Ready to get wet and wild, but want to try something a little more adventurous than swimming? Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to be outside and stay cool while doing a fun activity that is easy to learn. The Colorado River runs through Grand Junction and is generally a very calm part of the river, barring early spring run-off or an uncommon downpour. Because Grand Junction is high desert, days are sunny with nights much cooler, there is little rain, and humidity is very low. Don’t be fooled by “desert,” Grand Junction is lush with trees, vegetation and flowers throughout the area. The Colorado River launch spots have parking lots that are within 10 minutes of Downtown, so it’s quick and easy to get out on the river.
What is stand-up paddleboarding?
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP); as a recreational activity; began gaining popularity in the early 2000s, though its modern roots trace back to the surf culture of Hawaii in the mid-20th century; and prior to that, Surfer Today shares that 16th-century natives used wooden boards to move from one place to another.
SUP is simple enough, in theory. You're essentially paddling as you would in a kayak, but you stand up. SUP can be done on calm oceans, lakes, rivers, canals, inland waterways, large swimming pools, and even waves. In fact, many surfers who are feeling their age but refuse to give up their boards turn to SUP as a means to keep riding waves.
Today, it continues to be one of the fastest-growing water sports, celebrated for its simplicity, full-body workout benefits, and ability to connect people with nature.
The best places to go stand-up paddleboarding
There are many convenient locations in Colorado and Grand Junction where you can stand-up paddleboard while surrounded by tranquil forests with towering canyons overshadowing you. From the Colorado River to Butterfly Pond, you can be water-side within 10 minutes of Downtown. Make sure that you pack plenty of water and snacks, have extra sunscreen on hand, and always wear a personal flotation device or a life jacket at all times.
1. Butterfly Pond at Las Colonias
Photo by: Elizabeth Fortushniak
Just 10 minutes from Downtown Grand Junction, Butterfly Pond gives paddleboarders a fantastic place to practice gaining their “water” legs. If you’re looking to rent or take guided lessons, Grand Junction Adventures is right next door, making it easy to get on the water. If part of your group isn’t up for a float, they can walk the paved Riverfront Trail and explore surrounding wildlife on this easy 2.1-mile out-and-back.
2. Grand Mesa
There are over 300 pristine alpine lakes for you to choose from if you take your paddleboarding adventure to the world’s largest flat-top mountain, the Grand Mesa. Enjoy tranquil waters and cooler temperatures as you unplug listening to the gentle sounds of bird songs surrounding you. Most of the lakes on the Grand Mesa are stocked with fish, so don’t be surprised if you see a few floating by you! The Grand Mesa is taller in elevation and is cooler than the Grand Junction area, so you can cool off as you relax on the water.
3. Colorado River
Paddleboarding on rivers in Colorado can be adrenaline-filled if you choose; however, the stretch of the Colorado River that passes through the Grand Junction area is typically class I or II rapids, meaning that you will experience a gentle float. This adventure can be as short or as long as you like. There are several areas to launch and disembark along the Grand Junction shoreline if you prefer a quick float. For a longer 25-mile stretch, Ruby-Horsethief Canyon is a popular section of the Colorado River from Grand Junction to the Utah border.
4. Highline State Park
Highline Lake State Park includes two lakes that you can explore, Highline Lake and Mack Mesa Lake. There is a fee to enter this state park, $10-12 for a daily vehicle pass, and $4 per individual daily pass. It's about 30 minutes outside of Grand Junction, so the drive isn't far. You can head out in the morning and be back in plenty of time to eat dinner at your favorite local restaurant. Wildlife is abundant in this state park, with over 200 species of birds, so enjoy a calming paddle while trying to spot a bald eagle!
5. James M. Robb Colorado River State Park – Connected Lakes
The Connected Lakes section of James M. Robb Colorado River State Park has a network of lakes to enjoy a relaxing paddle on. There is a fee to enter, $10 for a daily vehicle pass and $4 for an individual pass. Experience the serenity of calming waters surrounded by trees and bird songs, only eight minutes from Downtown.
Rentals and Guides
Grand Junction has a number of paddleboard rental outfitters, and some to even help you find your footing with guided trips!
Grand Junction Adventures
- Rental Prices: 5 hours $55, Full Day $60
- Guide Prices: Lake Lessons are 1.5-2 hours for $65-70, River Tours are half day for $149
If you're new to paddleboarding, guided adventures and their lake lessons are a great place to start. The Grand Junction Adventures offers paddleboard rentals and lessons for beginners. Located right next to Butterfly Pond, you can rent and hop right on the water. They're so serious about their SUP that they also offer yoga sessions on paddleboards for ultimate relaxation. Check out their yoga river retreats and book ahead because they do sell out.
There are also plenty of other outdoor recreation trips hosted by Grand Junction Adventures, including kayaking, rafting, tubing, hiking, mountain biking, and even climbing. Their guides are informative, well-trained, and their love for their sport is infectious so it guarantees you a great time.
Rimrock Adventures
- Rental Prices: Half day $40, Full Day $55
Located about 13 miles west of Grand Junction, Rimrock Adventures is a great place to go if you want to rent stand-up paddleboards, canoes, or kayaks to take on the Colorado River. If you’re looking to try other activities, they also offer horseback riding.
If you want to float down the river, Rimrock Adventures will shuttle your car to you! Depending on how far you want to take your adventure, prices range from $65 to $210 for a Loma, CO to Moab, UT float. Remember that the class I and II rapids typically end around the Westwater Ranger Station in Utah, which leaves 63 miles on the river to Moab where the rapids escalate to class II through IV.
Palisade Cycle & Shuttle
- Rental Prices: Full Day $50
Palisade Cycle & Shuttle can set you up for the grandest of adventures with paddleboard rentals and incredible waterways. This section of the Colorado River offers a four-mile run in Palisade and an eight-mile run that ends in Grand Junction. Reservations and a four-person minimum are required to book a shuttle service. The shuttle service costs $20 per person.
For those looking to spread out, Palisade Cycle & Shuttle will gladly offer up suggestions regarding the lakes across the Grand Mesa. Whatever sort of trip you're looking to take, answering a few quick questions will get you headed in the right direction.
Ready to stand-up paddleboard in Colorado?
If you're intrigued by the idea of SUP and are interested in giving it a try, Grand Junction and the surrounding area is the perfect place to do so. Whether you want to try out the Colorado River or like the idea of a more leisurely pace on a lake, there are plenty of easily accessible options.
You can also do much more in Grand Junction, such as eating out at some of the top restaurants in Colorado, hiking with your dog, camping, fishing, and sightseeing.
Find more unforgettable water adventures on pages 22-23 of the Official Grand Junction Visitors Guide!