Boating

Water sports are a great way to have fun in the sun, whether you take to the water in your power boat, sailboat, canoe or just jump in for a swim.
Boat floating on Boyd Lake, mountain view in background.

Lake Statuses -

Highline Lake is being refilled after the 2024 zebra mussel eradication project. The lake is currently closed to ALL surface-water activity. When an opening date is closer, it will be announced. Mack Mesa Lake is open.  More details...

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Checklist

Boating in Colorado

  • New Age Requirement for Operating a Boat in Colorado

    As of June 1st, 2024, the operation of a motorboat, including a personal watercraft (PWC, jet ski, ski-doo), by a person who is less than 18 years of age is prohibited. A person who is at least 14 years of age but less than 18 years of age may operate a motorboat if the person has completed a boating safety course​ approved by CPW and possesses a boating safety certificate issued by the boating safety course provider.

    Take a Safety Course

  • Register Your Boat

    Any boat with a motor or sail operated in Colorado on any public waters must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.​​​ Boats from other states may be operated in Colorado for up to 60 days with a current registration from the owner's state.

    Register Your  Boat Today

  • Purchase an Aquatic Nuisance Species Stamp

    Motorized boats and sailboats must have an Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp prior to launching in Colorado.

  • Bring Life Jackets and Safety Equipment

    Boaters should have proper safety equipment including life jackets before entering the water.

    Learn more about Boating and Water Safety

  • Decontaminate Your Boat by Cleaning, Draining and Drying

    Boaters can easily transport invasive species and are required by law to Clean, D​​rain, and Dry​​ their boat, trailer and equipment every time they enter or exit any waters. 

    Learn how to Clean, Drain and Dry Your Boat

  • Get a Mandatory Boat Inspection

    All trailered and/or motorized boats require certified aquatic nuisance species (ans) boat inspections.

    Learn more about Mandatory Boat Inspections

Colorado Waters

Colorado Waters

Colorado's Waters for boating range from the 150-mile-long Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area to small mountain lakes and large reservoirs. 

Upcoming Events

Two mascots and a park ranger standing and smiling.

May

17

Clean Up Green Up & Gear Up For Summer

Saturday, May 17

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Two events, one great day! Clean Up Green Up tackles river trash, while Gear Up For Summer offers family fun with games, fishing, PFD fittings, and partner organization booths at Riverside Park.
Two mascots and a park ranger standing and smiling.

May

17

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Clean Up Green Up & Gear Up For Summer

Saturday, May 17

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Two events, one great day! Clean Up Green Up tackles river trash, while Gear Up For Summer offers family fun with games, fishing, PFD fittings, and partner organization booths at Riverside Park.
Two mascots and a park ranger standing and smiling.

May

17

Clean Up Green Up & Gear Up For Summer

Saturday, May 17

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Two events, one great day! Clean Up Green Up tackles river trash, while Gear Up For Summer offers family fun with games, fishing, PFD fittings, and partner organization booths at Riverside Park.
Two mascots and a park ranger standing and smiling.

May

17

Registration Required:

Event participants must register

Clean Up Green Up & Gear Up For Summer

Saturday, May 17

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Two events, one great day! Clean Up Green Up tackles river trash, while Gear Up For Summer offers family fun with games, fishing, PFD fittings, and partner organization booths at Riverside Park.

Know Before You Go

​​​​Before heading out on Colorado's waters, be sure to learn or review the navigation and boating rules for a safe and rewarding boating trip.

Navigation

Navigation

Review Boating Navigation Information, or for a complete list of navigation rules, review section 219 of the Boating Statutes & Regulations.

Learn more
rules

Boating Rules

Review the Boating Statutes & Regulations to learn how to keep yourself and others safe on the water.

Learn more

More Outdoor Fun

 water

Water Activities