other Guanella Pass area trails.  Interstate 70 traffic can be heavy on summer weekends, so check travel speeds before heading up.  Sometimes a good window can be found on Saturday afternoons when earlier recreators have already left and return traffic to Denver is lighter than on Sundays.  Late afternoon and early evening also tend to be calmer than mid-day.  

Vicinity Map

    Location Info: [key]

    Scenery: 4
    Shoreline Interest: 2
    Non-motorized
    Use: Moderate
    Fee: None
    Access: Gravel
    Full elev = 9860; 

    Best near full
    Weather

Barr Lake

Barr Lake floats under the radar of many Denver area paddlers as compared to more popular places like Soda Lake and Chatfield.  Its appeal is calm water, moderate visitation and heavily wooded coves that create a sanctuary for wildlife.  

Barr Lake

Located just outside the 470 beltway, Barr Lake is one of the closest stand-up paddle places to the Denver area.  It is especially convenient for residents of the northern or eastern parts of the metro area and those with state parks passes.  Its location in the opposite direction from the mountains and its lack of visibility from major roads help to moderate the number of visitors on busy summer days.  

Vicinity Map

    Location Info: [key]

    Scenery: 3
    Shoreline Interest: 3
    Wakeless
    Use: Moderate
    Fee: $9/vehicle
    Access: Paved
    Full elev = 5105; 

    best near full, 

    late season drawdown possible
    Rec. info 

    Rec. map
    Weather 

Dowdy Lake

Dowdy Lake is an absolute gem as a stand-up paddle destination.  It is non-motorized, small enough that its wind exposure is limited, but big enough to have plenty of coves, islands and outcrops to explore.  

☆ One of many boulder outcrops in Dowdy Lake

Dowdy lake is in the Red Feather Lakes Community.  At a little under 2 hours from Denver, it may seem a bit far for a day trip but is comparable to ski day at Beaver Creek and worth the travel time.  It also offers camping right at the lake, but the reserveable sites fill up quickly once they are made available on the spring.  Despite its distance from Denver and major highways, Dowdy Lake is quite popular in the summertime and the parking areas may fill up on weekend afternoons.  Neighboring West Lake provides a nice alternative to Dowdy and sees fewer visitors.  

Vicinity Map

    Location Info: [key]

    Dowdy Lake / West Lake

    Scenery: 4 / 4
    Shoreline Interest: 5 / 3
    Dowdy - Wakeless 

    West - Non Motorized
    Use: Mod-High / Moderate
    Fees: $7/vehicle
    Access: Gravel
    Full elevs: 8150 / 8240 

    minimal variation; natural
    Rec info

    Weather

Crested Butte Area

The Crested Butte Area has always been a top-tier destination for Colorado mountain adventures.  With only one paved road into town, Crested Butte is pleasantly isolated in Colorado's colorful central mountains.  As a ski town, it offers summertime resort lodging, much of which is pet friendly!  There is also a broad variety of beautiful camping sites scattered through the scenic valleys that radiate from town.  Either (or a combination of both) can make for a great mountain getaway.  

Lake Irwin

Emerald Lake

The area does not have the same density or expanse of lakes as Grand County or Grand Mesa, but what it lacks in water acreage it makes up for in scenery. The three lakes featured below all make for a great afternoon (or morning) to complement a half-day of mountain biking or hiking in the Crested Butte area.

Vicinity Map

Red Fleet

Red Fleet Reservoir, in northeast Utah, remains off the radar of many Coloradoans.  It is nonetheless a gem that makes a worthy destination for a long weekend getaway.  Red Fleet has a variety of exciting features--including slickrock shorelines, winding canyons, towering sandstone alcoves, and even dinosaur tracks--all packed into an easily explorable lake.

Red Fleet Reservoir

About 6 miles north of Vernal, Utah, the trip from the Front Range Red Fleet is comparable travel time to Moab.  Like Moab, the Vernal area has great desert mountain biking, a large meandering river (the Green) and nearby access to a high, forested mountain range (the Uintas).  

Vicinity Map

    Location Info [key]:

    Scenery: 5

    Shoreline Interest: 5

    Use: Moderate-high

    Fee: $10/vehicle

    Access: Paved

    Full elev = 5610

    Rec info

    Weather

Granby, Shadow Mountain & Grand Lakes

The Grand Lake/Granby area of Colorado is home to a collection of scenic mountain lakes that offer a wide variety of paddling experiences. Four of the lakes—Shadow Mountain, Granby, Willow Creek and Monarch—are within the Arapaho National Recreation area. Grand Lake can be accessed directly from the town of the same name.

Shadow Mountain Lake

The Arapaho National Recreation Area (ANRA) contains one of the best clusters of mountain lakes in Colorado.  The water acreage and shoreline miles contained within offer many paddling options.  With lodging in Grand Lake, Granby, and nearby Winter Park, as well as abundant camping in the surrounding Arapaho National Forest, the lakes of Grand County make a great summertime getaway within a couple hours of the Front Range cities.  

Vicinity Map

[Click for official recreation area map]

Bighorn Lake

Bighorn Lake is a grand yet lightly visited water body that traverses over 70 miles between Northern Wyoming and Southern Montana.  Impounded by the imposing Yellowtail Dam, most of the reservoir is confined by the steep to vertical walls of the Bighorn River Canyon as it slices through the Bighorn Mountain Range.  Although the original river is irreversibly altered by the drowning of the canyon, the current setting remains quite spectacular and exciting exploration via paddleboard, canoe or kayak.  

☆ Strait at Crooked Creek

☆ Narrow Side Canyon

Despite its immense size, there are only a handful of locations where the lake can be easily accessed by motor vehicle.   Two of those places are featured in this post.  Crooked Creek Bay and Barry's Landing are both accessed from WY Hwy. 37, just east of Lovell, WY on U.S. Route 14A.  

Vicinity Map

    Location Info: [key]:

    Scenery: 5
    Shoreline Interest: 3-5
    Use: Low-moderate
    Fee: None
    Access: Paved
    Full elev = 3640; 

    Water level
    Rec info 
    Rec map 

    Weather (Barrys Landing) 

    Weather (Crooked Creek)

Lake Dillon

Passed by thousands of motorists every day, Lake Dillon is a large playground for a variety of water activities on the summer months.  It has wide open waters that are popular for sailing and motorized boating, as well as multiple islands, channels and coves that are ideal for hand-powered crafts.  

Peak 1 and Tenmile Peak reflected on Lake Dillon

The western extents of Dillon Reservoir are a good place to start exploring the lake by paddleboard.  The Heaton Bay, Giberson Bay and Frisco Bay regions of the lake all have complex, interesting shorelines with islands and coves.  

Dillon Reservoir

Vicinity Map

    Location info [key]:

    Scenery: 4
    Shoreline Interest: 4
    Use: Moderate-High
    Fee: Varies
    Access: Paved
    Full elev = 9017; Best near full
    Water level/rec info

    Weather

Horsetooth Reservoir

Horsetooth Reservoir is right in Fort Collins's backyard at the edge of the Northern Colorado foothills.  The uniquely shaped lake takes advantage of long, natural valley behind a hogback to create a six-mile long impoundment with four separate dams.  The resulting water body has  a mostly linear, open shoreline on its east side but an interesting, complex western shoreline with multiple coves, inlets and islands.  As an added bonus, there are several wakeless zones on lake's western shore that make it ideal for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.

The shorelines of Horsetooth Reservoir are contained in two separate recreation entities: Horsetooth Mountain Park (managed by Larimer County Open Space) on the eastern and southwestern shores, and Lory State Park (managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife) on the northwestern shore.  Fees for both of these areas are $9/day (subject to change; check parks websites linked above).  Season passes for Colorado State Parks and Larimer County are also honored at Lory and Horsetooth, respectively, but aren't transferable.  

Horsetooth Reservoir

Vicinity Map

    Location Info [key]:

    Scenery: 3

    Shoreline Interest: 4

    Use: High

    Fee: $9/vehicle

    Access: Paved, Gravel

    Full elev = 5430; Best near full

    Water level info

    Recreation map

    Rec info - Larimer County Parks

    Rec info - Lory State Park

    Weather

Gross Reservoir

UPDATE:  Starting in 2022, reservoir expansion is underway.  Click here for updated post on Gross Reservoir recreation during construction.

Gross Reservoir is a great metro-area paddling destination in the foothills above Boulder.  The lake is non-motorized and is popular with kayaks and duckies as well as stand-up paddleboards.  It is also quite deep (max ~300 feet) and graced by steep, forested slopes around much of its shoreline.

Gross Reservoir

South Boulder Creek Arm

Gross Reservoir is an appealing destination because it's reasonably close to Front Rnage population centers, and has winding inlets and coves that offer protection from winds. It can be accessed via Highway 72 from Golden/Denver or via Flagstaff Road from Boulder.  Gross Dam Road, which is connects the two accesses, is gravel but can be mildly washboardy in places.  Osprey point, the southernmost access point, is probably the most desirable because it offers the best access to the South Boulder Creek arm of  the lake.  On summer weekends, Osprey Point may fill up early.  The South Shore access point is near the dam and has fewer shoreline features and more open water exposure to wind.   

Vicinity Map

    Location info [key]:

    

    Scenery: 4
    Shoreline Interest: 4
    Non-motorized
    Use: High
    Fee: None
    Access: Gravel
    Full elev = 7282; Best near full, 

    significant drawdown possible

    Water level info
    Rec. info

    Weather 

    Rec. map