There’s nothing more relaxing than gliding across a mountain lake on a paddleboard under a bluebird summer sky. This form of nature therapy is a wonderful way to reset and to squeeze in a low-impact cross-training workout.
Here’s where to paddleboard in Breckenridge, Vail, Winter Park, Truckee, Steamboat and Denver this summer.
BRECKENRIDGE
A stone’s throw from Gravity Haus Breck in Main Street Station, Maggie Pond is a sweet flatwater in-town spot for beginners. Gain your sea legs on the smooth water, drink in the views of the sprawling Ten Mile mountain range and break for craft brews on a patio nearby.
When you’re ready for a larger landscape, toss your SUP onto Lake Dillon and navigate inlets and islands at 9,000 feet. The spacious lake is home to loads of wildlife — look up for massive eagle nests — and sandy beaches flanked by stunning peaks on all sides. Both Frisco and Dillon offer full-service marinas, tiki bars and parks that make glorious summer paddling pit stops.
If you’re feeling brave and craving a faster pace, take a trip to the Colorado River near Rancho del Rio (guided tour recommended) and cruise downstream, paddling sets of Class II rapids and maneuvering boulders through a gorgeous remote canyon. Engage those abs and get ready for an adventure!
VAIL
The Vail Valley keeps SUP-ers smiling with ponds, lakes and river galore. Hit the glassy petite paddling gem that is Eagle-Vail Pond. Great for a short spin after work, bring the kids and a picnic and visit the adjacent Eagle Vail playground.
In the heart of Avon, Nottingham Lake is a high country favorite for beaching, pedal boating and SUPing. The serene spot is perfect for relaxing and getting some distance under your board with lush green slopes hugging the lake and opportunities for SUP yoga and intense games of SUP lacrosse played with a soccer ball inside a floating field with goals.
For a little seclusion and a pristine mountain-soaked shoreline, drive the 12 back-road miles from Vail to Piney Lake. The tucked-away Gore Range ranch and resort offers canoes and SUPs and delicious barbecue to be enjoyed by the fire pit.
Just down the road in Eagle, 42-acre Sylvan Lake is the quintessential high-mountain lake experience. Paddle around the Colorado state park, take in the White River National Forest vistas, bring the dog and kids and stay the night in one of the park’s yurts, cabins or 46 campsites.
WINTER PARK
Lake Granby is a spectacular stand-up paddleboard experience with plenty of coves to dip into and amazing Rocky Mountain views. Colorado’s largest natural body of water, Grand Lake offers beaches, marinas and miles upon miles of pristine shoreline to cruise. Give yourself a full day or two to explore this expansive high-altitude treasure.
Grand County is Colorado’s land of lakes and there’s no shortage of postcard-perfect SUP destinations. Make Winter Park your home base and branch out for day trips to Williams Fork Reservoir near Parshall where 1,860 surface acres of blue water awaits. Tip: Go early morning or late evening for the calmest conditions.
TRUCKEE
Lake Tahoe provides some of the most gorgeous and unique kayak and stand up paddleboarding in the world. With depths of over 2500 feet, clarity of 60 feet, and the Stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains encircling the lake, one will not regret getting out on the lake and taking in the marvelous 360 views.
Put these must-see areas to explore from your kayak or paddleboard on your Truckee-Tahoe bucket list.
From Sand Harbor, travel along the shoreline south. The paddling here hosts adventurers to majestic views of the eastern shoreline as well as access to unmarked coves, swimming holes, and beaches. Because the area is scarcely accessed from the road, the beaches are unmarked. The best way to know exactly where to go is to plan via google maps satellite view. Research: Chimney Beach, Secret Cove and Skunk Harbor.
KINGS BEACH PADDLES
Kings Beach State Recreation area, where visitors are privy to playgrounds, picnic areas, a walking pier, and of course large beach space. Kings Beach recreation area is a great place for families to park and paddle around the beach area for the day.
WEST SHORE PADDLES
Paddling the west shore of Lake Tahoe will not disappoint. Adventurers can explore famous shores such as Sugar Pine State Park, Rubicon Bay, Rubicon Point via D.L Bliss State Park, and Emerald Bay.
DONNER LAKE PADDLES FROM WEST END BEACH
Located just 10 minutes from the hotel, nestled on the West Shore of Donner Lake, is a 10-acre day use beach facility with access to paddleboarding.
STEAMBOAT
Steamboat Lake: Located about 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs, Steamboat Lake State Park offers a picturesque setting for paddleboarding. The lake is surrounded by mountains and provides calm waters, making it an ideal spot for a serene paddleboarding experience.
Stagecoach Reservoir: Situated approximately 17 miles south of Steamboat Springs, Stagecoach Reservoir offers ample space for paddleboarding. This scenic reservoir features stunning mountain views and peaceful waters, creating a pleasant environment for paddleboarders.
Fetcher Pond: Located within the city limits of Steamboat Springs, Fetcher Pond is a small, tranquil body of water. It’s a popular spot for paddleboarding, especially for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed experience. The calm waters make it an excellent place to practice paddleboarding skills.
Yampa River: The Yampa River flows through Steamboat Springs, providing an opportunity for paddleboarding right in town. While the river’s current can vary depending on the season, there are sections suitable for paddleboarding, especially during calmer periods.
Catamount Lake: Catamount Lake, situated just west of Steamboat Springs, offers a serene and scenic paddleboarding experience. Surrounded by forested hills and mountains, the lake provides calm waters perfect for paddleboarding and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Pearl Lake State Park: Located approximately 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs, Pearl Lake is another beautiful destination for paddleboarding. With its pristine waters and stunning mountain backdrop, it offers a tranquil setting for a paddleboarding adventure.
DENVER
The Mile High City serves up a ton of paddleboard oasis hot spots. Hit the cool waters at Cherry Creek Reservoir for classic Colorado big-mountain views and copious room to roam.
Navigate the friendly (read: no motorized watercraft allowed), easily accessed waters of Big Soda Lake Reservoir in Bear Creek Lake Park. A stone’s throw from Red Rocks Amphitheatre and westerly adventures, it’s the perfect pull-over for a quick day date or lunch break paddle complete with a sandy beach.
Launch from Eagle’s Cove at Chatfield Reservoir and spend the day exploring this big and busy boating and boarding wonderland. Chill out on the popular swim beach afterward for a picnic and some stellar people-watching.
Need a board? Check out summer Haus Quiver for premium paddle boards available in various lengths and models.
