Kayaking & Boating
Exploring 3,400 acres of high-altitude reservoir.
Table of Contents
- The Reservoir
- Boating Regulations
- Kayaking Specifics
- Safety on the Water
- Routes and Destinations
- Kayaking with Kids
- SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding)
- Canoeing
- After the Water
- Gear Checklist
The Reservoir
Eleven Mile Reservoir covers 3,400 surface acres with approximately 20 miles of shoreline. It’s big enough to feel like an adventure, accessible enough for beginners, and occasionally challenging enough to demand respect.
What’s Allowed
- Kayaking ✓
- Canoeing ✓
- SUP (Stand-up paddleboard) ✓
- Motorboats ✓
- Sailboats ✓
- Fishing from watercraft ✓
What’s NOT Allowed
- Swimming ✗
- Water skiing ✗
- Tubing ✗
- Wading ✗
- Jet skis ✗
- Scuba diving ✗
These restrictions protect the reservoir as a water supply for Denver.
Boating Regulations
Launch Requirements
All trailered vessels must be inspected for aquatic nuisance species (ANS) prior to launching. Inspection stations are at designated boat ramps.
What they check for:
- Attached plants, mud, organisms
- Standing water in hulls, motors, livewells
- Proper drain plug removal during transport
Required actions:
- Clean, Drain, Dry before arrival
- Present boat for inspection before launching
- Follow decontamination if required
Hours
The reservoir is closed to boating from:
- Half-hour after sunset to half-hour before sunrise
Plan accordingly—summer evenings are long, but don’t get caught out after legal hours.
Docks and Ramps
Boat docks are for loading and unloading only. Five-minute time limit enforced. No mooring at docks. No fishing from docks.
Launch locations:
| Ramp | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Shore | Near campground | Busiest, full services |
| Day Use Areas | Various | Check accessibility |
Kayaking Specifics
Why Kayak Eleven Mile
- Access fishing spots unreachable from shore
- Explore remote coves and inlets
- Wildlife viewing from water level
- Exercise with stunning scenery
- Escape the crowds
Bringing Your Own Kayak
Transport:
- Secure properly on vehicle/trailer
- Protect hull from road damage
- Bring all paddles, PFDs, accessories
At the park:
- Launch from designated areas only
- No launch fee separate from park pass
- Cartop launches available at multiple points
Renting a Kayak
The 11 Mile Marina offers rental equipment:
Contact: 11MileSports.com (located at North Shore Boat Ramp)
Typical rentals available:
- Single kayaks
- Tandem kayaks
- Canoes
- SUPs
- Fishing boats
Call ahead to confirm availability and reserve, especially for weekend use.
Required Equipment
By Colorado law:
- Life jacket (PFD) for each person (must be worn by children under 13)
- Sound-producing device (whistle attached to PFD is ideal)
Recommended:
- Paddle leash (wind can take dropped paddles fast)
- Dry bag for valuables
- Sunscreen (water reflects UV)
- Hat with retention strap
- Water and snacks
- Fishing gear (if combining activities)
Safety on the Water
Wind is the Primary Hazard
Eleven Mile is notorious for strong, sudden winds. The reservoir sits in a high basin where afternoon thermal winds can develop rapidly.
What to expect:
- Morning (6 AM – 11 AM): Usually calm, best paddling
- Midday (11 AM – 2 PM): Wind building
- Afternoon (2 PM – 6 PM): Peak wind, whitecaps possible, storms possible
- Evening (after 6 PM): Usually calms again
Wind thresholds:
- 5–10 mph: Pleasant paddling, small chop
- 10–15 mph: Moderate effort, waves developing
- 15–20 mph: Challenging, not for beginners
- 20+ mph: Dangerous conditions, stay off water
Storm Protocol
Afternoon thunderstorms are common June–July. Lightning over open water is extremely dangerous.
Warning signs:
- Building clouds to the west
- Distant thunder (sound carries far)
- Sudden wind increase
- Temperature drop
Action plan:
- At first sign of storm, head to shore immediately
- Don’t wait to see how it develops
- Get off the water and away from the waterline
- Seek shelter in vehicle or building
- Wait 30 minutes after last thunder
Hypothermia Risk
Water temperature runs 55–65°F in summer—cold enough for hypothermia if immersed.
Prevention:
- Dress assuming you might end up in the water
- Bring dry clothes in waterproof bag
- Know how to re-enter your kayak from water
- Stay near shore if inexperienced
- Don’t paddle alone
Symptoms of hypothermia:
- Shivering
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
If someone falls in and shows these signs: get them warm immediately, remove wet clothes, apply warmth (body heat, blankets, warm drinks).
Routes and Destinations
Beginner: North Shore Exploration
Distance: 1–2 miles round trip Time: 1–2 hours Difficulty: Easy
Launch from North Shore and paddle along the shoreline staying within easy return distance. Explore the coves and points immediately accessible from the launch area.
Good for: First-timers, kids, morning paddle
Intermediate: Reservoir Crossing
Distance: 2–4 miles Time: 2–3 hours Difficulty: Moderate
Paddle from North Shore across to the opposite shoreline, explore, return. Only attempt in calm conditions with experienced paddlers.
Hazards: Wind pickup mid-crossing, distance from safety
Advanced: Full Reservoir Circuit
Distance: 8–12 miles Time: 4–6 hours Difficulty: Challenging
Circumnavigate significant portions of the reservoir. Requires strong paddling skills, careful weather monitoring, and emergency preparedness.
Requirements:
- Multiple experienced paddlers
- Perfect weather window
- VHF radio or communication device
- Full safety kit
- Starts at dawn to avoid afternoon wind
Fishing by Kayak
Kayaks provide access to structure and shoreline unreachable from bank or larger boats.
Target areas:
- Rocky points
- Weed edges (for pike)
- Inlet streams
- Quiet coves
Tips:
- Anchor or drift carefully
- Rod holders free your hands
- Secure all gear (capsizing loses everything)
- Land fish quickly; fighting from kayak is awkward
Kayaking with Kids
Age Guidelines
| Age | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Under 5 | Tandem kayak with adult, very short trips |
| 5–8 | Tandem, 30–60 minute trips, close to shore |
| 9–12 | Can try single kayaks with supervision, close to shore |
| 13+ | Single kayaks with proper instruction and conditions |
Keys to Success
Before launching:
- Fit their PFD properly (test: can you lift them by the shoulder straps?)
- Practice paddle strokes on land
- Discuss what to do if they fall in
- Set expectations for duration
While paddling:
- Stay close enough to communicate
- Take breaks on shore
- Keep it fun, not boot camp
- Turn back at the first sign of tiredness or fear
What they’ll love:
- The feeling of independence
- Looking into the water
- Seeing fish and wildlife from water level
- Splashing (controlled)
Tandem vs. Solo
For kids 5–12, tandem kayaking is usually better:
- Adult controls the boat
- Kids can participate or rest
- Easier to manage if conditions change
- Less rescue complexity
SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding)
The Basics
SUP is accessible and popular, but Eleven Mile presents challenges:
- Altitude makes balance harder (less oxygen = less coordination)
- Wind is more problematic on SUP than kayak
- Water is cold if you fall in
Recommendations
- Morning only (before wind)
- Stay close to shore
- Wear PFD (required for under 13, smart for everyone)
- Leash your paddle
- Ankle leash to board (so board doesn’t blow away)
Best Conditions
- Wind under 5 mph
- No storm forecast
- Water temperature comfortable (wear appropriate clothing)
- Calm morning, clear sky
Canoeing
Advantages
- More capacity than kayaks
- Can carry cooler, fishing gear, picnic
- Good for tandem paddling
- Stable platform once loaded
Challenges
- Catches wind (higher profile)
- Slower than kayak
- Capsizing is more consequential (more gear to lose)
- Harder to rescue
Tips for Eleven Mile
- Weight the canoe (cooler in center helps stability)
- Both paddlers coordinate strokes
- Keep low center of gravity
- Stick to morning paddling
After the Water
Cleaning Your Kayak
Before leaving the park:
- Remove all plant material
- Drain all water from hull and compartments
- Dry all surfaces as much as possible
This prevents spreading aquatic nuisance species.
Storage at Camp
- Store kayak upside down or on side
- UV degrades hulls—shade when possible
- Secure against wind (they blow away)
- Check hatches and cockpit for critters before launching
Gear Checklist
Essential
- PFD for each paddler (properly fitted)
- Whistle attached to PFD
- Paddle (and spare if possible)
- Dry bag for valuables
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Water and snacks
- Communication device
Recommended
- Paddle float (for self-rescue)
- Bilge pump or sponge
- Spray skirt (if touring kayak)
- Change of clothes (in dry bag)
- First aid kit
- Navigation (map of reservoir)
For Fishing from Kayak
- Rod holders
- Anchor or drift sock
- Tackle secured to boat
- Net with lanyard
- Cooler or stringer for catch
Respect the Water: Eleven Mile’s beauty is deceptive. Cold water, sudden wind, and remote shorelines mean small problems become big problems quickly. Always paddle with a buddy, always check weather, and always have a plan for getting off the water fast.