Contributing authors: Loren Krehbiel, David Lamothe, and Diane Yee
08/28/19
Living in a landlocked state, one doesn’t typically think of water activities, but you’d be surprised how much you can do within an hour from Denver. Between lakes, rivers and reservoirs, there’s opportunities for swimming, boating and everything in between. No need to own your own equipment, most places are eager to rent to you. Here are some of our favorite watering holes:
Located near I-25 and I-225, this giant reservoir is perfect for all water activities. There are multiple beaches and boat ramps along the shore with a spectacular view of the mountains. Make sure you check the calendar May through August as Pelican Bay hosts a concert series called LIVE! At The Lake.
Swimming: Yes
Boating: Yes
Floating: Yes
Admission: $10/vehicle
Rentals: canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, pontoons, and wake boats
Other Activities: camping, concerts, horseback riding, shooting
With picturesque views of Red Rocks Amphitheatre, this is a great spot for swimming and boating. This park features three lakes with its own specialties; Bear Creek Lake for motorized boating, Big Soda Lake for non-motorized crafts and swimming, and Little Soda Lake which is limited to private boats with the Water Ski School.
Swimming: Yes
Boating: Yes – March 15 to November 15
Floating: Yes
Admission: $10/vehicle
Rentals: Memorial Day to Labor Day – canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and paddleboats
Other activities: biking, camping, fishing, hiking, sand volleyball
Clear Creek River (Golden, CO)
Just around the corner from the Coors Brewery in Golden, CO is Clear Creek River with an infamous stretch nearly a mile long for tubing. You can bring your own, buy one in town, or rent one from Adventure West. Tubers must exit at or before Vanover Park but feel free to put in anywhere between there and 6th Avenue. Pro tips: no alcohol or glass is permitted, wear footwear that will stay on your feet, and be on alert and keep your balance as there’s a good chance of falling off your tube at several of the rapids. WARNING: observe extreme caution surrounding swift moving water and floating debris.
Swimming: No
Boating: No
Floating: Yes
Admission: free
Rentals: tubes
Other Activities: biking, fishing
In the spirit of alternate transportation, and dubbed the world’s greatest traffic jam, Tube to Work Day has been a hit among thousands for over a decade. This annual July event has Boulderites donning helmets, closed-toe shoes and their best business attire or costumes to get to work by 9 a.m. On the other 364 days of the year, it’s a bit more manageable. WARNING: observe extreme caution surrounding swift moving water and floating debris.
Swimming: No
Boating: No
Floating: Yes
Admission: free
Rentals: tubes
Other activities: biking, fly fishing
Located about 40 minutes from Denver, this majestic lake is nestled in the mountains. While private boats and watercrafts are now restricted, their boathouse offers everything you need. Enjoy a relaxing day on the water while taking in the beautiful scenery around you. And while you’re out that way, make time to stop in to Downtown Evergreen, host to several restaurants, ice cream, shops, and shopping. NOTE: Evergreen Lake House boating operations are closed for the 2019 season in preparation for lake projects. Fishing is still available along the Evergreen Lake Trail.
Swimming: No
Boating: No
Floating: Yes – must rent as private watercrafts are restricted
Admission: free
Rentals: canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and trikes
Other Activities: concerts, fishing, ice hockey, ice skating
Looking for a watering hole within Denver city limits? The largest one is Sloan’s Lake, accessible by the RTD and even allows motorboats, just not on the bus. At 177 acres, it’s the city’s second largest park and one of the best places to catch the sunset with both the Rocky Mountains and Denver skyline. Don’t miss the Dragon Boat Festival held every July.
Swimming: No
Boating: Yes
Floating: Yes
Admission: free
Other activities: basketball, biking, field sports, fishing, hiking, tennis
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