Boating Permits
Beginning Friday, June 5, 2020: A limited number of boating permits will be available for human-powered vessels only. Permits can be obtained online only. Submit a request now.
PLEASE NOTE: To avoid conflicts between motorized and human-powered vessels, Denver Parks & Recreation will keep Sloan’s Lake closed to motorized boats for the remainder of the 2020 boating season.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many more Denver residents have turned to outdoor recreational opportunities. Permits issued for human-powered vessels in the first few weeks of offering the permit, has exceeded the total amount of permits issued for the entire 2019 season. To avoid conflicts and keep all users safe, permits for motorized boats will not be issued this season.
Five Denver lakes are open for non-motorized boating from April 1 - November 1. Length of the boating season is subject to adequate water quality and lake depths:
All other lakes within the city are closed to boating activities. Boating permits are required and can be purchased online).
Learn more about boating safety guidelines from Colorado Parks & Wildlife.
Description | Resident | |
Motor Boat (insurance required) | $ 125 | |
Sailboat | $ 65 | |
Rowboat, canoe, kayak, paddleboard | $ 25 | |
Harbor (season) | $ 118 |
A Denver City Boating Permit is required to launch any vessel. The permit sticker must be affixed to the starboard side in a visible place. Permits are nontransferable, and permit holders are accountable for the actions of boat drivers and passengers.
The permit season is subject to adequate water quality and lake depths. Boating permits can only be purchased at the Boat Ranger's Office during office hours or by appointment. Permits for human-powered vessels can be purchased online.
To purchase a boating permit, the following is required:
Refunds will not be issued once a permit is purchased. Payment can be made by credit card (no American Express), cash or check made out to "Manager of Finance".
Denver Parks & Recreation may revoke a permit without a refund for violation of any city rules and regulations, state boating statutes or city ordinances.
NOTICE: In alignment with CDC guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19, Denver is prohibiting all gatherings and closing park amenities conducive to public gathering. Therefore, boating permits will not be issued until further notice.
Boating Permits may be purchased online for human-powered vessels only. View purchasing instructions (PDF).
Boating permits for motorized vessels and harbor mooring sites will be available for purchase at the Sloan's Lake Boating Office beginning March 30 at 8:00AM.
In alignment with CDC guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19, Denver is prohibiting all gatherings and closing park amenities conducive to public gathering. Therefore, boating permits will not be issued until further notice.
Sloan's Lake is closed to all public boating for the following permitted events:
Boat Ranger's Office
Sloan Lake | W. 25th Avenue & N. Byron Street
720.865.0869
boating@denvergov.org
Urban Park Ranger
Call 311 (720.913.1311)
Email:
General: park.ranger@denvergov.org
Fishing Programs: fishingisfun@denvergov.org
Boating & Permit: boating@denvergov.org
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Online Permit Sales:
Begins March 23 for human-powered-vessels
Motorized/Sailboat/Mooring Permit Sales:
Begins in-person at the Boat Ranger Office on March 30 at 8:00AM
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Each person must have a personal flotation device (PFD). Each watercraft must have a sound-producing device such as a whistle or airhorn, per CO state law.
9:00am to 20 min before sunset
sunrise to sunset
Non-motorized includes: hand-launched fishing, human-powered sail and electric-powered boats