Best Lakes To Kayak In Colorado, USA (Kayaking & Canoeing Spots)

Fact Checked By James A Rockey | Post Updated On: November 22, 2022
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Colorado is a paradise when it comes to kayaking because Colorado’s rivers and lakes make kayaking adventures a breeze. Some of the best lakes to kayak in Colorado, USA is Lake Dillon, Browns Canyon, Steamboat Whitewater Park, Buena Vista Whitewater Park, Rampart Reservoir, etc.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Dillon is quite a nice place to go kayaking, surrounded by wild scenery and mountains
  • Kayaking in Arapaho Lake is one of the most popular activities in Rocky Mountain National Park, drawing people from around the world each year
  • Colorado River is one of the USA’s premier recreational waterways for whitewater rafting and kayaking
  • Browns Canyon offers some of the best whitewater kayaking places in Colorado and you can rent inflatable yaks from Browns Canyon Rafting for just $60

5 Kayaking Spots in Colorado

1. Lake Dillon

2. Browns Canyon

3. Steamboat Whitewater Park

4. Buena Vista Whitewater Park

5. Rampart Reservoir.

How To Get Started With Kayaking In Colorado

Kayaking is not just about operating a kayak along the stream. There is more to it. You may want to look into safety tips, kayaking trip tips if you are a beginner. For beginners, kayaking is more than just a fun accessory.

If you are looking for businesses to get yourself sorted for a kayaking trip, then you can stop by the following Colorado businesses. You will find local experts, kayaks, rentals, accessories, etc.

1. Mountain Whitewater

Mountain Whitewater

You will find virtually every safety accessory at Mountain Whitewater. Your rental of equipment from Mountain Whitewater comes with many other safety accessories for free. If you rent a hard-shell kayak, canoe, raft, or an inflatable kayak from Mountain Whitewater, you will have a life jacket, pump, paddle, spray jacket, and helmet.

Plenty of resources, right?

I have rented kayaking equipment and safety accessories from Mountain Whitewater in 2010. The staff was extremely helpful to me. My trip was a tremendous success due to their expert tips and suggestions.

2. Jax Mercantile

The experts at Jax Mercantile are experienced with the terrain and the stream of Colorado. They will be able to inform you and help you fit in with every paddling adventure. Jax Mercantile has a featured website that has an entire section dedicated to paddle sports.

The paddle sports equipment includes kayaks and canoes accessories. You will find plenty of safety accessories as well.

3. Inlet Bay Marina

Inlet Bay Marina

Inlet Bay Marina is situated on Inlet Bay. Inlet Bay is a water body close to Horsetooth Reservoir. Once you have purchased from the Marina, you can get directly in the water with your motorized rental. Your rental could be a mono-motorized vehicle too.

You could rent Hydro-Bikes, canoes, as well as kayaks from Inlet Bay Marina. The good news for paddle loves is that you can find paddleboards in Inlet Bay Marina.

Fare: Inlet Bay Marina

1. A single-person kayak can be rented for $20 per hour. You have to rent the kayak for at least 2 hours though.

2. You have to submit $100 damage deposit. You will get the amount back upon return.

Where Must You Kayak In Colorado?

Lake Dillon

You will be able to locate Lake Dillon just a few miles north of the popular ski resort destination, Breckenridge. Lake Dillon is quite a nice place to go kayaking, surrounded by wild scenery and mountains.

Lake Dillon has been one of my favorite destinations to go kayaking in Colorado. Lake Dillon is where you can paddle across miles of clean and fresh water. Spending a day on the shores fishing will be a great experience for yourself as well as for your family.

Things You Need to Remember for Lake Dillon

1. Launching Point: Dillon Marina or Frisco Marina is your launching point for Lake Dillon. Along the shores, you will find perfect spots to sit for a picnic, hiking, or some exploring. One of the islands called Sentinel Island features a lake as well. The lake should be your perfect place to paddle your way from the reservoir.

2. Campgrounds: the first time I visited Lake Dillon, I didn’t want to return without spending another day. You should find it irresistible as well. If you want to pitch your tent and spend another day exploring, then you will find campgrounds as well.

Browns Canyon

Browns Canyon offers some of the best whitewater kayaking places in Colorado. Browns Canyon is considered the most popular whitewater section in the USA. President Obama designated the Browns Canyon in 2015.

Browns Canyon is a popular destination for kayakers. It delivers an excellent paddling experience. Wild scenery and an abundance of wildlife complement your journey.

Things You Need to Remember at Browns Canyon

1. You can rent inflatable yaks from Browns Canyon Rafting for just $60. With just $60, you can keep the yak for the day.

2. You have to spend $90 for a double. The double will include essential gear, such as a Personal Floating Device, helmet, and a wetsuit.

3. The Arkansas River is prominent for fishing.

4. Plenty of campgrounds in the area.

Lake Kayaking In Colorado, USA

Kayaking is a recreational activity that can be done on lakes, rivers, and oceans. It is typically done on flat water for a leisurely trip.

Colorado has many natural lakes that provide beautiful scenery to explore while kayaking. Some of the popular places to kayak in Colorado are:

1. Clear Creek Lake

2. Green Mountain Reservoir

3. Platte River Lake

4. Bear Creek

5. West Elk Reservoir

6. Bijou Lake

7. Aspen Park Reservoir

8. Beaver Creek Lake

9. Roaring Fork River Dam Lakes&The City of Aspen, Colorado, USA

10. Julesburg Reservoir

There are a number of different lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. All of them have unique features and offer spectacular views.

11. Arapaho Lake

Arapaho Lake is a wonderful place for those who want to get out and explore nature, while still staying close to the amenities of town. This is one of the most popular activities in Rocky Mountain National Park, drawing people from around the world each year. The clear water offers safe visibility throughout, making it an ideal place for experienced paddlers as well as beginners. It is also a fun area for spotting birds and wildlife along the shoreline.

12. Colorado National Forest: Boulder Creek, Clear Creek Trailhead, and East Fork Trailhead just outside the town of Eldora

13. Rocky Mountain National Park: Kawuneeche Visitor Center and Bear Lake.

Best Places To Canoe In Colorado

Colorado is a beautiful place to experience nature with friends and family. There are many places to canoe, but these are the best places to canoe in Colorado.

Colorado is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery and a variety of outdoor activities that people from all over the world come here for. One of the most common outdoor activities is canoeing. There are many different types of canoes and some people prefer one over another, but there are 10 canoes in Colorado that have some unique features or special features that make them stand out from others.

The Colorado River flows through northern Colorado between the Rocky Mountains to form a long lake called Lake Powell. The clear water provides excellent views while still being deep enough for paddling and fishing at various depths throughout its length. Colorado is home to some of the best places to canoe in the world. With over 30,000 miles of rivers, streams, and lakes, we have plenty of options for paddling through Colorado’s great outdoors.

Below are 3 of the best places in Colorado to canoe.

1. Colorado River – The Colorado River flows through Canyonlands National Park in southern Utah and northern Arizona before draining into the Gulf of California near Yuma, Arizona. It is one of the nation’s premier recreational waterways for whitewater rafting and kayaking as well as a place where rafters can enjoy the spectacular scenery on its wild rapids.

2. Rocky Mountain National Park – Rocky Mountain National Park covers more than 1,000 square miles in northwest Colorado and includes parts of Wyoming and Montana with elevations ranging from 8,000 to 11,500 feet.

3. Lake Powell offers both.

Kayak Rental Horsetooth Reservoir

The Horsetooth Reservoir is a popular kayaking spot in Denver, Colorado. The reservoir hosts many activities for the general public such as paddle boarding, fishing, and kayaking.

Horsetooth Reservoir is a popular destination on the Colorado River, near Denver. In addition to offering multiple recreational opportunities for visitors, it’s also one of the most scenic water bodies in Colorado with its natural beauty.

This guide will help you become more familiar with the location and get you set up with your gear before you go out on your first trip down to love!

Bottom Line

If you are looking for reliable information to go kayaking in Colorado, then look no further. In this article, you will find relevant information in detail about kayaking in Colorado.

References:

  • https://bighornrentals.com/blog/kayak-rentals-on-lake-dillon/
  • https://riverbent.com/paddling-browns-canyon-on-the-arkansas-river-in-colorado/
  • https://www.allsteamboat.com/summer_recreation/canoe_kayak.php
  • https://www.uncovercolorado.com/river-tubing-kayaking/buena-vista-whitewater-park/

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