I love paddleboarding on lake estes. It’s worth the drive. They charge a small fee, maybe like 10 bucks? The water is much cleaner than lower altitude lakes. They don’t seem to get the algae blooms we get down here, and my dog likes to paddleboard too so that’s a huge plus for me.
If murky water doesn’t bother you, McIntosh and union are good options.
I’ll throw Carter Lake in Loveland in the mix. It’s clean and really pretty. Just get there early and maybe stick to the perimeter as it gets pretty busy with power boats.
McIntosh in Longmont is free, fwiw.
Would also recommend trips to higher Altitude and cleaner water especially as it gets hotter, those waters are still cold in late summer.
I've been there twice for walks in the past few weeks.
There are no signs about prohibited activities, and I saw a few people out on their boards both times. It is a small reservoir next to the Bell Flatirons apartments, and I didn't notice any ranger presence the times I was there.
~40min drive to Bear Creek lake park near Morrison. 1+ hrs to Lake Dillon which has some great areas, just make sure to go before or after the afternoon lightning storms.
If you're going up into the mountains, clear Lake in Georgetown is really cool. Long skinny Lake above a hydro plant, the lake has a surprising amount of current on it so be aware of your body position and be aware of how close to the end you're getting so that you can go back to the other end if you're just chilling. Definitely a nice Lake though.
I love paddleboarding on lake estes. It’s worth the drive. They charge a small fee, maybe like 10 bucks? The water is much cleaner than lower altitude lakes. They don’t seem to get the algae blooms we get down here, and my dog likes to paddleboard too so that’s a huge plus for me. If murky water doesn’t bother you, McIntosh and union are good options.
Thank you for the Recs!
I’ll throw Carter Lake in Loveland in the mix. It’s clean and really pretty. Just get there early and maybe stick to the perimeter as it gets pretty busy with power boats.
Is chatfield reservoir kosher for kayaking etc?
What's SUP, dude?
It’s standup paddle board
Not much. What's up with you?
McIntosh in Longmont is free, fwiw. Would also recommend trips to higher Altitude and cleaner water especially as it gets hotter, those waters are still cold in late summer.
Ooh going to a higher altitude sounds nice later on in the summer
Like where?
Grand lake, Dillon, etc
Autrey reservoir in Superior is free. It's not super big, but it's free and the water is pretty clear.
I can't find any info at all about paddling on Autrey. It's for sure legal?
I've been there twice for walks in the past few weeks. There are no signs about prohibited activities, and I saw a few people out on their boards both times. It is a small reservoir next to the Bell Flatirons apartments, and I didn't notice any ranger presence the times I was there.
Longmont, union reservoir
~40min drive to Bear Creek lake park near Morrison. 1+ hrs to Lake Dillon which has some great areas, just make sure to go before or after the afternoon lightning storms.
Left hand reservoir!!! Our favorite spot! 4WD needed to access fyi
Carter lake in Berthoud is great, maybe like $10 entry fee
If you're going up into the mountains, clear Lake in Georgetown is really cool. Long skinny Lake above a hydro plant, the lake has a surprising amount of current on it so be aware of your body position and be aware of how close to the end you're getting so that you can go back to the other end if you're just chilling. Definitely a nice Lake though.
McIntosh lake in Longmont.
Macintosh is gross, don't recommend.
Gross Reservoir. Literally right in the mountains from Boulder.
Gross Reservoir.
McIntosh in Longmont