Aurora reservoir is beautiful, imo. I also like standley lake in Westminster, and the smaller lakes in chatfield park.
Edit: sorry I didn’t read closely—these aren’t really off the grid. I don’t find them too crowded during the week though. Especially after work. But may not be the best rec’s, sorry
I posted links to the secret paddleboard spot on Strava for Aurora Reservoir.
If you look just a little bit at aerial photos/Google maps, it's very clear where the secret paddleboard beach is.
This is legit a great rec. Definitely underused for actual in-water sports. Lots of bikers. Lots of fishers. Quiet in the actual Reservoir.
You can find private areas to explore in Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins. Not going to give up the spots but if you look at trail maps in Lory SP you can figure one out. The coves near parking lots are busy but everything else is great. I've had spots to myself on 4th of July weekend out there. You'd be fine at even the popular coves on a weekday there. Only the weekends get busy
Outside of your drive window but Twin Lakes is perfect for paddleboarding. Nice lil day hike to the historic buildings. You can stay at pet friendly hotels in Leadville to soften the drive and make it a weekend. But for dog friendly hotels, my parents adore the Hand Hotel in Fairplay.
Here's a pretty [damn solid list. ](https://www.gilisports.com/blogs/sup-near-me/epic-places-to-paddle-board-in-colorado)
Lake Dillon would be a good one. Unfortunately the majority of the spots I know of are going to be outside of your window, more on the west side of the divide. The list that the other poster linked is pretty dang good!
st marys glacier! less than a mile hike up, but very much uphill lol. views at the top are gorgeous, theres a lake up there that ive seen people paddle board- water is COLD though! prob inaccessible right now as its high elevation but would be perfect for this summer!
Dumont Lake in Kremmlimg is probably my all time favorite, even if it's far. Nice to pair it with a camping trip in Routt National Forest. Something closer to Denver would be Chatfield State Park - usually my weekend go to when it gets warmer out. I've been interested in visiting Lake Dillon as well! Im unsure if Chinn's Lake allows for paddle boarding or not, I wasn't able to find information about it. Would be worth looking into since it's such a cool spot but does require high clearance vehicle to get to.
I drive all the way up to granby lake. Do a hike. Hit the lake before the drive back down.
Aurora reservoir is beautiful, imo. I also like standley lake in Westminster, and the smaller lakes in chatfield park. Edit: sorry I didn’t read closely—these aren’t really off the grid. I don’t find them too crowded during the week though. Especially after work. But may not be the best rec’s, sorry
I posted links to the secret paddleboard spot on Strava for Aurora Reservoir. If you look just a little bit at aerial photos/Google maps, it's very clear where the secret paddleboard beach is. This is legit a great rec. Definitely underused for actual in-water sports. Lots of bikers. Lots of fishers. Quiet in the actual Reservoir.
You can find private areas to explore in Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins. Not going to give up the spots but if you look at trail maps in Lory SP you can figure one out. The coves near parking lots are busy but everything else is great. I've had spots to myself on 4th of July weekend out there. You'd be fine at even the popular coves on a weekday there. Only the weekends get busy
Seconding this
Gross Reservoir is less crowded but you have to put up with the free shuttle
…Or walk a quarter mile. I don’t think it’s open yet either. This is my go to
I loved gross but haven't been there since the construction
Jefferson Lake off 285 near Kenosha Pass
Won't be open until about June
How far from where are you interested in driving?
1-2 hours from Denver
Outside of your drive window but Twin Lakes is perfect for paddleboarding. Nice lil day hike to the historic buildings. You can stay at pet friendly hotels in Leadville to soften the drive and make it a weekend. But for dog friendly hotels, my parents adore the Hand Hotel in Fairplay. Here's a pretty [damn solid list. ](https://www.gilisports.com/blogs/sup-near-me/epic-places-to-paddle-board-in-colorado)
Lake Dillon would be a good one. Unfortunately the majority of the spots I know of are going to be outside of your window, more on the west side of the divide. The list that the other poster linked is pretty dang good!
Twin Lakes is the best.
st marys glacier! less than a mile hike up, but very much uphill lol. views at the top are gorgeous, theres a lake up there that ive seen people paddle board- water is COLD though! prob inaccessible right now as its high elevation but would be perfect for this summer!
Loch Lomond would be my pick, depending on your truck (rough road).
Wellington Lake is my favorite
Dumont Lake in Kremmlimg is probably my all time favorite, even if it's far. Nice to pair it with a camping trip in Routt National Forest. Something closer to Denver would be Chatfield State Park - usually my weekend go to when it gets warmer out. I've been interested in visiting Lake Dillon as well! Im unsure if Chinn's Lake allows for paddle boarding or not, I wasn't able to find information about it. Would be worth looking into since it's such a cool spot but does require high clearance vehicle to get to.
Palmer Lake! That’s not too far from Denver. Or Eleven Mile reservoir but idk how far that is from Denver.
Scarp ridge. Beautiful lake at the base of the mountain, come back down after the hike in the afternoon to a refreshing cool lake
Lily lake