Find Kayak & Canoe
You can find Estes Park kayaking and canoeing in many calm lakes in the area. For a more rigorous experience, there are several river drops where kayakers paddle white waters.
- Lake Estes is the only location in Estes Park for canoeing and kayaking
- Rocky Mountain National Park allows kayaking and canoeing on most lakes
- St. Vrain River has fun rapids for kayakers!
- Take Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake, where you can fish and boat
Where should I go Kayak/Canoeing?
Lake Estes:
Sharp peaks surround these 4-shoreline miles. Choose a fishing boat, pontoon, paddleboat, canoe, or kayak to explore!
After boating, go around the lake on a paved path that’s great for running, skating, and biking.
- Location: Drive into Estes Park west on US 36. The lake is on your right side.
- Seasons: May-Oct
- Marina/Boat Launch: Launch your boat at Lake Estes Marina, on the lake’s north side.
- Boat Restrictions: No jet skis. Wakeless water, unless pulling a water-skier. Noise decibel of boats can’t be above 40.
- Fishing: Fish from a boat or on shoreline for rainbow trout, brown trout, Kokanee, Yellow Perch, and Walleye.
Grand Lake:
Tremendous Rocky Mountains abruptly appear by Grand Lake and its water.
Sail, water-ski, canoe, kayak, or fish on Grand Lake—the largest natural lake in Colorado!
Shadow Mountain Lake is connected to Grand Lake, so your exploration expands.
- Location: West on US 36 into Rocky Mountain National Park, through Beaver Meadows Entrance. Take Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake.
- Seasons: May-Sep
- Marina/Boat Launch: Launch your boat at West Portal on the lake’s east end. Marinas include Grand Lake Marina and Trail Ridge Marina.
- Boat Restrictions: 55 mph speed limit. 32-foot clearance beneath the foot- bridge that crosses above the channel.
- Camping: Rocky Mountain National Park’s campgrounds are close by. Green Ridge campground is on the south end of Shadow Mountain Lake.
- Fishing: You’ll find various kinds of trout and land-locked sockeye salmon called Kokanee.
St. Vrain River:
Southeast of Estes Park you’ll find the town of Lyons, and sections of St. Vrain river for tubing and kayaking.
- Put-Ins: Meadow Park and Bohn Park. For Meadow Park, go west of the intersection of Hwy 7 (5th Ave) and Railroad Ave. For Bohn Park, go south of Park St. off of 2nd Ave.
- Seasons: April-Oct
- Rapids: Black Bear drop is a Beginner/Intermediate drop. Downstream is A-hole drop, which is advanced. Enjoy these kayaking playing holes!
- Fishing: Bohn Park is a popular access for Fly-fishing. Lookout for Brown, cutthroat and brook trout, and rainbows.
Sprague Lake:
Rocky Mountain National Park’s serene lakes are relaxing to paddle through.
Sprague Lake is popular for its beautiful scenery and its accessibility.
- Location: Take US 36 west through Beaver Meadows Entrance. Turn left on Bear Lake Rd. Continue to Sprague Lake Trailhead.
- Seasons: May-Oct
- Boat Restrictions: Canoes and Kayaks only.
- Camping: Glacier Basin campground is nearby. Some Glacier Basin campsites accept reservations and others do not.
- Fishing: Sprague is stocked with Trout!
Do I need a permit/license?
A Colorado fishing license and camping permits are required.
Many marinas sell fishing licenses. Contact Rocky Mountain National Park to ask about specific camping permits: (970) 586-1206
I am looking for a kayak/canoe guide.
Mountain Whitewater Descents offers a variety of kayak lessons. Choose a full or half day. Learn to navigate the rapids of the Cache La Poudre River!