Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Northeast Region has rolled out the 2025 boating season opening dates for enthusiasts keen on making waves in state parks. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, parks across the region are setting the stage for a multitude of water activities, including boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking. However, boaters are required to follow several mandates: vessels must be registered, an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp should be acquired, and ANS inspections are necessary before launching.
The lineup of opening dates kicks off with Barr Lake welcoming boaters on April 1st, followed closely by Boyd Lake and Cherry Creek on March 10th. Visitors to Jackson Lake and St Vrain have been hitting the waters since March 1, while North Sterling is prepped to join the scene on March 15. For those aiming to visit Chatfield and the Eleven Mile and Spinney parks, dates are yet to be announced pending ice conditions. Boaters should take note of the requirement for Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all passengers, an essential safety measure.
CPW also underscores the importance of boating safety courses, which boaters can complete through their program. Moreover, to ensure a seamless park experience, guests are suggested to purchase the Keep Colorado Wild pass for $29, granting all-year access to state parks and sidestepping the often prolonged wait times at park entrances. This pass becomes a smart investment for those who frequent these nature escapes.
Nonetheless, there's an advisory out for the boating community regarding Chatfield park's recent tree operations. Potential hazards include exposed tree stumps near the reservoir, marked in orange on the provided map. Given the water's mercurial levels, these stumps might conceal themselves beneath the surface. They're set to be removed when reservoir levels permit, but until then, boaters must navigate these waters with heightened caution.
