Are you looking for a fun way to explore the great outdoors in Colorado? Look no further! Canoeing is the perfect way to get out and explore the state’s stunning landscapes and waterways.
In this article, we’ll cover the five best canoeing spots in Colorado, from the Arkansas River and Colorado River to the Grand Mesa and San Juan Mountains.
Plus, we’ll include a few other notable spots like Lake Pueblo, Eleven Mile Reservoir, and Blue Mesa Reservoir.
Get ready to paddle your way through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Colorado offers a variety of locations to experience canoeing.
The Arkansas River is a great option for both beginning and experienced paddlers.
With rapids ranging from Class I to Class V, this river offers something for everyone.
Other popular options include the Colorado River, Gunnison River, and the Cache La Poudre River, all of which offer stunning views and plenty of opportunities for adventure.
Arkansas River
The Arkansas River is one of the most popular places for canoeing in Colorado, offering a wide variety of landscapes and activities.
The river is fed by snowmelt from the Rocky Mountains, and it winds through the plains and canyons of Colorado Springs and beyond.
Canoeists can enjoy a peaceful paddle through the calm waters of the Arkansas, or take on its thrilling rapids and whitewater sections.
Along the way, you can explore the natural beauty of the area, including its wildlife and stunning mountain views.
With its easy access, the Arkansas River is a great spot for all levels of canoeists, from beginners to experienced paddlers.
Colorado River
The Colorado River is one of the most popular spots for canoeing in Colorado, offering both tranquil float trips and exciting whitewater rapids.
Starting in the Rocky Mountains near the headwaters of the Colorado River, canoeists can paddle down through the Grand Canyon, taking in the stunning scenery.
Along the way, they’ll find plenty of rapids to challenge their skills, from Class II to Class V.
There are also plenty of calmer sections, ideal for taking in the breathtaking sights.
The Colorado River is truly a canoer’s paradise, offering something for everyone.
Grand Mesa
The Grand Mesa is Colorados largest flat-top mountain, spanning more than 500 square miles in the Colorado Plateau.
It is home to over 200 lakes, and is the perfect spot for canoeists looking for a tranquil experience on the water.
The area is full of wildlife and offers some of the most spectacular views in the state, with the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains in the background.
Canoeing on the Grand Mesa is an ideal way to explore the area, as many of the lakes are accessible by canoe.
Whether youre looking for a leisurely paddle around the lake or an adrenaline-filled whitewater adventure, the Grand Mesa has something for everyone.
The area also offers plenty of opportunities for camping, hiking, and fishing, making it the perfect multi-day canoeing trip.
San Juan Mountains
The San Juan Mountains are a mountain range located in the southwestern corner of Colorado.
They are one of the most rugged and beautiful mountain ranges in the state, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, rugged terrain, and lush forests.
The range stretches over 200 miles and rises to an elevation of more than 14,000 feet.
It is also home to some of the most challenging whitewater rapids in the world.
Canoeists looking for an adrenaline rush can find plenty of opportunities in the San Juan Mountains.
The Animas River is a popular destination, with its Class III and IV rapids.
There are also plenty of gentler sections of river, where you can take in the beauty of the mountains and the wildlife that inhabits them.
For a quieter experience, consider Lake San Cristobal, located in the heart of the range.
Here you can paddle along the shore, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Lake Pueblo
If youre looking for a tranquil spot to canoe in Colorado, Lake Pueblo is a great choice.
Located just south of Pueblo, this man-made reservoir is a popular spot for a peaceful paddle or a leisurely fishing trip.
The lake is surrounded by the stunning Rocky Mountains and offers gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape.
Youll also find plenty of wildlife to observe as you explore the lake, including geese, ducks, and herons.
The lake also has plenty of boat launches and docks, making it easy to get out on the water.
And for those looking for an adventure, the lake is also home to some of the best whitewater in the state.
Whether youre looking for a relaxing day on the lake or a thrilling ride down the rapids, Lake Pueblo has something for everyone.
Eleven Mile Reservoir
Eleven Mile Reservoir in Colorado is a great spot for canoeing, with its large size and many coves, bays, and islands.
Located in the Pike National Forest, the reservoir is a great place for canoeists of all levels, from the novice to the experienced.
The lake boasts calm, clear waters, and an abundance of fish, making it a great spot for fishing as well.
With its abundant wildlife and stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, Eleven Mile Reservoir is a great spot to explore by canoe.
The lake is also connected to two other reservoirs, Spinney Mountain and Antero, giving canoeists even more opportunities to explore.
Whether youre looking to take a peaceful paddle around the lake or experience some whitewater rapids, Eleven Mile Reservoir is the perfect spot for a canoeing adventure.
Blue Mesa Reservoir
The Blue Mesa Reservoir is one of the most popular canoeing spots in Colorado and for good reason.
Located in the western part of the state, the reservoir is the largest body of water in Colorado, spanning over 20 miles in length.
The area is known for its crystal-clear water and stunning views of the nearby San Juan Mountains.
Canoeing in the Blue Mesa Reservoir is a great way to explore the area and enjoy the beauty of the Colorado outdoors.
The reservoir is divided into three sections: the Gunnison River arm, the Morrow Point arm, and the Crystal River arm. These areas offer different experiences, so it’s best to explore each arm separately. The Gunnison River arm is the most popular, with its calm waters and diverse wildlife. Canoeists can expect to see bald eagles, ospreys, and other birds, as well as fish and other aquatic life. The Morrow Point arm is home to some of the best whitewater in Colorado, featuring Class III and Class IV rapids. This section is best suited for experienced canoeists who are looking for a challenge. The Crystal River arm is much calmer and offers a more leisurely experience.
The Blue Mesa Reservoir also offers plenty of other activities, such as camping, fishing, and hiking.
There are several campgrounds in the area, as well as boat ramps and other amenities.
Canoeists can rent canoes and kayaks from local outfitters, or bring their own boats.
The reservoir is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a longer trip.
So, if you’re looking for a place to canoe in Colorado, the Blue Mesa Reservoir is a great choice.
Final Thoughts
Whether youre looking for a peaceful paddle or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Colorado has something for everyone.
From the Arkansas River to the Colorado River, and from the Grand Mesa to the San Juan Mountains, canoeists can find a wide variety of landscapes and experiences.
So why not take the plunge and explore one of these five amazing spots for canoeing in Colorado? With so many options, youre sure to find something that suits your interests and skill level.
Happy paddling!