Colorado Flatwater Paddling Hang

**Mustardman** · 07-02-2010, 11:48

Would anyone out there be interested in a flatwater paddling hangout in Colorado? I know there are a number of reservoirs that offer relaxed paddling and fishing, and some of them allow primitive camping, either on shorelines, or better yet, islands.

So far, the most promising location I've found is Granby Lake, less than two hours from Denver. I've found some information that states primitive camping is permitted on islands, but haven't been able to find any information regarding the islands' suitability to hammocks. Some more information on paddling on the lake is available here:

http://www.canoecolorado.com/trips/C...by%20Reservoir

I'd definitely welcome other suggestions - we will likely be renting a canoe for this trip, since we are boatless at the moment.

Any interest in trying this out?

**Cannibal** · 07-02-2010, 11:58

Originally Posted by Mustardman

Would anyone out there be interested in a flatwater paddling hangout in Colorado? I know there are a number of reservoirs that offer relaxed paddling and fishing, and some of them allow primitive camping, either on shorelines, or better yet, islands.

So far, the most promising location I've found is Granby Lake, less than two hours from Denver. I've found some information that states primitive camping is permitted on islands, but haven't been able to find any information regarding the islands' suitability to hammocks. Some more information on paddling on the lake is available here:

http://www.canoecolorado.com/trips/C...by%20Reservoir

I'd definitely welcome other suggestions - we will likely be renting a canoe for this trip, since we are boatless at the moment.

Any interest in trying this out?

If pre-hammock memory serves, the islands on Granby or Grand Lakes are very suitable for hanging. Grand Lake is one of my most favorite of all the mountain towns and the scenery in that area is flat-out stunning. I'd be in for something like that for sure! Nice side trip would be driving over Trail Ridge Road, which is just inside RMNP around the corner. Great visitor center where you one can learn about the alpine tundra ecosystem. Plus, you get to say you drove on the highest paved road in N. America.

Really like that area a lot! Tell me when and Genuine Draft and I will do our very best to juggle the calendar. Only time that is out for sure is the last week of July, I'll be up on Hudson's Bay that week.

**Just Jeff** · 07-02-2010, 14:21

Interested? That's a dumb question. Of course!

**BER** · 07-02-2010, 21:33

Jealousy.....it's bad for my karma. But I'm feelin' it anyway. Maybe I need to go "visit my brother" in Boulder....

**MondayHopscotch** · 07-04-2010, 14:37

I'm interested and might be able to go if it falls somewhere in early august.

But no guarantees because I have about a two week period (August 1st - August 16th) where I have to move up north to Fort Collins and get my school and job situations figured out - which obviously (and sadly) takes priority over camping trips.

**Mustardman** · 07-27-2010, 21:45

Bumping this back up - I'm still interested, even though I don't have a boat yet. I'm shopping around, and would like to get out for some island camping before the weather gets too cold for it.

**Just Jeff** · 07-27-2010, 21:56

I can rent kayaks and canoes from the outdoor rec center on base. Still interested in the trip but we should lock in a date soon...have some get-togethers planned for two wknds in August already.

**Mustardman** · 07-27-2010, 21:59

Well you're better at the planning stuff than I am, so maybe YOU should do the organizing

I've been looking for places to rent around here and not found much so far. I'm actually taking the new Jeep back to the dealer on Thursday to get a hitch added, and some crossbars for the roof rack, so we ought to be good to haul a boat if we can find one to either buy or rent.

**Just Jeff** · 07-27-2010, 22:03

I think the ORC has canoes, single kayaks and double kayaks. The center is for military and their guests so it wouldn't be against the rules for me to rent something for you. You'd have to drive down here to get it, obviously...I couldn't fit it all on my Jeep!

**the-gear-recycler** · 07-27-2010, 22:21

I think REI rents boats as well or they used to anyway. Have been seeing lots of cheap kayaks and canoes on craigslist lately too. Good luck and when you nail down a weekend keep us posted as I might be able to get away for an eve as well.