Stand-up paddle boarding is the go-to activity for summer. This is a trend I will happily get behind. Between the core workout and surrounding yourself with Colorado beauty, stand-up paddle boarding needs to become a part of your summer arsenal of activities. Here are the top five places for your next SUP adventure:

The Colorado River

Photo courtesy of Stand Up Paddle Colorado

Photo courtesy of Stand Up Paddle Colorado

Elevate your SUP skills and charge down the Colorado River. A river SUP adventure will test your balance and your maneuverability. Join Stand Up Paddle in Dillon, Colorado on one of their guided river tours. Start down the Colorado River where you’ll pass sandy beaches and spot abandon gold mines. As you start to get comfortable the river rises up to challenge you with a few Class I and Class II rapid sections. This entire trip is located on an ideal section of the Colorado River, offering spectacular views and a chance to get lost in the canyon. The tour ends at State Bridge Riverside Amphitheater. The perfect rendezvous for a cold beer and relaxation.

 

Union Reservoir

Photo courtesy of Longmontcolorado.gov

Photo courtesy of Longmontcolorado.gov

This Front Range beauty is truly a peaceful escape. Unlike Cherry Creek Reservoir or Chatfield, Union Reservoir is an entirely no wake zone. The majority of water crafts you will find here are human or wind powered with a few fisherman chugging along quietly. You can reach this hideaway by heading north 40 minutes out of the city towards Longmont. Colorado Stand Up Paddle offers rentals and lessons, while you, family and friends can enjoy access to the sandy beaches, warm water and shaded picnic area.

 

 

Grand Lake

Photo courtesy of  hiketherockies.com

Photo courtesy of hiketherockies.com

Colorado’s largest and deepest lake will take your breath away. Located just outside Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake has everything you need for a killer day trip in the woods. With its proximity to the Rocky Mountain National Park you can spend the morning on the water and the afternoon hiking for a sunset view. Grand Lake is also a 20 minute drive from Winter Park, giving you ample options of places to stay, eat and adventure. You can rent a SUP from the Grand Lake Marina or launch your own right from the sand.

 

Lake Dillon

Photo courtesy of  friscomarina.com

Photo courtesy of friscomarina.com

Looking for a high country retreat with 360 degree range views? You can find everything you need on Lake Dillion. SUPing on Lake Dillion can’t be beat. The best part about this beautiful lake is that you have two options of places to rent, either the Frisco Marina or the Dillion Marina. You can’t go wrong, both marinas have docks, boats and Tiki bars. All the ingredient for a really good time. Soak up the sun and the ten mile range.

 

Aurora Reservoir

Photo courtesy of Colorado Surf's SUP

Photo courtesy of Colorado Surf’s SUP

If you want to stay closer to home, Denver has great options for Stand Up paddle boarding that you can access within 30 minutes of the city. The Aurora Reservoir is lined with sandy beaches and surrounded by summer events. Surf’s SUP Colorado will be hosting its third SUP Race of the summer on August 29th at the Aurora Reservoir. Participants can choose one of two courses, the long course which is 5 miles or the short course clocking in at 2 miles. Aurora Reservoir is a fee area that requires a daily $10 per-vehicle entry fee or season pass.

Register for the upcoming races today:
Race #3: Saturday August 29
Race #4: Saturday September 19