Kayaking Near Denver

Best National Parks for Kayaking Near Denver, CO

National parks near Denver, CO ranked by kayaking quality, with drive times and distances.

Updated

Day Trip (Under 2.5 hours)

Ptarmigan in winter coat

Rocky Mountain

CO

Busy

74 mi -- about 1.3 hr drive

Weekend Getaway (2.5 to 5 hours)

Black Canyon near Painted Wall

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison

CO

Moderate CrowdsHidden Gem

217 mi -- about 3.9 hr drive

Extended Drive (5+ hours)

shallow pools with a double rainbow in the background

Canyonlands

UT

Moderate CrowdsHidden GemDark Sky

367 mi -- about 6.7 hr drive