Best Places to Kayak Near Hayden, CO

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Hayden, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby15 Lakes12 Rivers2 Reservoirs
← All paddling in Colorado

Top Picks Near Hayden

a lake with mountains in the background1

Steamboat Lake State Park

Standout kayak fishing on Willow Creek - Steamboat Lake

LakeBeginner26 mi away
body of water near mountain under blue sky during daytime2

Steamboat Lake State Park

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

LakeBeginner26 mi away
a large body of water surrounded by a forest3

Steamboat Lake State Park

A top-rated lake launch on Willow Creek - Steamboat Lake

LakeBeginner27 mi away
a river flowing through a canyon surrounded by mountains

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 2.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Maintenance Headquarters

Colorado · 2.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Headquarters

Colorado · 2.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Yampa River

Colorado · 2.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 5.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Yampa River State Wildlife Area

Colorado · 7.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

bears camp bath

Colorado · 7.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Bears Ears

Colorado · 7.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Elkhead Creek

Colorado · 7.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a view of a snow covered mountain and a lake

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Colorado · 8.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

East Elkhead

Colorado · 8.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

east beach bath

Colorado · 8.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Dam Parking

Colorado · 8.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

ski beach bathroom

Colorado · 8.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green grass near body of water under blue sky during daytime

Elkhead Reservoir State Park

Colorado · 8.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

West Elkhead

Colorado · 8.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Fee Station

Colorado · 8.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Greenwood's Cove

Colorado · 8.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
silhouette of bridge over body of water during sunset

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 13.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A river flows through a beautiful mountain landscape.

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 18.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake surrounded by hills

Stagecoach State Park

Colorado · 25.7 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
body of water near mountain under blue sky during daytime

Steamboat Lake State Park

Colorado · 26.1 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a lake with mountains in the background

Steamboat Lake State Park

Colorado · 26.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
snow covered mountains near body of water during daytime

Stagecoach State Park

Colorado · 26.6 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a large body of water surrounded by a forest

Steamboat Lake State Park

Colorado · 26.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A stream flows through a green, grassy area.

Pearl Lake State Park

Colorado · 27.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Duffey

Colorado · 32.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river flowing through a canyon surrounded by mountains

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 32.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Juniper

Colorado · 37.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of people riding rafts down a river

Yampa River State Park

Colorado · 37.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Hayden.

Craig, CO16 miHamilton, CO21 miSteamboat Springs, CO22 miOak Creek, CO24 miClark, CO24 miPhippsburg, CO25 miYampa, CO30 miToponas, CO32 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Hayden, CO?

Top picks near Hayden include Steamboat Lake State Park, Steamboat Lake State Park, Steamboat Lake State Park. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Hayden?

Near Hayden you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Hayden?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Hayden are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.