6 Best Places to Paddle Board in Aurora Reservoir, CO

Discover the tranquility of Colorado’s waterscape.

Do you dream of gliding along calm waters surrounded by stunning Rocky Mountain views?

Some of the best places to paddle board in Aurora Reservoir are calling your name.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Colorado’s serene oasis. Ready to dive in?

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Aurora Reservoir

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from April through October. July is the warmest month, averaging 90 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.

Where to Paddle Board in Aurora Reservoir

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Aurora Reservoir

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Aurora Reservoir Main Entrance (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, migrating birds, deer on the shores
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Rocky Mountain vistas, walking trails
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Lifejackets required, no swimming or wading. Access here is controlled: every craft needs a Watercraft Access Pass and has to pass a boat inspection before it goes in.

The Aurora Reservoir offers a relaxing paddleboarding experience within its serene water haven. With its calm waters and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, it’s no wonder why the reservoir is a popular paddleboarding spot among locals.

The gentle winds create a welcoming environment for all paddleboarders, whether a beginner or seasoned pro.

#2 Quincy Reservoir

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Quincy Reservoir Entrance (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, migratory birds
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Rolling hills, fields
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Lifejackets required, no swimming or wading, adhere to park rules. Access here is controlled: hand launched craft only, with a twenty dollar annual Watercraft Access Pass and a boat inspection.

Located just a few miles from Aurora Reservoir, Quincy Reservoir offers another idyllic spot for paddleboarding just outside of Aurora.

It is recognized for its calm waters and lush surrounding environment, perfect for a tranquil paddleboarding getaway. During ideal seasons, the reservoir teems with an abundance of wildlife, making for an enjoyable and picturesque experience.

#3 Cherry Creek Reservoir

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Pelican Bay at the Cherry Creek Marina (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters, occasional wind gusts
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Eagles, falcons, variety of fish
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Cherry Creek State Park, sandy shores
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow state park rules, respect wildlife, lifejackets required

Cherry Creek Reservoir, a bit farther from Aurora Reservoir but still within the vicinity, provides a scenic backdrop within Cherry Creek State Park.

Its calm waters are surrounded by sandy shores and abundant wildlife, making it a versatile destination for those looking to paddleboard in the region. The Marina at Cherry Creek offers several amenities for paddleboarders, including rentals and lessons.

#4 Chatfield Reservoir

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Chatfield State Park Boat Launch (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional wind gusts
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, water birds
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Framed views of the Rockies, park setting
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park rules, lifejackets required, adhere to designated zones

Chatfield Reservoir, slightly farther away but still accessible from Aurora, is nestled in the verdant Chatfield State Park. The reservoir offers yet another beautiful paddleboarding spot surrounded by natural splendor.

The majestic views of the Rockies combined with the tranquil park setting make this location ideal for a serene paddleboarding adventure.

#5 South Platte River

🏖️ ️Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Various spots along the South Platte River (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, mild winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, water birds, deer
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Riverbanks, bridges
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Wear lifejackets, avoid during high water, respect wildlife and private property

The South Platte River presents an alternative to paddleboarding on lakes. While it may be further from the Aurora Reservoir, the river offers a more dynamic and flowing experience for those wanting to try something different.

Paddleboarders can enjoy a peaceful journey along the riverbanks and under bridges while spotting wildlife and respecting the natural environment.

#6 Standley Lake

🏖️ ️Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Standley Lake Regional Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, mild winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, water birds, deer
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Rolling hills, open fields
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Wear lifejackets, avoid during high water, respect wildlife, and follow park rules

Though a bit further away from Aurora Reservoir, Standley Lake offers a scenic experience for paddleboarders seeking calm waters and a serene environment. The vast open fields, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife make it an ideal location to take in the beauty of Colorado.

As part of the Standley Lake Regional Park, paddleboarders enjoy not only the lake but also additional outdoor activities within the park.

Aurora Reservoir bans motorboats, which makes it the flattest big water on the Front Range. Boulder Reservoir is the northern equivalent, Aspen the mountain trip and the state guide everything in between.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case