Kayaking in Colorado
Kayaking Trips in Colorado
With the headwaters of 20 different rivers located in the state, Colorado has an abundance of kayaking opportunities from Class I floats to technical rapids and falls! Find kayaking trips in Colorado for every level of kayaker. Whether you're looking for a guided trip, kayak rentals, self-guided, day trip, multi-day trip, or anything in between, there's a kayaking trip in Colorado for you. If you've paddled Colorado before, be sure to share your trip with the rest of us!
Planning the trip of a lifetime? Check out these
- Brought to you by the Water Sports Foundation and the SFRBTF administered by the U.S. Coast Guard -
Guide to Kayaking in Colorado
Read on for guides to planning your own kayaking trip to Colorado, seeking out an outfitted trip, connecting with other Colorado paddlers, and many other resources! Find info or stories for any of the below CO-based paddling destinations:
- Poudre River
- Trout Lake
- Colorado River (rapids in the upper sections)
- Shadow Mountain Lake
- Sylvan Lake
Kayaking Locations in Colorado
If you want to plot your own route, check out all paddling locations in Colorado! Search thousands of put-in and take-out locations on our Paddling Locations Map and be sure to download the Go Paddling app where you can save favorites or create and share a float plan!
Plan a Kayaking Trip in Colorado
Over the years, many of our paddlers have paddled throughout Colorado and were so generous to share their paddling experiences with us in a community trip report. Read a few examples of Colorado community trip reports below:
Have you paddled in Colorado? Post Your Trip and share with the community!
Connect with Kayakers in Colorado
Looking to connect with other paddlers in Colorado? Below are a number of resources to help get you started:
- Check out the Paddling.com Message Boards
- Paddle with the Poudre Paddlers Canoe and Kayak Club
Kayak Outfitters in Colorado
Looking to rent a kayak or go on a guided trip? Check out these outfitters in Colorado:
- Holiday River Expeditions - Salt Lake City, UT
- Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center - Buena Vista, CO
Articles about Colorado Paddling
Applying the Principles of Leave no Trace
In the 30-odd years that the phrase has been in widespread use, "Leave No Trace" has emerged as the mantra for a generation of outdoor recreation fans. From signs in National Parks Service campsites, to posters in gear shops, the concept of "leave only footprints, take only memories" has defined the outdoor experience for millions of people worldwide.
