Splash Around

Colorado’s known for its snowy ski slopes. But when the snow melts, it cascades from cliff sides where it flows into streams and finds its way to area rivers and reservoirs. It gives the locals a wide array of water recreation options. Find reprieve from the summer heat with a cool water activity.

PADDLE SPORTS

Canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are some of the most popular ways to splash around on the lakes and rivers in our region. There are dozens of outfitters across the Southwest that allow visitors to rent a vessel and all the necessary safety equipment, like personal flotation devices, helmets and paddles.

Best of all, there are so many places to enjoy paddling. The upper Animas River from Oxbow Reserve to the 33rd Street put-in is perfect for paddleboarders and lazy floating, while the section of the river that reaches from the put in at Memorial Park to Santa Rita Park features fun rapids for kayaking. Local lakes, such as Trout Lake and Priest Lake near Telluride, Molas Lake near Silverton and Lemon Reservoir near Vallecito can offer calmer waters for non-motorized boaters.

SWIMMING

Some say the only thing better than being on the water is being in it! Swimming is a fun way to cool off outdoors and stay active. Luckily, the Southwest Region is filled with natural reservoirs and public pools that encourage swimming and splashing all season long.

Check out the natural swim beach areas at Lake Nighthorse, Lake Farmington and Vallecito Lake. For more options, consider visiting Bisti Bay at Brookside Park in Farmington, Durango Sports Club, Cortez Municipal Outdoor Pool and Telluride Community Pool. On a gloomy day or off-season, try the indoor facilities at Durango Community Recreation Center, Cortez Recreation Center or the Farmington Aquatic Center. The region is also home to a number of geothermal hot springs for soaking and relaxation.

BOATING, WATER SKIING & TUBING

Access other deep water adventures powered by a motorized vessel. Sail and soar across large bodies of fresh mountain water surrounded by incredible vistas. For those visitors that didn’t bring their own watercraft, consider booking a tour to enjoy sailing, speed boating, water skiing, windsurfing and tubing.

For an action-packed day on the water, visit Lake Nighthorse, Vallecito Lake, Navajo Lake or McPhee Reservoir. At Lake Nighthorse has onsite rentals, guided fly fishing, sailing clinics and other chartered boating opportunities. Vallecito Lake Marina also includes onsite rentals of non-motorized and motorized watercraft, including pontoons. Navajo Lake Marina also offers guided fishing, boating charters and rentals, standard kayak and paddleboard rentals onsite that include an assortment of fun water vessels like aqua cycles, hydrobikes and bumper boats. Doc’s Marina at McPhee reservoir has a limited fleet of kayaks.