The Best Kayaking in Colorado

Looking for the best kayaking in Colorado? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Colorado. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top kayaking spots in and near Colorado

Idaho Springs, Colorado

Camp and Fish at Loch Lomond

5.0

The trail to Loch Lomond is very rocky. I suggest a high clearance 4x4 vehicle (I did see a small SUV and a Subaru..Not sure how they did it!!!). There are a few campsites at the lake and several along the way. I set up camp by the lake but had to move because the wind was so intense. I recommend...
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Twin Lakes, Colorado

Camp at Twin Lakes' White Star Campground

4.5

This area is located on the other side of Independence Pass from Aspen, which is only accessible during the summer, or can be reached year-round via Leadville, which is about 20 miles away along Highway 24. From Twin Lakes Village drive approximately 1.5 miles east on Highway 82 and take the exit...
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Somerset, Colorado

Camp at Lost Lake Slough

5.0

Lost Lake Slough offers camping, hiking, photography, kayaking, and more in a remote and beautiful part of Colorado. At an elevation of over 9,600 ft., the lake typically opens in mid-June after the snow is melted, and closes in October after the first significant snowfall. The campground is on...
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Moffat County, Colorado

Float the Yampa River through Dinosaur National Monument

With amazing rivers and hikes, adventure, solitude, diverse wildlife, world-class geology, fascinating human history, oh, and dinosaur fossils, this place is not to be missed.The 46-mile long Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument sources from Steamboat Springs, and is the last large free-flow...
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Fruita, Colorado

Float Ruby-Horsethief Canyons

To do the entire 26-mile float, put in at the Loma River access, several miles west of Fruita and just a short drive from I-70. From the Loma access there is no other easy access point until 26 miles later, at Westwater in Utah.Once on the water you will be able to relax and enjoy the beautiful s...
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Bond, Colorado

Camp at Radium Campground

This was a rafting/camping trip. We camped at the Radium Campground and rafted 4.5 miles from Pump House Boat Launch. BLM charges $5.00 per vehicle at the boat launch sites and $10.00 per night for camping.Keep an eye out for big horn sheep. I saw them grazing on the side of the colorado river.Yo...
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Durango, Colorado

Camp at Little Molas Lake

5.0

1 mi / 40 ft gain

Little Molas Lake Campground is about 1 mile off of US Highway 550 on Molas Pass just North of and on the other side of the highway from the Molas Overlook. Pro-tip: there is also another campground nearby called Molas Lake Park & Campground, so it's important to distinguish which you are hea...
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Coalmont, Colorado

Camp at Dumont Lake, CO

4.5

Dumont Lake is 22 miles southeast of Steamboat Springs, just minutes off of U.S. Highway 40 (Rabbit Ears Pass). As you turn off the highway and drive down the dirt road, you get great views of Rabbit Ears Peak.The campground is made up of 14 sites. Almost all of the sites have a view of the meado...
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Gypsum, Colorado

Camp at Pinball Point

This amazing campsite has river access (freezing cold!), beautiful scenic views of red rocks and rock faces in varying shades of brown and tan. It's the only campsite at this location so feel lucky that this whole area is just yours. Beautiful views of the moon and stars and get ready for the rus...
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Kremmling, Colorado

Camp at Wolford Mountain Reservoir

If a nice relaxing adventure is what you seek, this is the place for you. There aren't a lot of super scenic, adrenaline pumping hikes at this campground, but there are well established campsites with beautiful sunrise and sunset views. If you're a photographer, the midnight sky on a moonless nig...
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Durango, Colorado

Hike to Adrenaline Falls

5.0

0.5 mi / 350 ft gain

Adrenaline Falls is a popular spot for the locals to swim and relax during the warm summer months. The pool at the bottom of the falls is deep and popular for cliff jumping. To get to the waterfall, turn onto the North access to Lime Creek road. A high clearance 4x4 vehicle is recommended to r...
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Durango, Colorado

Explore Clear Lake

The road to Clear Lake offers wonderful views of the South Fork Mineral Creek, and the San Juan Mountains. Some people make the 9-mile round-trip hike with 2,600 feet of elevation gain, others drive as far as their vehicle will allow and hike from there, and some make the drive all the way up. It...
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Turquoise Lake, Colorado

Escape to Turquoise Lake

5.0

Turquoise Lake is an 'off the beaten path' gem only 3 hours from the Denver Metro Area. The area surrounding the lake is home to some spacious and tree-shaded campgrounds. If you plan ahead and book early, you'll have your pick of the best spots within close proximity to the lake. The campground ...
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Colorado Springs, Colorado

Paddle Rampart Reservoir

Rampart Reservoir is located off of Rampart Range Road and is boat accessible from Spring until Fall. It has a boat ramp for motorized as well as human powered boats. There are vault toilets nearby. It is a nice place to spend the day paddling at close to 9,000 ft elevation. Just be prepared for ...
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Estes Park, Colorado

Paddle Lily Lake

Lily Lake allows boating in non-motorized watercraft and is only a short carry from your parking area by 7. Parking can be limited so get there in the morning early so that you can enjoy the morning wildlife and decreased crowds. You can spend an hour or so here kayaking slowly around enjoying th...
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Egnar, Colorado

Raft the Dolores River

On years with enough moisture and runoff, kayakers, rafters, tubers and SUP-ers all take to the Dolores River. This section of water from Slick Rock to Bed Rock provides a two night, three day float through red canyon walls, meandering bends in the river, a a few notable side canyons. The water l...
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