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Where to Paddleboard Near Denver (Views Included) 🏞️💧
Lakes, reservoirs, and even a downtown float—these SUP spots are all within an hour of the city.
What's Happenin' Denver
July 07, 2025
🏄♀️ Paddle Time: Your Go-To SUP & Kayak Spots Around Denver
Hey Denver adventurers! 🧩🎉
Got a new board? We’ve got your map. Whether you’re team kayak or team paddleboard, there’s no need to drive hours to get on the water. Denver’s surrounded by accessible lakes and reservoirs that are beginner-friendly, scenic, and perfect for weekday floats or weekend escapes.
🌼 Looking for more things to do in Denver? Dive into Things to Do in Colorado, Kid-Friendly Hikes, or discover our favorite Colorado Day Trips.
🌆 Mile High Poll Time!
Which Denver park do you think offers the best opportunity for family-friendly outdoor activities? |
🏄♀️ Paddle Time: The Best SUP & Kayak Spots Near Denver
Blow-up board? Check. Cold drink? Check. A solid list of spots to paddle without driving hours? We got you.
Denver and the Front Range are filled with scenic lakes and calm stretches of water that are perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking—many within an hour (or less) of the city. Whether you’re aiming for peaceful nature views or an urban float, here are the best spots to hit the water this summer:
Vibe: Urban, lively, and full of energy Good to Know: Great for a post-work paddle, but it gets crowded fast. Rentals available at Confluence Kayaks. Vibe: City-meets-serenity Good to Know: Hand-launched boating only. Calm waters and a neighborhood feel. Vibe: Big lake energy with mountain views Good to Know: 1,500 acres of paddle-friendly space. Get there early on weekends. SUP rentals via Colorado Watersports. Vibe: Classic Denver, great sunsets Good to Know: No motorized boats allowed = chill paddling. Bonus: grab food in nearby Edgewater post-float. Vibe: Wide-open and laid-back Good to Know: Quiet and clean, but a bit further out. SUP rentals available seasonally. East Denver folks, this is your spot. | Vibe: Downtown skyline views Good to Know: Rentals available at the City Park Boathouse. Bonus points for the picnic potential post-paddle. Vibe: Under-the-radar Good to Know: Great option if Berkeley is too crowded—it’s only a few minutes away. Vibe: Scenic, natural, and popular Good to Know: Weekends get wild. Go early or aim for weekdays. Keep an eye on capacity limits. Vibe: Wildlife sanctuary with water Good to Know: Rinse stations required. Gorgeous birdwatching and views. Stay out of the red buoys—rangers are serious. Vibe: Mountain magic, but make it crowded Good to Know: Pretty and peaceful—but it fills up fast. Weekdays are best. Parking is limited. |
☀️ Bonus Pick:
Dillon Reservoir (if you’re up for a scenic drive) – Alpine vibes, huge open water, and surrounded by mountains.
💧 Denver Tip: Most paddle-friendly lakes have early-morning glassy water and less boat traffic. Bring sunscreen, a dry bag, and always check weather and rules before heading out.
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🌆 Mile High Happenings
Monday, July 7 🆓 Free Events 🧵 Bowlero And Cars📍 Bowlero | ⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Monday) 🧵 Family Matters📍 Shoot Indoors Central Park | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM | 🆓 Free (Kids) (Recurring Monday) 🧵 Smarty Party Trivia📍 Avanti F&B | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Monday) 💵 Ticketed Events 🎶 Denver Jazz Orchestra📍 Dazzle | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | 🎟️ Ticketed 🎬 Film on the Rocks: Legally Blonde📍 Red Rocks Amphitheatre | ⏰ 7:00 PM | 🎟️ $25+ 🕺 Merc Mondays📍 2199 California St | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM | 🎟️ $15 (Recurring Monday) | Tuesday, July 8 🆓 Free Events 🧵 Trivia Night @ Spirit Hound📍 Spirit Hound Distillers – Denver | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Tuesday) 🧵 Bingo Night!📍 Waldschänke Ciders | ⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Tuesday) 🧵 Geeks Who Drink📍 Fuel & Iron Bar | ⏰ 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 🆓 Free (Recurring Tuesday) 🍺 Trivia Night at FlyteCo – Weekly brewery trivia with prizes and beer📍 FlyteCo Brewing, 7 PM (Recurring Tuesdays) 🎻 Jammin’ with Paranoid Image📍 554 S Broadway | ⏰ 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 🆓 Free 💵 Ticketed Events 🎤 CIX – 4th Concert ‘Thunder: Fever’📍 Fillmore Auditorium | ⏰ 6:00 PM | 🎟️ $53+ 🎸 Beats On The Creek: Stone Beat Invasion📍 coohills. | ⏰ 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM | 🎟️ $10 Bridge Fee |
Where are you heading this week? Tag us in your adventures! 🚀
💧 See You on the Water
 | Whether you’re gliding through early morning glass or chasing the sunset across Sloan’s Lake, there’s no shortage of summer-ready paddle spots around Denver. Want to explore more? Tag us in your SUP adventures or reply to this email with your top secret lake. Paddle on, friends. 🌊🫶 —The What’s Happenin’ Denver Team 🥃 🫶 |
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