Paddle Boarding Near Colorado Springs
Anyone live in the Springs and just miss water sometimes? That was my biggest struggle moving here and living here. Being from the finger lakes area and all the waterfalls we have in NY it was a big change to move to a land locked state and a town with very few places to enjoy water. It took me a while to get out and search these places to go SUP on. But when I did I realized how much more I could now feel at home here with these small outlets that feel like home.
(Photo:Monument Lake)
1.Monument Lake
Cost: Free
Distance: 20 miles
Fun little reservoir to hangout at, definitely can be crowded during peak summer but it’s location is beautiful and a great place to picnic for the day!
(Photo: Palmer Lake)
2. Palmer Lake
Cost: Free
Distance: 22 miles
Palmer lake is located not too far from Monument Lake and sometimes if one is crowded I just pop over to the other one. This lake is definitely bigger and has more parking space than Monument. Awesome views and a nice path to walk around the lake.
3. Lake Pueblo State Park
Cost: $9
Distance: 52 miles
Lake Pueblo is a very big beautiful lake with lots to do and see. You can rent paddle boards and kayaks here, and spend a full day in the water. You can also camp here for a weekend.
4. North and South Catamount reservoir
Distance: 25 miles
These three reservoirs(Catamounts and Crystal) are all accessed by Pikes Peak Highway and will cost $5 to drive this road to these reservoirs. I highly suggest going to all three. North has the most shoreline and will definitely have enough room for everyone to enjoy.
5. Crystal Creek reservoir
Distance: 17 miles
This reservoir by far wins with the views. Crystal Creek is the back side of Pikes Peak and couldn’t be better for laying out on your board soaking in the views. Great place for fishing since they stock this reservoir, and a beautiful place for hiking.
(Photo: Rampart Reservoir)
6. Rampart Reservoir
Cost: $7
Distance: 30 miles
Rampart has a special place in my heart for sure. Absolutely beautiful and not as busy as the others most of the time. Bring a picnic and some hiking shoes with your paddle board cause there’s lots of trails to explore around this place. You can also stay at the campground and make a weekend out of it!
(Photo: Quail Lake)
7. Quail Lake
Cost: Free
Distance: 7 miles
This beautiful place is just a short 5 minute drive from downtown Colorado Springs, definitely busy but since it’s so close to downtown you can make it a half day and still go to work!
