Water Activities
Colorado offers countless ways to enjoy the water, from boating, fishing and paddleboarding to rafting and swimming in rivers, lakes, reservoirs and ponds. From Eastern Plains waters at 3,800 feet to high-mountain waters at 9,500 feet, the state offers a wealth of water-based activities for people of all ages.
Water Activities
Colorado offers countless ways to enjoy the water, from boating, fishing and paddleboarding to rafting and swimming in rivers, lakes, reservoirs and ponds. From Eastern Plains waters at 3,800 feet to high-mountain waters at 9,500 feet, the state offers a wealth of water-based activities for people of all ages.
Two little girls next to whale floatie at Lathrop State Park's designated swim area
Know Before You Go
Park Water Rules
A short overview of Colorado State Park water rules includes:
- Waters are open to boating during migratory waterfowl seasons unless otherwise posted. Strict rules require vessels to be launched at designated areas and prohibit unattended overnight mooring or living aboard.
- All vessels must undergo Aquatic Nuisance Species inspections, draining, and potential decontamination.
- Swimming is banned at night, prohibited near infrastructure like dams and docks, and banned entirely at Barr Lake, Golden Gate Canyon, Spinney Mountain, Eleven Mile and within the East and West Lakes of James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park.
- Air-inflated floating devices are generally limited to designated swim areas, though multi-compartment inflatable craft with rigid motor mounts are permitted.
Water Activities
Colorado Waters
Colorado's waters for boating range from the 150-mile-long Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area to small mountain lakes and large reservoirs. Many state parks are built around a lake or waterway, which means boating and other water sports are among the headliners. Larger parks offer boat rentals and full-service marinas. Check what’s available and the current conditions where you plan to visit before you go.
- Boat ramps
- Equipment rentals, including accessible
- Fishing piers, including accessible
- Marinas
- Swim beaches, including accessible
Oh, SHELL NO
Be a Pain in the ANS
Colorado’s chile crop could be impacted by Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS). Take action when you clean, drain and dry your water gear.
Play on the Water
Video: Paddleboarders—Be a Pain in the ANS
You can help!
Protect where you paddle and Be a Pain in the ANS this summer!
Help keep our lakes and rivers clean, healthy and accessible. By practicing clean, drain, dry with your paddleboarding gear you keep everyone afloat, and stop the spread of aquatic invaders. Don’t let aquatic nuisance species sink your summer, Be a Pain in the ANS!
Two people wearing life vests paddleboard on a lake, with one kneeling and paddling, while the other sits
Required Gear
Paddleboards must be marked with the owner's name and address. Paddleboarders must have and should wear a life jacket and carry a sound-producing device (whistle, horn, air horn)
Be a Pain in the ANS!
How to Clean Paddleboards
Invasive species of plants and wildlife harm Colorado's land and water, negatively impacting the state’s economy, recreation, property values and public health. Invasive wildlife spread by hitchhiking on watercraft, trailers, vehicles, tires, boots, waders, equipment, gear, firewood and even dogs!
- Keep your distance from storm drains and new bodies of water while cleaning all equipment.
- Remove all visible plant material, animals and mud from the board, fin and associated plugs.
- Clean all other equipment that was used including paddles, lifejackets and leashes.
- Carry your paddleboard to a dry location and place it on its side to drain.
- Sponge or towel any areas where water has been unable to drain.
- Inflatable paddle boards should be left inflated until dry.
- When fully dry, place the air valve down when deflating to prevent water from getting inside the paddleboard.
A kayaker in protective gear performs a roll in whitewater
Required Gear
Kayaks and canoes must be marked with the owner's name and address and be double-chambered.When on the water, users have to have and should wear a life jacket and carry a sound-producing device (whistle, horn, air horn).
Be a Pain in the ANS!
How to Clean Kayaks and Canoes
Invasive species of plants and wildlife harm Colorado's land and water, negatively impacting the state’s economy, recreation, property values and public health. Invasive wildlife spread by hitchhiking on watercraft, trailers, vehicles, tires, boots, waders, equipment, gear, firewood and even dogs!
- Keep your distance from storm drains and new bodies of water while cleaning all equipment.
- Remove all visible plant material, animals and mud from the hull, rudder and all compartments including footwells and storage areas.
- Clean all other equipment that was used including paddles, lifejackets and the anchor.
- Carry your kayak or canoe to a dry location to drain.
- Tilt and lift your kayak or canoe to empty any water that has pooled inside the interior compartments.
- Sponge or towel any areas where water has been unable to drain.
- Find a place where the kayak or canoe can continue to dry completely.
Visitors Seeking a River Guide and River Outfitters Wanting to Guide
River rafting is an exciting outdoor adventure for people of all experience levels.
Many people use a river outfitter to enjoy a scenic float or exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure. Look up a river rafting or fishing outfitter, photographer or shuttle service in the Outfitter List.
All river outfitters operating in Colorado are required to first obtain a river outfitter license from Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Visit the River Outfitter Licensing Page to learn more.
A person waterskiing on open water, leaning into a turn and creating a spray
Required Gear
An orange or red flag (minimum 12-inch square) must be used to signal when a skier goes down. The flag must remain up until both the skier and equipment are retrieved.
Rafts, must be marked with the owner's name and address and be double-chambered -- a raft must have at least two places for inflation. When on the water, users have to have and should wear a life jacket and carry a sound-producing device (whistle, horn, air horn).
Be a Pain in the ANS!
How to Clean Your Rafts, Inner Tubes, Water Skis and Surf Boards
Invasive species of plants and wildlife harm Colorado's land and water, negatively impacting the state’s economy, recreation, property values and public health. Invasive wildlife spread by hitchhiking on watercraft, trailers, vehicles, tires, boots, waders, equipment, gear, firewood and even dogs!
- Keep your distance from storm drains and new bodies of water while cleaning all equipment.
- Remove all visible plant material, animals, and mud from the hull, trailer and all compartments including footwells and storage areas.
- Clean all other equipment that was used including paddles, dry storage bags, anchors and lifejackets. Drain
- Ensure that all water has been drained from your inflatable watercraft.
- If your inflatable watercraft has a two-layer (bladder/shell) construction or a floor that allows water inside the shell, be sure to drain all the areas where water could be trapped.
- Sponge or towel any water that remains on the watercraft following your draining process.
- Leave your watercraft inflated until it is completely dry.
A person stands on a yellow personal watercraft on a lake, handling equipment mounted behind the seat
Required Gear
Scuba divers must display a warning flag when diving. Divers must stay within a 100-foot radius of the flag. Scuba divers must keep a distance of at least 100 feet from dam outlet structures.
Be a Pain in the ANS!
Clean Your Scuba Diving Gear
Divers can unintentionally spread freshwater invasive species from one body of water to another on their gear. Some species are invisible to the naked eye and can survive hours to weeks on wet scuba gear or in water inside the equipment. By following these guidelines, you can help prevent the spread of invasive species when you scuba dive.
- Clean off any visible plants, animals and mud from your wetsuit, dry suit, booties, mask, snorkel, fins, buoyancy control device (BC), regulator, cylinder, weight belt, boat, motor and trailer before leaving the water.
- Drain water from your BC, regulators, boots, gloves, snorkel, mask and any other equipment that may hold water before leaving the water.
- Rinse the inside of your BC with hot water (at least 104° Fahrenheit, but not more than 120° F) or salted water (1/2 cup salt dissolved per one gallon water). Immediately follow a salt wash with a freshwater rinse.
- Submerge and wash your suit and other equipment using appropriate cleaning solutions.
- Dry your suit and all equipment completely for at least 24 hours before diving in a different body of water.
Jet Skiing
Jet Ski Inspections
State Parks and other Colorado reservoirs, lake and rivers may require inspections for jet skis before launching in the water. Inspections help stop the spread of invasive aquatic wildlife.
Be a Pain in the ANS!
How to Clean Jet Skis
Invasive species of plants and wildlife harm Colorado's land and water, negatively impacting the state’s economy, recreation, property values and public health. Invasive wildlife spread by hitchhiking on watercraft, trailers, vehicles, tires, boots, waders, equipment, gear, firewood and even dogs!
- Clean the hull, trailer, intake grate and steering nozzle before leaving the water.
- Run the engine for five to 10 seconds to blow out excess water and vegetation from the internal drive before leaving the water.
- Allow sufficient time for equipment to dry completely before launching in other waters.
Sailboat on the water
Sailboat Inspections
State Parks and other Colorado reservoirs, lake and rivers may require inspections for s before launching in the water. Inspections help stop the spread of invasive aquatic wildlife.
Be a Pain in the ANS!
How to Clean Sailboats
Invasive species of plants and wildlife harm Colorado's land and water, negatively impacting the state’s economy, recreation, property values and public health. Invasive wildlife spread by hitchhiking on watercraft, trailers, vehicles, tires, boots, waders, equipment, gear, firewood and even dogs!
- Clean centerboard, bilge board, wells, rudderpost, trailer and other equipment before leaving the water.
- Drain water from boat, motor, bilge, ballast, bladders, wells and portable bait containers before leaving the water.
- Allow sufficient time for boats to dry completely before launching in other waters.
Swim Beaches
Cherry Creek State Park
The swimming beach at Cherry Creek is a very popular destination for those looking to escape the summer heat.
Lake Pueblo State Park
The sunny beach at Lake Pueblo offers an escape from the summer heat from Memorial Day until Labor Day.
Boyd Lake Swim Beach
The Boyd Lake State Park swim beach provides cool relief on Colorado's hot summer days. A pavilion at the beach includes rinsing showers, restrooms, a playground, and picnic tables and Fun Foods snack bar where you can purchase food and other items.
Stay Safe on the Water
Keep your time on the water fun and safe by following some simple safety guidelines. Be aware that lifeguards are not on duty at state park beaches.
Life Jackets
You must wear a life jacket/personal floatation device (PFD) that is the correct size for you when engaging in water activities. Check with the park you are planning to visit to see if they offer loaner life jackets.
Water Rules
Be prepared for your day on the water by familiarizing yourself with the guidelines and regulations for your water activity.
Learn the Rules
Accessible
Water Fun for People Experiencing Disabilities
People experiencing disabilities can enjoy paddleboarding and swimming. During the summer months, Ridgway State Park offers an accessible paddleboard with mounted rings for accessible supports and a MobiChair, a floating beach wheelchair, for accessible swimming and wading at the swim beach.
Upcoming Events
Sep
4
Boating Safety Course
Sep 4, 2026 · 6:00pm - Sep 4, 2026 · 9:00pm
Sep
4
Boating Safety Course
Sep 4, 2026 · 6:00pm - Sep 4, 2026 · 9:00pm
Jackson Lake State Park
This is a hands on , in person course for your Boater ID Card.
Sep
6
Little Lines, Big Fish Youth Fishing Clinic
Sep 6, 2026 · 10:00am - Sep 6, 2026 · 12:00pm
Lathrop State Park
Learn how to catch the "big one" at Lathrop's fishing clinic for kids under 16 years of age.
Sep
6
Little Lines, Big Fish Youth Fishing Clinic
Sep 6, 2026 · 10:00am - Sep 6, 2026 · 12:00pm
Lathrop State Park
Learn how to catch the "big one" at Lathrop's fishing clinic for kids under 16 years of age.
Sep
10
Fly Fishing Clinic
Sep 10, 2026 · 9:00am - Sep 10, 2026 · 1:00pm
Staunton State Park
Ever wanted to give fly fishing a try but didn't know where to start? Are you new to fly fishing and looking for some tips to...
Sep
10
Fly Fishing Clinic
Sep 10, 2026 · 9:00am - Sep 10, 2026 · 1:00pm
Staunton State Park
Ever wanted to give fly fishing a try but didn't know where to start? Are you new to fly fishing and looking for some tips to...
Sep
4
Boating Safety Course
Sep 4, 2026 · 6:00pm - Sep 4, 2026 · 9:00pm
Sep
4
Boating Safety Course
Sep 4, 2026 · 6:00pm - Sep 4, 2026 · 9:00pm
Jackson Lake State Park
This is a hands on , in person course for your Boater ID Card.
Sep
6
Little Lines, Big Fish Youth Fishing Clinic
Sep 6, 2026 · 10:00am - Sep 6, 2026 · 12:00pm
Lathrop State Park
Learn how to catch the "big one" at Lathrop's fishing clinic for kids under 16 years of age.
Sep
6
Little Lines, Big Fish Youth Fishing Clinic
Sep 6, 2026 · 10:00am - Sep 6, 2026 · 12:00pm
Lathrop State Park
Learn how to catch the "big one" at Lathrop's fishing clinic for kids under 16 years of age.
Sep
10
Fly Fishing Clinic
Sep 10, 2026 · 9:00am - Sep 10, 2026 · 1:00pm
Staunton State Park
Ever wanted to give fly fishing a try but didn't know where to start? Are you new to fly fishing and looking for some tips to...
Sep
10
Fly Fishing Clinic
Sep 10, 2026 · 9:00am - Sep 10, 2026 · 1:00pm
Staunton State Park
Ever wanted to give fly fishing a try but didn't know where to start? Are you new to fly fishing and looking for some tips to...
Equipment Rentals
Marinas at Colorado State Parks offer a variety of equipment rentals including boats, paddleboards and canoes.