It’s not hard to see why stand up paddle boarding has become increasingly popular over the past couple of years.
It’s a great full-body exercise, offering low-impact fun for a wide range of people with different skills and fitness levels. It gives you the chance to cool off in the summer heat as you glide over beautiful bodies of water, with the ability to dip your toes right in the second you get too hot. It is also easy to enjoy beautiful, natural views while working out, especially if you go to the Rocky Mountains for stand up paddle boarding.
Of course, if you are looking for a spot to go stand-up paddle boarding in Colorado, the options can get pretty overwhelming. Luckily, our list of the nine best lakes to stand up paddle board in Colorado will help you find the perfect location for your summer adventure.
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Denver
Sloan’s Lake
1700 N. Sheridan Blvd., Denver
- Hours: 5 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Fees: None
- Distance from Denver: In Northeast Denver
If you are located in Denver and don’t want to wander far from the city, Sloan’s Lake is an excellent option for stand up paddle boarding in Colorado. Located just a few miles from Capitol Hill, Sloan’s Lake is surrounded by all the comforts of the city while still providing a beautiful venue to get on your paddle board and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Rentals are available at Denver Outdoor Adventure about 4 miles from the park, so you should come prepared to drive your boards over and do a bit of heavy lifting to get them in and out of the water. If you have your own paddle board, however, Sloan’s Lake is an excellent low-cost option since there are no fees to enter the park.
North
Boulder Reservoir
5565 51st St., Boulder
- Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday through Sunday
- Fees: $12 for park entry
- Distance from Denver: 33 miles
When it comes to places in the Rocky Mountains for stand up paddle boarding, Boulder Reservoir is one of the best. Not only does it have beautiful views and cool waves, but it also recently opened a waterside cafe for when you get hungry after your workout. Conveniently, paddle board rentals are available through Rocky Mountain Paddleboard inside the park, so you don’t have to go far to get started with your paddle board adventure. Rocky Mountain Paddleboard also offers stand up paddle board lessons, making even the most beginner of paddle boarders welcome! No matter your fitness or experience level, Boulder Reservoir is a great option.
Barefoot Lakes
12626 Lake Terrace St, Firestone
- Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
- Fees: None
- Distance from Denver: 33 miles
Lush greenery and calm waters make Barefoot Lakes a tranquil weekend getaway for stand up paddle boarding. Small docks and winding paths surrounding the lake provide plenty of opportunities to take a break on land and enjoy the view, whether that be by setting up a chair to catch some fish or taking a relaxing walk by the water. When you do hop on your paddle board, you can glide across the water as you watch fish dart by and birds fly overhead. Paddle board rentals are available through Rocky Mountain Paddleboard located right by the lake.
Union Reservoir
461 County Road 26, Longmont
- Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Fees: $10/vehicle on weekdays; $15/vehicle on weekends; $5 daily watercraft fee
- Distance from Denver: 36 miles
One of few natural lakes in Colorado, Union Reservoir is one of the best lakes for stand up paddle boarding around. Its proximity to Longmont also makes it a good spot for a quick evening on the water after a full day enjoying the town. A number of picnic tables and public grills dot the waterline, providing plenty of opportunities for a picnic after you’ve worked up an appetite paddle boarding. Rentals are available through Rocky Mountain Paddleboard, located right next to the reservoir.
South
Cherry Creek Reservoir
4800 S. Dayton St, Greenwood Village
- Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday through Sunday
- Fees: $11/vehicle for park entry
- Distance from Denver: 12 miles
With 850 acres to enjoy, Cherry Creek Reservoir is an excellent place for stand up paddle boarding. People flock to the reservoir during the summer to enjoy its cool, calm water and fantastic fishing spots, so try to go on a weekday or arrive early to avoid the crowds. It’s also close to Denver, making it a great spot if you want to avoid a long drive. Rentals are available through nearby Rocky Mountain Paddleboard.
Chatfield State Park
9700 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Littleton
- Hours: 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Fees: $12/vehicle for park entry
- Distance from Denver: 24 miles
A gorgeous view of the mountains reflected off crystalline water makes the reservoir at Chatfield State Park one of the best lakes for stand up paddle boarding in Colorado. Just standing on your board, you can spot hundreds of different bird species or get a good look at any number of animals roaming the shore, from elk to foxes. If you are hoping for a full weekend getaway, there are also four campgrounds for you to park your trailer or pitch a tent before you make your way to the water. Paddle board rentals are available through 5280 Paddle Sports, located in the park.
West
Lake Dillon
203 W. Lodgepole St., Dillon
- Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
- Fees: None
- Distance from Denver: 70 miles
Wanting to hop on a paddle board for the first time? Paddle board rentals at Lake Dillon make it easy to try out the sport no matter what supplies or experience you have. Lake Dillon, also known as the Dillon Reservoir, offers a close-up view of the mountains and foothills that Colorado is famous for. If you want to take some paddle board lessons before you make your way onto the water on your own, the five campgrounds around Lake Dillon are the perfect solution. Set up your camper and grab a paddle board, whether that be one of your own or a rental from Stand Up Paddle Colorado at the marina.
Evergreen Lake
1521 Bergen Pkwy., Evergreen
- Hours: Dependent on weather
- Fees: $25/hr for paddle board rentals
- Distance from Denver: 28 miles
With a quick glance at the lush forest surrounding its calm waters, it’s not hard to guess how Evergreen Lake got its name. It’s an incredible and breathtaking environment that provides the perfect opportunity to admire the world’s natural wonders — definitely one of the best lakes for paddle boarding in Colorado. Evergreen Lake even conveniently offers paddle board rentals on site, making it easy to grab a board and get on the water as quickly as you can. The lake is also remarkably close to Denver, despite its remote feel once you pass the tree line, giving the lake the great benefit of being a natural, quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Bear Creek Lake Park
15600 W. Morrison Rd., Lakewood, CO 80228
- Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Fees: $10/vehicle on weekdays; $15/vehicle on weekends and holidays; $5/age 62+ and people with disabilities
- Distance from Denver: 18 miles
Another park relatively close to Denver, Bear Creek Lake Park, is a beautiful spot to hop on a stand up paddle board in Colorado. Calm waters and excellent picnic spots make for the perfect weekend afternoon outdoor getaway. There are also a number of great hiking trails and campgrounds if you want to spend even more time paddle boarding and enjoying nature. Fishing, horseback riding, and archery add to the vast list of activities that you can enjoy alongside paddle boarding to provide a well-rounded and exciting experience. Paddle board rentals are conveniently available through Rocky Mountain Paddleboard located inside the park, so even the most beginner of paddle boarders can give the sport a shot.