Paddleboarding & Recreation at Union Reservoir, Longmont

Union Reservoir in Longmont, Colorado, offers a refreshing outdoor getaway centered around water sports, picnicking, and family-friendly fun. Located just outside the city, this reservoir provides a broad, calm surface ideal for paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming. Unlike smaller urban ponds, Union Reservoir’s sandy beach and clearly defined swim areas make it particularly welcoming for beginners and families with kids. The water remains shallow near the edges, allowing easy entry and exit, while mature shade trees around the shoreline offer moments of relief from the summer sun.

What sets Union Reservoir apart is its balance between calm recreational waters and the open space that permits wind-driven paddleboarding challenges. Visitors frequently highlight the well-maintained facilities, including designated dog-friendly areas, making it a practical destination for pet owners seeking active outdoor time. While the reservoir doesn’t sit at the foot of Colorado’s towering peaks, the distant mountain views add a scenic backdrop without dominating the horizon, lending a distinct Front Range character to the experience.

Safety at Union Reservoir is taken seriously, with mandatory personal flotation devices and whistles for anyone on watercraft — a common precaution on state-managed lakes. Wind and weather can shift quickly; knowing conditions beforehand is essential, as the reservoir can become testing when storms roll in or winds rise. Though ranger presence is intermittent, the overall environment encourages self-responsibility on the water.

Whether you’re casting a line, balancing on a paddleboard, or cooling off in the designated swim beach, Union Reservoir offers accessible outdoor recreation in Longmont’s backyard. Its combination of sandy shoreline, open water, and pet-friendly spaces makes it a standout for anyone looking to combine active water sports with a laid-back Colorado vibe.