Water Activities

In the Pikes Peak Region

From flat water paddling on a local lake to rafting or kayaking world class white water, the Pikes Peak Region offers an abundance of water activities ideal for a variety of activities and skill levels.

Just one hour from the Colorado Springs area, rafters and kayakers will find some of the best white water in the country on the Arkansas River. With over a hundred miles of river and rapids ranging from gentle class I to adrenaline-pumping class V rapids, you’re sure to find the perfect level to get out and explore the river.

For water enthusiasts who prefer a calm lake rather than moving white water, you’ll find a series of high mountain lakes boasting incredible mountain vistas of Pikes Peak just west of Colorado Springs. Several paddling options are also available within Colorado Springs where you can practice your kayak roll or try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding.

Getting Started

Plan on getting wet, ensure your Personal Flotation Device (PFD)/Lifevest fits well and keep it on when on the water. Wear water repellent clothing, not cotton, as cotton does not wick moisture away from the body and can make you cold. Hydrate before and during your outing. Until you get used to managing your boat and the paddles, you should stay close to the shore. Be aware of big waves that could head your way from the middle of a lake or reservoir, and keep the nose of your kayak or canoe perpendicular to the wave to prevent the wave from overturning you by hitting your boat on the side. Some local lakes (such as Prospect Lake) have regulations allowing nonmotorized boats on certain days of the week and motorized on other days, so make sure you’re plans align with a nonmotorized day!

Pro Tip

Be safe and wear your PFD; lakes and rivers are cold. Enjoy the scenery!

Be Prepared

PFD

Whistle

Sunscreen

Water

Dry Bag and Rain Gear

Outdoor Ethics for Water Activities

The Leave No Trace Seven Principles are reprinted with the permission of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. For more information, visit www.LNT.org.

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More Information

Daily park passes are required for private rafting and kayaking in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area – this includes the popular Royal Gorge and Browns Canyon sections of the Arkansas River. Fee information can be found here.

For those paddlers choosing to utilize a commercial outfitter for their river adventure, the cost of your trip will include all necessary park use fees.

The North Slope Recreation Area includes North Catamount, South Catamount, and Crystal Reservoirs and is accessed off Pikes Peak Highway. There is a $5 fee per person (16 years and older). Children under 16 are free. Be sure to tell the toll gate attendant you are only accessing the reservoirs to avoid a higher toll rate fee. If you plan to fish as well, a Colorado fishing license is required for those age 16 and older. Use fees are required at some city park reservoirs including Prospect Lake and Quail Lake. Rampart Reservoir is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and requires a $6 fee for day use.

The content on this page was provided by SUP Colorado Springs

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