Telluride SUP Rentals: Paddle Ridgway Reservoir, Trout Lake, and Alta Lakes
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–4 hours per session (24-hour rental window)
Fitness Level
Comfortable standing and paddling 2–4 miles at elevation; able to remount the board in deep water.
Overview
Pick up a board the afternoon before, paddle alpine lakes at sunrise, and return by noon the next day—this 24-hour SUP rental opens up Ridgway Reservoir, Trout Lake, and Alta Lakes. Expect calm mornings, cold water, and big-mountain views with a practical plan for high-country conditions.
Telluride SUP Rentals: Paddle Ridgway Reservoir, Trout Lake, and Alta Lakes
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Dawn comes quietly to the San Juans. The reservoir lies flat and glassy, a mirror the breeze hasn’t found yet. An osprey circles, then commits—water erupts, then smooths itself over as if nothing happened. With an inflatable paddle board on your shoulders and high country air in your lungs, the day asks a simple question: Where to first?
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start at sunrise
Morning is typically calmest; winds often build after 11 am, especially at Trout Lake and Ridgway Reservoir.
Dress for cold water
Even in summer, lakes are chilly—wear a PFD, use the leash, and bring a wind layer or neoprene if you run cold.
Hydrate at altitude
At 7,000–11,000 feet, dehydration sneaks up fast; drink early and often and keep sessions shorter on day one.
Plan transport and access
Inflatables fit in a trunk, but bring cam straps if using roof carry and check for day-use fees and no-wake zones.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Osprey and bald eagles hunting over Ridgway Reservoir
- Mule deer at dawn along Trout Lake’s north shore
History
These waters sit on the homelands of the Ute people; later, mining and narrow-gauge rail linked Telluride and Ridgway in the late 1800s, shaping today’s access routes.
Conservation
Rinse and dry gear to prevent the spread of invasive mussels. Use established launches, observe no-wake zones, and pack out all trash to protect shorelines and wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in Telluride, Colorado
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sun hoody and brimmed hat
High UV at elevation makes lightweight sun protection crucial for long sessions.
summer specific
Neoprene booties or water shoes
Cold water and rocky shorelines are easier on feet with insulated booties in shoulder seasons.
spring specific
10L dry bag
Keeps your phone, keys, and an extra layer dry if you take a swim or afternoon storms pop up.
Cam straps or soft roof rack
Handy if you prefer to transport an inflated board between put-ins or share gear between vehicles.