Summer is just around the corner and I’m so ready to start spending time on the water!

Despite there not being a ton of natural water sources in Denver, there still are quite a few local options.

Personally, some of my favorites are a bit outside of the city and in the mountains, so I’ve included them in this list.

Hope you get a chance to explore them all this year! There’s no better way to spend a hot summer day than out on a lake.

Safety Tips

Paddle boarding is fun, but you should always be taking appropriate measures to keep yourself safe on the water.

Know your limits and wear a life jacket.
Always check the weather before you head out to avoid being caught in thunderstorms or high winds.
Be aware of your surroundings and other boaters.
Be mindful of currents and wind direction.
Adhere to the park rules of wherever you’re paddling at.

Colorado Rules and Regulations

You must always carry a PFD (lifejacket) with you, and children 12 and under are required to wear one at all times.
Paddle boards must be marked with the owner's name and address.
Carry a whistle or horn with you.
Some places require you to rinse off your watercraft beforehand.
Learn more at CPW State Park Land and Water Regulations and Denver Water.

Buying Your Own Paddle Board

If you’re looking to buy a quality paddle board that isn’t too expensive, I would recommend the ROC Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board.

I’ve had this paddle board for over 5 years and it’s still in excellent condition.

I love my inflatable SUP because it’s easy to store, doesn’t need a car roof rack, and it’s not too heavy to carry.

1. Big Soda Lake (Bear Creek Lake Park)

Location: Lakewood, CO

Driving time from Denver: 35 min

Are Rentals Available: Yes

Is Swimming Allowed: Yes, at the beach.

Essential Information:

Soda Lake is one of the most popular paddle board spots near Denver.
This is not a state park, so you have to pay a fee to enter which is $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends.
The beach gets very busy on the weekend, so get there early to claim a parking spot.
You can launch anywhere next to the beach area if you have your own board or rent at Rocky Mountain Paddleboard.
Bonus: you can see Red Rocks Amphitheater from the lake!
I go into more detail on this blog post: Paddle Boarding Soda Lake at Bear Creek Lake Park

2. Cherry Creek Reservoir

Location: Aurora, CO

Driving time from Denver: 30 min

Are Rentals Available: Yes, at the designated swim beach.

Is Swimming Allowed: Yes

Essential Information:

Park at the Pelican Bay Marina at Cherry Creek State Park or the swim beach on the east side of the park.
You can launch from this location or rent at Rocky Mountain Paddleboard.
If you don’t have a state park pass, the cost to enter is $10 per vehicle.
Be mindful of other boaters in the area.

3. Evergreen Lake

Location: Evergreen, CO

Driving time from Denver: 40 min

Are Rentals Available: Yes

Is Swimming Allowed: No

Essential Information:

Park at the Evergreen Lake House at 29612 Upper Bear Creek Rd, Evergreen, CO.
If the parking lot is full, there is a free shuttle is available from Stagecoach Park (3229 El Pinal Dr, Evergreen CO) that will take you to Evergreen Lake.
Plan on going to the shuttle lot as a backup option because the main parking lot fills up quickly on the weekends.
Boat rentals are available onsite.
If you bring your own paddle board, you still must purchase a day use pass and have a mandatory watercraft inspection. Learn more here.

4. Chatfield State Park

Location: Littleton, CO

Driving time from Denver: 40 min

Are Rentals Available: Yes

Is Swimming Allowed: Yes

Essential Information:

Enter the park at the Deer Creek entrance (9700 S Wadsworth Blvd, Littleton, CO 80128).
Park at the main lot next to the Chatfield State Park Beach.
You can rent paddle boards with 5280 Paddle Sports.
It costs $12 for a day pass if you do not have the state parks pass.

5. Standley Lake

Location: Westminster, CO

Driving time from Denver: 35 mins

Are Rentals Available: Yes

Is Swimming Allowed: No

Essential Information:

The park address is 11610 W 100th Ave. Westminster, CO 80021.
A daily park pass is $7.
Paddle boards must be launched at the main park entrance located at 100th Avenue and Simms Street.
Paddle board rentals are available on site.
You must purchase a paddle pass or seasonal permit to launch your own paddle board or kayak at the lake.
All paddle craft must be cleaned prior to launch.
Find out more here.

6. Georgetown Lake

Location: Georgetown, CO

Driving time from Denver: 50 min

Are Rentals Available: Yes

Is Swimming Allowed: Yes, but is discouraged due to cold water temperature.

Essential Information:

This is such a beautiful paddle board spot that’s less than an hour away from Denver.
Lots of free parking options.
There wasn’t a clearly marked launch spot, but people were putting in next to the parking lot off of 22nd St.
You can also rent with Rocky Mountain Paddleboard.

7. Clear Lake

Location: Georgetown, CO

Driving time from Denver: 1 hr

Are Rentals Available: No

Is Swimming Allowed: No

Essential Information:

This is a quiet, isolated lake off of Guanella Pass just outside of Georgetown, Colorado.
There are no rental options available, so you must bring your own paddle board.
If you’re wanting to avoid crowds, this is an excellent option.

8. Dillon Reservoir

Location: Dillon, CO

Driving time from Denver: 1 hr 20 min

Are Rentals Available: Yes

Is Swimming Allowed: No

Essential Information:

Rentals are available at Stand Up Paddle Colorado.
Swimming is strictly prohibited due to cold water temperatures.

The lake is prone to strong gusts of wind and it’s recommended to paddle in the morning instead of the afternoon.
This is a top scenic destinations for all boaters. The views from Lake Dillon are truly breathtaking.

9. Grand Lake

Location: Grand Lake, CO

Driving time from Denver: 2 hr

Are Rentals Available: Yes

Is Swimming Allowed: Yes

Essential Information:

There is a free public beach, Grand Lake Town Beach and Dock, that’s a great place to set up for the day.
You can park at 1117 Lake Ave, Grand Lake, CO 80447, which is a parking lot right across the street from the beach.
Rental SUPs and kayaks are available at Mountain Paddlers.
This is one of the more enjoyable places to swim because the water isn’t as cold as most mountain lakes in Colorado.
It reminds me of a lake town you’d find in the northeast.

10. Twin Lakes

Location: Twin Lakes, CO

Driving time from Denver: 2 hr

Are Rentals Available: Yes

Is Swimming Allowed: Yes, but it’s freezing cold

Essential Information:

Park at Red Rooster Boating Site, Twin Lakes, CO 81251 (enter through the White Star campground entrance off of 82).
Entrance fee day pass ranges from $7-$10 per vehicle.
If you’re camping at a nearby campground, you may be granted free access to the lake.
You can launch anywhere from the beach if you have your own board or rent from Twin Lake Adventures.
This lake is one of the most gorgeous lakes in Colorado, with the most beautiful turquoise blue water I've ever seen.
This is the perfect destination for a hot July or August weekend when you want to escape the heat.