The Denver Metro area has many rivers, creeks, lakes and reservoirs for visitors and locals to get out on the water. With activities ranging from kayaking to paddleboarding to pedal boats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And with the summer heat finally arriving, getting out on the water is the perfect way to cool off.
Evergreen Lake is the perfect spot to go boating and paddle boarding. Surrounded by mountain peaks and lush green forests, the lake offers beautiful scenery just a short drive from Denver. Be sure to call the Boating Hotline at 720-880-1392 prior to your visit. If you prefer to fish while in Evergreen, Buchanan Pond is the spot. This is a catch and release pond, and you must get a paid permit. Secure your permit early as only ten per day are issued.
The South Platte River in the heart of Denver offers urban kayaking at varying difficulty levels with slow spots, strong rapids, and mini waterfalls. If you choose to kayak the entire length of the river, allow at least four hours to do so.
City Park offers swan pedal boat rentals on Ferril Lake, perfect for a date or family fun. The sunshade makes it a great daytime activity, but you can also rent a swan pedal boat at night. The swans are lit up with LED lights creating a fun environment and a little after-dark sparkle.
On the other side of town, Washington Park offers water trike rentals on Smith Lake. These three-wheel vehicles have wide paddles and flexible steering for easy maneuvering.
Lake Dillon is about a two-hour drive from Denver, and it’s definitely worth it! The lake offers Sailing School for those wanting to learn to sail in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. There are also daytime and sunset sailing tours, historical tours, and fishing charters. Grab a drink at the lakeside tiki bar and enjoy your day out on the water in this unbeatable location.
Head to Bear Creek Lake Park if you enjoy using a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). At Soda Lake, you can take lessons to learn how to master this fun activity – that may not be as easy as it looks. SUP yoga classes are offered and are the perfect way to connect with nature, relax and increase balance and focus.
Cherry Creek Reservoir and Boulder Reservoir offer Moonlight Kayaking and Paddleboarding. Fun for the whole family, the two-and-a-half-hour trip allows users to paddle as little or as long as they like. Experiencing the lake under a full moon is a great way to spend a summer night.
There are plenty of places to swim in the Denver Metro area, and Cherry Creek Reservoir is a favorite. With a sandy beach and roped-off swimming area, it’s great for families and anyone else looking to get out on the water this summer. Cherry Creek Reservoir also accommodates boating, fishing, jet skiing, sailboarding, and rowing.
If floating on an inner tube is more your style, head to Boulder where tubing the Boulder Creek is a popular summer activity. The water from the creek is sourced from snowmelt, so the creek is extremely cold, even on a hot summer day, and it fluctuates between a leisurely float to a swiftly flowing, wild ride. Enter at the Eden G. Fine Park and be sure to check water levels before you arrive.
Colorado is known for its white-water rafting and if you’re looking for a quick trip, Idaho Springs is the place to meet. There are half-day trips for more advanced rafters or sign up for a 1/3-day trip for beginners. Raft the white waters of Clear Creek in the beauty of Colorado for an experience you won’t forget.
However you choose to get on the water this summer, we hope you stay safe and enjoy all that Colorado has to offer. From lakes to reservoirs, creeks to rivers, in a mountain setting or an urban setting, the choices are bountiful!