Stand-up paddle boarding is a very popular watersport, and it shows no sign of slowing down. New and experienced paddlers alike flock to coastal states every summer to get out on the water.

Because of this, you might be surprised to learn Colorado is one of the best states for paddle boarding. But it makes perfect sense once you realize 34% of CO’s surface area is water. (1)

Everybody should SUP in Colorado at least once. While every US state has great locations for paddle boarding, there’s nothing quite like the breathtaking scenery found here.

That’s why we’ve compiled this ultimate guide! Read on to learn all about the top CO destinations worth visiting with your SUP, plus answers to your biggest questions.

The 15 Best Places to SUP in Colorado

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to bodies of water in Colorado. This state is technically landlocked, but you don’t need ocean access to have a great time. Rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and even whitewater parks are spread across all of CO.

The destinations we recommend span all skill levels and activity types. There’s truly something for everyone here. Let’s dive in!

1. Clear Creek Whitewater Park

Clear Creek Whitewater Park is just a short half-hour drive from Denver. We love this unique spot because it has different types of waves and caters to every difficulty level. Best of all, Clear Creek was specifically designed for kayakers and paddle boarders.

Total beginners can sign up for official lessons from the park, which are held at the on-site indoor pool. You can keep training in one of the outdoor areas once you get your “sea legs.” In no time, you’ll be braving the whitewater to chase an adrenaline high!

2. Sloan’s Lake (aka Sloan Lake)

Locals call this spot Sloan or Sloan’s Lake interchangeably. Located near the center of Denver, it’s one of the most convenient places to SUP in Colorado. We love being out on the water and checking out the city’s impressive skyline.

Just keep in mind that because of its central location, this is a true hotspot. You’ll share the lake with motorboats, kayakers, and water skiers on any given day. The high activity level can make the waters a bit choppy, so it’s not the best spot for first-time paddle boarders.

You don’t need to be a pro before your paddle on Sloan’s Lake. But you should at least know the basics and practice in calmer waters once or twice.

3. Chatfield Reservoir

Chatfield Reservoir is just under an hour’s drive from Denver, depending on traffic. This spot is popular for just about every watersport, from sailing to SCUBA diving. It’s often very crowded during summer afternoons, so get here as early as you can.

If you aren’t an early bird, you can still enjoy this reservoir. Group events are huge here. We don’t just mean the basics like SUP yoga—we’re talking glow-in-the-dark excursions, paddling under the full moon, and all kinds of other unique meetups.

Just do a little research before planning a trip out here. You have a good chance of finding a group event that helps you dodge the afternoon crowds.

4. Brainard Lake

Brainard Lake boasts quintessential Colorado vibes. It’s surrounded by the gorgeous mountains of the Indian Peaks, and the Pawnee Campground is conveniently located nearby.

The only downside is that quite a few people flock to Brainard Lake to soak up the beautiful views. It’s about an hour’s drive from Boulder, totally doable for a day or weekend of soaking up some sun.

Like most of the top destinations to SUP in Colorado, the early bird gets the worm. Hit the road early, even if you plan on camping for a couple nights.

5. Boulder Reservoir

Boulder Reservoir is a fantastic spot for families and beginners. Here, you can enjoy all the most satisfying parts of paddle boarding in a safe and calm environment. It’s a nature reserve, so you’re almost guaranteed to get an up-close look at local birds and fish.

The biggest thing to know is that you do need a permit for this specific location. And permits tend to get snapped up fast because of the reservoir’s convenient location on the edges of Boulder.

In a nutshell, paddle boarding at Boulder Reservoir takes some planning and foresight. But it’s so worth the calm waters, family-friendly amenities, and natural sights.

6. Gross Reservoir

Gross Reservoir is, for the moment, one of the lesser-known spots to SUP in Colorado. Even residents of Boulder are often surprised to learn paddle boards are welcome here.

The scenery surrounding this reservoir is so unique, you’ll want to spend an entire day taking it all in. But you should keep this spot’s high altitude in mind. The weather here changes very suddenly and unpredictably.

Only plan a trip here if you’re able to dress in layers. You’ll almost certainly need to add and remove layers throughout the day. Finally, this location is more prone to unexpected thunderstorms than other parts of Colorado. Be prepared to pack up early if needed.

7. Grand Lake

Grand Lake is one of our all-time favorite places to paddle board. It’s also the largest natural lake across Colorado.

Honestly, everything about this place is great. Rocky Mountain National Park is nearby, so it’s easy to make a whole trip out of seeing the area. There’s plenty of space for families and large groups of friends, plus quite a few delicious restaurants.

Combined with the beautiful scenery, Grand Lake checks every box for an unforgettable paddle board experience.

8. Glenwood Whitewater Park

Glenwood Whitewater Park is the perfect place to get your adrenaline pumping. Unlike Clear Creek Whitewater Park, this one doesn’t cater to every level of expertise. It’s best suited to experienced whitewater paddlers who want to turn things up a notch.

Located deep in the Colorado mountains, you’ll want to plan at least a couple days out here. But the town of Glenwood Springs surrounds the park, so you’ll have access to modern amenities. Be sure to spend some time relaxing your sore muscles at the nearby hot springs too!

9. Dillon Reservoir

Dillon Reservoir is popular for quite a few water activities. You’ll see all the usual swimmers and kayaks, but it also hosts annual regattas for several local organizations. These are a blast to watch from the shore or from your SUP in the shallows.

You’ll also find campgrounds in almost every direction around the reservoir. It’s a great spot for checking out all the activities Colorado is known for, but it’s never insanely crowded.

The only other thing you should know is that the Coast Guard tightly patrols this reservoir. You’re always required by law to have a PFD on a paddle board, but it’s strictly enforced here. Stay safe and avoid fines by always wearing your life jacket.

10. Vallecito Lake

Vallecito Lake is a great spot to see some unique scenery. Even when the weather is perfect for paddle boarding, you’ll see snow-capped mountains in every direction. You’ll definitely want a dry box for your smartphone or camera to capture the sights.

This spot is really convenient because it’s only 18 miles from the city of Durango. And once you arrive, the community around the lake is chock full of restaurants, RV campgrounds, and rental cabins.

Vallecito Lake is one of the few spots that’s great for all levels of paddlers, surrounded by unique scenery, and home to a thriving—yet not too crowded—community.

11. Blue Mesa Reservoir

Blue Mesa Reservoir is gigantic at 29 miles long and 96 miles of shoreline. Its large size makes it a favorite for every kind of SUP activity. You’ll see people enjoying recreational paddling, yoga classes, and SUP fishing daily.

There are quite a few spots to grab a bite, and the huge shoreline makes it easy to kick back and relax. You don’t have to paddle board all day, either—swimmers and boats are both welcome too. Even the drive in and out are great thanks to scenic vistas along the way.

 12. Trout Lake

Trout Lake is perhaps the most peaceful and serene place to SUP in Colorado. Found in the southwest part of Colorado, it doesn’t attract huge crowds like the lakes near Boulder and Denver.

Though remote, this spot is still easy to access. You’ll often spot photographers and people spending the day relaxing with some fishing. But it’s still perfect for a quiet, low-key day of SUP yoga or recreational paddle boarding.

13. Lower Gunnison

Lower Gunnison is a challenging section of the Gunnison River. Most paddle boarders start at North Bridge and work their way down to Gunnison Whitewater Park. If you take this same route, you’ll encounter Class 2 rapids.

We love this stretch because it’s conveniently accessed from the town of Gunnison, and you can choose to tackle the tougher rapids in the park if you’d like. It’s great for individuals, but it’s also easy for a group or family to split up for a few hours to try different things.

14. Slate River

Paddling on Slate River is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Unlike Lower Gunnison, you won’t find campsites dotting the shore. Instead, you’ll wind through private property, conservation areas, and totally unique sights.

Anytime you plan to SUP on a river, check out the water levels ahead of time. There are certain weather conditions and seasons where the water moves too quickly for novice paddle boarders.

The last thing to know about this spot is the cattle fence near the Lower Slate River. You’ll need to lay flat on your paddle board to pass under it, because its presence keeps local cows safe.

15. Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is a truly jaw-dropping sight to behold. Its emerald waters set against a backdrop of picturesque mountains are absolutely unforgettable.

But getting here takes some work. Emerald Lake seems conveniently located at just 15 miles from Crested Butte. The thing is, certain parts of the drive are best suited to a 4×4 vehicle.

This destination probably requires the most planning, but it’s worth it. You can also break up the day by visiting one of the snack shops on the way, or taking a waterfall hike up to Judd Falls.

Colorado: Your One-Way Ticket to the Great Outdoors

Launching a paddle board is one of the simplest ways to get out on the water. That’s why when it comes to paddle boarding, we often say “the world is your oyster.” But anytime we SUP in Colorado, we’re especially blown away by how many different options are available.

From idyllic alpine lakes surrounded by majestic mountains to adrenaline-packed whitewater adventures, you can truly have any kind of experience you want. Best of all, stand-up paddle boarding keeps growing in popularity. States like Colorado are already changing certain laws to make this activity even more accessible to both residents and visitors.

You could spend an entire summer checking off destinations and still not see everything this beautiful state has to offer. Luckily, there’s nothing easier than getting out on the water and soaking up all the picture-perfect scenery!