Best Kayaking in Colorado

I’ve always felt very lucky to be living in Colorado. With spring and summer fast approaching I can’t help but think of everything I want to do in the upcoming seasons. Kayaking has been a favorite of mine for more than a few years and, growing up right outside of Denver, I was able to enjoy this sport all over the state. With so many options nearby, it can be tough to track down the best kayaking in Colorado. Here are some of my very favorite locations to kayak no matter what you skill level is.

The Upper Colorado River is scenic and composed of mostly class 1 and 2 rapids. During high water some of the rapids can become class 3. This beautiful stretch of river is perfect for families or beginners because of its easy waves and leisurely rapids. This section of river does tend to get fairly busy in peak season, however, the popularity means there is no shortage of guides and tours.

For those people seeking more thrills, the Lower Colorado River is composed of primarily class 3 rapids with the occasional class 4 thrown in. Although this is not going to be the most advanced kayaking in the state, it is still a good adventure. Glenwood Springs Canyon has the perfect balance of whitewater thrills and beautiful scenery.

The Arkansas River is another favorite, with plentiful class 3 rapids to keep you challenged and entertained. The Arkansas River has tons of exciting white water and is definitely not for the faint of heart. If you are not familiar with the area, I would definitely recommend a guide. Pine Creek and The Numbers (located by Granite and Buena Vista) are going to be the most technical and advanced stretches on this river. If you are not 100% sure of your skills, I would recommend sticking around the milder spots. If you are looking for more family-friendly trips along the Arkansas River, Browns Canyon is always a good go-to.

If you’re looking for a more scenic paddle without the rapids, there are lakes abound to suit your fancy. Lake Dillon is one of my favorites. Lake Dillon is about 58 miles outside of Denver off the Silverthorne exit on I-70. Surrounded by towering mountains and blue skies, this lake can be your own personal slice of paradise, although it can be a bit cold. My favorite places in Lake Dillon are the tiny islands scattered through out the area.

Pueblo Lake is a very fun place to visit for an eerily beautiful kayaking experience. For an adventure that is unique to Pueblo, this lake has more of a desert vibe than the rest of Colorado. It does cost $7 dollars to get into this state park, but along with kayaking there is biking, hiking and many other activities. This does tend to be a fairly popular location and I would recommend checking the weather as it can get pretty windy.

With warmer temperatures sweeping through the Rockies, it’s about time to dust off your kayak and start planning for the summer! If you have any questions about kayaking in Colorado or if you are interested in booking a guided kayak adventure, give us a call at 970-423-7031. Happy paddling!