Discover the beauty of Colorado’s landscapes.
Ever imagined gliding through the serene waters surrounded by majestic mountains?
The best places to paddle board in Colorado Springs are waiting for you.
Join us as we explore the tranquil scenery of this charming city. Ready to embark on an adventure?
Map
Planning Your Paddle in Colorado Springs
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 May through September. July is the warmest month, averaging 78 °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 Colorado Springs
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 Quail Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Quail Lake Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, flat waters, gentle breezes
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, various birds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Pikes Peak, beautiful park setting
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park rules, use caution near shoreline
Quail Lake is a beautiful spot in Colorado Springs, offering picturesque views of Pikes Peak.
The calm waters provide a serene setting for paddle boarding enthusiasts of all levels. Surrounded by lush parkland, this spot promises a tranquil experience.
#2 Prospect Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Memorial Park’s Boat Ramp (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasionally windy
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, fish, pelicans
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Memorial Park’s views, Pikes Peak
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park rules, use caution around aquatic center
Prospect Lake, located within Memorial Park, is another popular paddle boarding destination in Colorado Springs.
The calm waters provide a suitable environment for both beginners and experienced boarders. Enjoy the scenic views of the park and Pikes Peak as you glide on the water.
#3 Fountain Creek
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Fountain Creek Nature Center (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, sheltered from strong winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Beavers, muskrats, birds
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Nature trails, wildlife, serene atmosphere
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Avoid during high water, respect wildlife
Fountain Creek offers a gentle, scenic paddle boarding experience surrounded by nature. Paddle through this peaceful area, enjoying the wildlife and connection with nature.
The Fountain Creek Nature Center serves as an excellent access point for your journey down this quiet stream.
#4 Monument Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Monument Lake Resort Boat Ramp (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional breezes
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, fish, occasional deer
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Front Range and Pike National Forest
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow lake rules, be mindful of fishing areas
Just a short drive from Colorado Springs, Monument Lake is nestled among the Front Range and Pike National Forest, offering stunning mountain views.
The tranquil waters ensure a serene paddling experience surrounded by abundant natural beauty. Be sure to explore the shoreline for some peaceful moments of reflection.
#5 Manitou Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Manitou Lake Recreation Area (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, cool waters, mild winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, fish
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Pikes Peak, National Forest, surrounding mountains
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park rules, be mindful of wild birds
Manitou Lake lies within the captivating scenery of the Pike National Forest, just a short drive from Colorado Springs. Enjoy paddle boarding on calm, cool waters while surrounded by the towering peaks of Pikes Peak and surrounding mountains.
Be sure to take some time to explore the various trails around the lake for a truly enchanting experience.
#6 Catamount Reservoirs
- 🏖️ Location Type: Mountain Lake
- 📍 Access Point: North Catamount Recreation Area (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm mountain waters, occasionally windy
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, deer
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Pikes Peak, lush forests
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park rules, be aware of altitude. Access here is controlled: non-motorised craft are allowed inside the North Slope Recreation Area, with a paid day pass per vehicle.
Not too far from Colorado Springs, the Catamount Reservoirs offer a pristine mountain lake experience with breathtaking views of Pikes Peak.
The calm waters, surrounded by lush forests, make it an ideal location for a serene paddle boarding adventure. Be prepared for the altitude and take your time to explore this beautiful area.
Colorado Springs paddles small and high, with Pikes Peak in every photograph. Palmer Lake is the little one up the pass, Horsetooth Reservoir the northern equivalent and the state overview the rest.
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.
- Typefoam, paddle cut
- ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada
Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding
- Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
- Swivelstwo in-line
- RatingIP68 certified, 1 m for 30 minutes
- Floatsyes
- Capacity20 L, range from 10 to 55 L
- Material500D PVC tarpaulin
Every model we tested: The 9 Best Dry Bags for Paddle Boarding
- Typetall neoprene boot
- Thickness3 mm
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Colorado Springs?
Paddle boarding in Colorado Springs is best at Quail Lake Park, Prospect Lake, and Manitou Lake.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Colorado Springs?
No, paddle boards do not require registration in Colorado Springs.
When is the best time to paddle board in Colorado Springs?
Ideal paddle boarding conditions in Colorado Springs are typically in the warmer months from May to September.
Paddle Boarding Near Colorado Springs
Looking for another spot on the same trip? These guides cover the closest paddling waters we have mapped around Colorado Springs.
- Palmer Lake (31 miles north)
- Chatfield Reservoir (46 miles north)
- Aurora Reservoir (50 miles north)
- Colorado (55 miles north)
