Winter paddling in northern Colorado? Well, skiing or snowshoeing are for sure more popular winter sports here, but if you love paddling or if you are training for paddle races you can find paddling opportunities in northern Colorado year around. Actually, finding a liquid water in Fort Collins requires shorter driving than reaching skiing areas in mountains.
Fort Collins’ Natural Areas
Fort Collins’ small lakes and ponds typically remain open until mid-December and start thawing in early March or even earlier. I wrapped up my last stand-up paddling session on Beaver Pond in Arapaho Bend Natural Area on December 23rd, 2023. Prospect Ponds tend to unfreeze early, offering opportunities for winter paddling. The Poudre River in Fort Collins might also have paddleable pools of near standing water for those desperate or testing new equipment or just shooting pictures.
Horsetooth Reservoir
In recent years it was possible to paddle on Horsetooth Reservoir for most of winter months launching at Satanka Cove or at the corner of Horsetooth Dam in the northern end of the lake. I started my 2024 season with rowing my new Liteboat in Satanka Cove followed by a few longer paddling trips in my Seawind canoe.
South Platte River
However, true winter arrived in Colorado later in January, freezing Horsetooth Reservoir. When everything in the Fort Collins area is frozen, one can drive 40-50 minutes to various sections of the South Platte River around Greeley. The Evans to Kuner section maintains a reliable flow year-round, hosting the annual joint paddling clubs trip on 3rd Saturday of March. Exploring other river sections requires checking flow data, especially below Kuner with numerous diversion dams. I’ve navigated to Fort Morgan in winter several times. Most of diversion dams open and floatable, encountering only a couple of portages.
On January 23rd, I inaugurated my 2024 paddling season on the South Platte with my Seawind canoe, covering a few miles upstream and downstream starting at Kuner. The river flow measured around 600 cfs at Kersey, though a few days earlier, it was several times higher, resulting in shores and sandbars covered by ice and floes. The experience was enhanced by the company of bald eagles and geese. Years ago when I was training for Watertribe events, I spent countless miles and hours on the South Platte in winter. Given my participation in the 2024 Missouri River 340 race with the Seawind canoe, I anticipate more frequent paddling on the South Platte this year unless Horsetooth Reservoir offers liquid water.
The South Platte River features a shallow depth and a swift current. The flow is relatively slower in the Kersey-Kuner section compared to upstream, particularly above the confluence with the Poudre River. I consider upstream and downstream paddling an excellent fitness workout, akin to fartlek or interval training. While not overly challenging in a kayak or canoe, navigating the river upstream on a stand-up paddleboard can be quite demanding.
Concerning rowing the winter situation is more difficult, but I am planning a trip to Lake Pueblo which doesn’t freeze in winter: 3+ hours of driving south. Of course, I can train on my Concept 2 rowing machine.
As usual I am adding these paddling pictures to my stock photography portfolio. They are available for licensing as royalty free images.
Are you paddling in northern Colorado in winter? What is your experience?