LOOK: Colorado’s Lakes Begin To Open For Boating Season

Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently announced lake and reservoir access, either available now or coming soon, at seven State Parks. Several popular lakes are ready for watercraft (some wakeless), while lakes at higher elevations may require more time for ice to melt.

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Scroll through the gallery below to see which dates you can access each lake, and learn what type of watercraft are permitted on each body of water.

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Western Slope Access

• Highline Lake State Park: Zebra Mussle treatment is ongoing. Once complete the lake will be refilled. Watercraft restrictions will be announced closer to reopening.
• Crawford State Park: Opens April 15th to all types of watercraft.
• Rifle Gap State Park: Opens April 1st. All types of watercraft are permitted.
• Sweitzer Lake State Park: Opens March 15th for all types of watercraft.
• Ridgway State Park: The boat ramp is open from April 1st through October for all types of watercraft.

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Mandatory Boat Inspections

Remember when you visit a Colorado State Park with a watercraft, it is required to undergo a mandatory inspection for aquatic nuisance species (ANS). With all the trouble we are having with Zebra Mussels in some of our area lakes as well as the Colorado River, this step must not be skipped. Help protect our state’s water ecosystem. Find more information about boating regulations by visiting Colorado Parks and Wildlife here.