Doesn't it feel like summer just flew by this year? While we we're into September, the summer season is coming to a close and autumn is just around the corner. To kick off this most colorful time of year, there is nothing better than getting outside to admire the changing colors, which is exactly what you can do on this Colorado paddle trip:
There is no shortage of places to paddle in Colorado, but when it comes to vibrant fall colors, nothing beats Dillon Reservoir!
If you are a tried and true Centennial State native, you know our Colorado lakes are about as famous (and beautiful!) as they get, which makes finding an empty and somewhat peaceful one all the more difficult. Never fear: We have found a quiet and remote lake just for you, which can be found in a lesser-known part of our gorgeous state - North Park. North Park, Colorado, is an incredible place to visit for the most relaxing vacation of your life. Get ready to experience what might just be the most remote lake in Colorado!
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Welcome to North Park: South Park's less-popular counterpart that has been deemed not only the Moose Viewing Capital of the World but also the perfect place for a tranquil Colorado lake excursion.
Spanning a Jackson County valley, North Park is home to the headwaters of the North Platte River, plus smaller tributaries and the aptly-named North, South, and East Lakes. These Colorado lakes are as beautiful as they are serene.
Are you an expert fisherman or want to give the sport a try? You have come to the right place, as the North Park lakes and rivers are billed as having some of the best fishing in the Centennial State.
In addition to its lakes, the 71,000-acre North Park is also home to the aforementioned wildlife, plus world-class stargazing, snowmobiling, hiking, biking, and much more.
The Lodge at Eagle's Wing Ranch is right in the heart of North Park and the perfect place to escape to when you want to get away from it all.
North Park is the perfect place for a getaway if you love Colorado lakes, beauty, and silence. Plan a visit there today - you'll be glad that you did. And be sure to check out our list of outdoor essentials before you explore.
For even more of our favorite Centennial State lakes, check out the article below:
There's nothing quite like relaxing on a beautiful river on a hot summer's day. Sitting back in a tube or kayak or canoe while the river just pushes you along with little effort on your part is one of life's greatest pleasures. You may think that you have to drive quite a distance from the city to enjoy this type of luxury - but that's not true at all! We have a lazy river right here in the Denver metro, and it's closer than you think. Clear Creek Whitewater Park in Golden, Colorado is a natural lazy river that you'll love. Read on to learn more about this magical spot!
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Want to go tubing? Clear Creek Whitewater Park awaits!
This creek is beautiful! You're going to love everything about it. You can bring your own tube (or rent one from a local outfitter nearby!) and float down it any day of the week.
This is right by Lions Park. Lions Park is a great park even above and beyond the creek, actually. There are picnic tables and a great playground, and the Golden Community Center is adjacent to it as well. You might consider having a picnic in the park before you start your float. However, parking at the park is reserved for people using the park only. If you plan on using the river, you can park for free at the Clear Creek Parking lot at 304 10th Street. You can also park on the street, but be sure to visit ParkGoldenCO.com to pay as needed and to make sure you are parked legally.
Once you put in, and get yourself situated in your tube or other craft, you'll float about a quarter mile down the creek to the take-out at Vanover Park.
You'll want to wear sneakers or water shoes for your float, because the pavement can get hot on the walk back. It's also wise to have them anyway, as the creek contains rocks and other hazards, and you want to keep your feet safe!
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The speed at which Clear Creek flows is obviously dependent on a lot of factors including rain and snow melt. Sometimes, this is truly a "lazy river"! Other times, however, it can be quite fast. It's called a "whitewater park" for a reason, after all!
Kayakers come here to practice their skills before taking on more intense mountain streams, so that should give you some idea of how fast this creek can sometimes get.
The City of Golden recommends that everyone wear life vests when recreating on the creek, regardless of the speed of the water. Of course, you want your fun time to be as safe as possible.
Once you do this once, you'll want to do it all the time. Riding Clear Creek soon becomes a big, annual tradition for almost everyone who has ever experienced it.
Tubing or kayking or canoeing on Clear Creek at Clear Creek Whitewater Park in Golden, Colorado is the best! You're going to love everything about it. Get out there on the water today!
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Do you need water shoes or other outdoor equipment to experience this adventure? Visit REI.com for everything you could possibly need!
