Paddleboard Rentals in Aspen, Colorado
Stand up paddle boarding in the Roaring Fork Valley offers something rare: glassy water surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks. Rich Valley Adventures rents stand-up paddle boards on some of the most scenic alpine lakes in Colorado, from the vast calm of Ruedi Reservoir above Basalt to the intimate wilderness setting of Grizzly Lake near Independence Pass.
Paddleboarding is a rental from $100, not a guided trip.
What's Included
All Equipment Provided
Premium hard and inflatable SUP boards, paddles, PFDs, and dry bags. Nothing to bring except sunscreen.
Stunning Alpine Scenery
Glassy high-altitude lakes surrounded by 13,000–14,000 foot peaks — among the most scenic SUP venues in the country.
Wildlife Viewing
Osprey, herons, deer, and occasionally moose frequent Ruedi Reservoir and surrounding lakes.
Family Friendly
Kids as young as 6 welcome. Tandem boards available for parent-child paddling.
Ruedi Reservoir
Ruedi Reservoir sits at 7,700 feet elevation in the Frying Pan Valley, 15 miles east of Basalt. The 1,000-acre lake is fed by snowmelt from the surrounding White River National Forest and stays calm and glassy on most summer mornings — perfect conditions for paddle boarding.
Morning paddles at Ruedi offer mirror reflections of the surrounding peaks and wildlife sightings that are rare anywhere else: osprey hunting the surface, great blue herons wading the shallows, deer drinking at the shoreline. On calm days, you can see 30 feet to the rocky bottom through the crystal-clear water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience to try paddle boarding?
No experience needed at all.
Is paddle boarding safe for kids?
Yes — paddle boarding is one of the safest water sports. All participants wear Coast Guard-approved life vests. Children as young as 6 can participate, and younger kids can share a board with a parent.
How cold is the water?
Mountain lake water in Colorado ranges from 55–70°F depending on time of year and elevation. We recommend wearing athletic clothes or a swimsuit you don't mind getting wet. Wetsuits are available upon request for early-season outings.
What if it's windy?
Wind is the main variable for SUP.
Rent a Paddleboard
Boards can be delivered to you.
Call or send a note to check availability.