by Gil Folsom
There was concern following a Paddlefest about the role of the RMSKC members in sharing the best places for sea kayaking in our area. As a club we are dedicated to sharing all aspects of sea kayaking that will benefit our members. In response, Gil Folsom has researched and contributed this wonderful list of great paddling places!! This list is not exclusive and we will print and appreciate hearing about any additions you have found!
Here are some suggestions for kayak touring and day trips in the Rocky Mountain region. This is just a sampling of the many trips available to you. Please consult guidebooks and talk to local authorities in these areas before attempting any of these trips. Keep in mind that river ratings can vary depending on water flow. The weather for paddling in most of the mountain region is best done earlier in the day, when winds and powerful thunderstorms are generally not a factor.
From Loma, Colorado to Westwater, Utah this is spectacular kayaking through Horsethief and Ruby Canyons. This is a 26 mile; trip with class I water.
Gunnison River
From Delta to Grand Junction, this 28 mile stretch of river goes through Escalante and Dominguez Canyons Hiking opportunities reveal petroglyphs, waterfalls, and swimming holes. The water is rated class I-II, but almost entirely class I.
White River
Starting from near Meeker, you can select various trip lengths
ranging up to almost 100 miles in length that will lead you to the
confluence with the Green River, near Ouray, Utah. The river is rated
class I-II. Meadows, ranch land, canyons, and even a few arches can
be seen in various stretches. One particularly popular hike goes to
Goblin City, so named because of the intriguing rock formations.
Between Craig and Juniper Hot Springs is a 38 mile trip with easy class I water meandering through ranch land and canyons.
Arapahoe National Recreation Area
Often referred to as the "Great Lakes of Colorado" this system of waterways contain five major lakes: Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Monarch Lake, Willow Creek Reservoir, and Meadow Creek
Reservoir.
Lake Granby is 7,256 acres in size when full, and is the largest of the five. It is the second largest body of water in Colorado, and offers dispersed camping opportunities along the northeast portion of the lake if you would like to get away for some peace and solitude.
Shadow Mountain Reservoir is 1 ,400 acres in size and connected by a
canal to Grand Lake to allow kayak passage between the two.
Grand Lake is 506 acres and is the largest natural lake in Colorado.
Located just southeast of Brighton, Barr Lake offers metro paddlers a place to escape most Of the crowds and noise associated with most of the Denver area reservoirs. Barr Lake is 1 ,937 acres in size and limits motorized boating to 10 hp or less. Half the lake is off limits to all boating, as it is a designated wildlife refuge. Barr Lake serves as a peaceful day paddling destination with great
wildlife viewing possibilities.
Curecanti National Recreation Area
Located just west of Gunnison, this system of waterways actually consists of three reservoirs: Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal Lakes.
Blue Mesa (9,000 acres) offers 96 miles of shoreline and is the largest body of water in Colorado. Paddlers can explore secluded canyons in various arms of the lake, and several boat-in
campsites offer good places to camp.
Morrow Point and Crystal Lakes, although not nearly as large as Blue
Mesa, offer a completely different kind of kayaking experience. Lying deep within the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, these two lakes are limited to hand carried craft, so there is a much greater chance for solitude. They are very narrow and have steep canyon walls rising up to 2,000 feet straight out of the water. Both of these lakes offer boat-in campsite. Be warned, however, that unpredictable fluctuating dam releases from Morrow Point and Blue Mesa Dams can make paddling to the take out spots very difficult should you attempt it at the wrong times.
Beautiful mountain backdrops and only a little over an hour away from Denver, this is a popular place to paddle. Sea Kayaks can even rented on the Frisco side of the reservoir. Dillon Reservoir is 3,300 acres in size, and jet skiers and water skiers are not allowed on the lake. A favorite launch site is near the Heaton Bay day use area, and a short paddle from there will take you to an island oasis with its' own sheltered cove (a great place on a sunny day to picnic and snooze in the sun!).
McPhee Reservoir
Just outside of Dolores, this 4,470 acre reservoir is approximately nine miles long with several side inlets. High speed boating is restricted to the main channel. The Beaver Creek inlet is almost eight miles in length and looks like it offers peaceful paddling.
Navajo Reservoir
Located near Arboles on the southwest border of Colorado, most of this reservoir actually lies in New Mexico. It is 15,600 acres in size, is 35 miles long, and lies in a sparsely populated area. It is larger than any body of water in Colorado.
