Almost all of Denver's park lakes are open for hand-launched, human or wind powered boating. Motorized boating is prohibited. No permits are required.
Boating is at your own risk. All vessels must follow state boating statues and regulations. A sound-producing device and least one life jacket per person aboard is required to be on all vessels.
Note: Public watercraft usage is currently prohibited at Echo Lake and Summit Lake
Denver’s lakes and streams receive runoff from city streets, yards, parks, and discharges from industry and wastewater treatment plants. Sometimes pollution in the runoff and discharges, which includes bacteria such as E. coli, can make residents sick. The Denver Dept. of Public Health & Environment does not recommend swimming, wading, or playing in city streams or lakes. Kayakers may also become ill from ingesting surface water.
Find more tips for recreating safely in Denver's lakes and streams. For water quality in/adjacent to Denver Mountain Parks, check with Colorado state and local health departments.
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