Paddleboarding Boulder

Boulder Reservoir

The Boulder Res is a dazzlingly scenic spot close to town and a perfect place to spend a day out paddling, chillin' on the beach or sipping a cold beverage lakeside. Soak up the sun and views of the Flatirons while you SUP across hundreds of acres of lake. 

Boulder Paddleboard Rentals

The best part is you can rent a paddleboard right on-site from Rocky Mountain Paddleboard. (Don't plan to bring your own board unless you have scored one of the Reservoir's few permits, which tend to sell out each spring.) 

Classes

You can also take a lesson with a certified instructor at Rocky Mountain Paddleboard or sign up for a stand-up paddleboarding yoga class to get a new perspective of the Res while in downward dog.

Reservoir Entry

The park entry fee is $12 per non-resident adult. Please note that while we love dogs in Boulder, they are not allowed at the Res from mid-May to Labor Day.

McIntosh Lake

About a half-hour northeast of Boulder, in nearby Longmont, is a pretty little lake tucked into a residential neighborhood with a primo view of Longs Peak to the west. Bring your own paddleboard or rent one from Rocky Mountain Paddleboard in Boulder. McIntosh is open to canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and small non-motorized boats that can be carried to the lake. Be advised that there's no swimming allowed.

Brainard Lake

We don't mean to be dramatic, but we feel confident saying Brainard Lake, about 50 minutes west of Boulder, will truly take your breath away. A sawtooth ridge formed by the Indian Peaks makes a cinematic backdrop for the alpine lake, which sits 10,300 feet above sea level. You'll have the sensation of drifting around the top of the world as the crystal-clear waters of this small pool lap at your board and you glide through the fresh mountain air. The lake is open to non-motorized boating and fishing. 

Reservations

You'll need a timed-entry reservation to get a parking spot and access to the recreation area, so plan a couple of weeks in advance. The summer operating system lasts approximately mid-June through mid-October.

Gross Reservoir – Ongoing Construction

Gross Reservoir is a sprawling and scenic body of water in the mountains about 45 minutes southwest of Boulder. It's very popular for paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking, with clear waters, fun rock inlets along the shore and cool mountain air.

Expansion Project

Right now the experience is a little different due to a big expansion project that's underway through 2027. While some of the typical entry points are closed during construction, you can still bring your SUP and park at the North Shore. From there, a shuttle will take you and board down to the shore (shuttles operate Thursday through Monday, 8am-6pm). In addition, the water level may be lower than normal during the project.