DENVER – It’s going to be warm and sunny this weekend, making for perfect conditions to get outside enjoy some of what our beautiful state has to offer.
With temperatures expected to reach into the 90s, you may be thinking about hitting the water to beat the heat, and kayaking can be a great way to do that.
We checked in with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to find out which spots are some of the staff’s favorites for kayaking. Here are their picks:
7. Rifle Gap
Rifle Gap’s reservoir covers 350 acres and draws people interested in all kinds of watersports, including boating, water skiing and windsurfing. The park also has 89 campsites, if you’re looking to spend a night or two.
6. Sylvan Lake
At Sylvan Lake, you can relax and enjoy the quiet serenity of nature, since no motorized boats are allowed on the lake. You can even rent a kayak if you don’t have your own.
Funding problems mean a lack of boat inspectors at Harvey Gap Reservoir this year. That’s bad for motor boats, but great for kayakers, since you don’t have to worry about the noise or wakes. Harvey Gap has 190 acres of water to enjoy.
According to CPW, John Martin Reservoir is sometimes referred to as a “sapphire on the plains.” If you’re looking for a body of water that isn’t too crowded, this is a good pick.
3. Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Kayakers looking for more of an adrenaline rush will enjoy the whitewater of the Arkansas River headwaters. CPW says The Arkansas River is the most commercially-rafted river in the country, drawing kayakers and rafters alike. Be sure to pack safety gear, such as a life vest and helmet.
There’s plenty of space to explore at Elkhead Reservoir, which covers 900 acres in Moffat County. Make it a weekend trip and stay at the recently-built campground, which overlooks the reservoir.
Navajo State Park is the farthest south in Colorado that you can kayak. In fact, you can cross over the state line into New Mexico. The reservoir at Navajo State Park extends for 20 miles with more than 15,000 acres of surface area.
Head over to cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo for more outdoor recreation ideas.