6 Best Places to Ride Jet Skis in Colorado (2022)

Colorado is blessed to have some of the best lakes for watersports in North America. Places where you can be exploring for days on end!

But…it’s almost like insider knowledge. When I first get started into jet-ski riding, I really struggled to figure out where local owners were riding. That’s why I created this guide here on Jet Ski Advice.

Best Places to Ride Jet Skis in Colorado

Don’t let this 2022 summer go to waste! If the sun’s shining, then you’d better be hooking up and getting yourself to the local boat ramp by 8am.

Why so early? The crowds on weekends can be intense in some areas around Denver and Aurora. You wouldn’t want to be waiting up to an hour to launch your PWC at 10am, or worst – having an audience at the boat ramp.

Whether you’re an owner or someone looking to rent one for several hours, you’ll find the riding to be excellent. Mostly calm and often sunny!

Colorado’s most popular jet ski destinations are:

1. Grand Lake

If you want to find the biggest area in which to ride jet skis in Colorado, then Grand Lake it is! They certainly named this one appropriately! While it’s very popular for watersports enthusiasts and you’ll come across dozens of other jet ski riders here every weekend, there is still plenty of space to explore and get away from it all.

2. Chatfield Reservoir

Head into Chatfield State Park and you’ll find this incredible Reservoir. Trust me – it won’t just be you out here enjoying this nice flat bit of water! After all, there are a few jet ski rental businesses here so you’ll be sharing the area with some newbies. Don’t let that frustrate you as there is plenty of space to open the throttle wide!

3. Boyd Lake

Boyd Lake certainly isn’t as big but has several boat ramps and makes a great spot if you’re seeking to get away with the family. It’s in the Front Range around Loveland and a great area for towing tubes as well as fishing. While there are several boat ramps, it’s best to aim for Heron Cove as it’s reserved for personal watercraft.

4. Lake Granby

Lake Granby is just missing the ‘d’ because it’s certainly large! We’re talking almost 50 miles of shoreline in which you can beach your jet ski and explore on foot. The lake can get busy with fisherman and slow down to avoid excessive wake. Plenty of overnight camping opportunities right on the lake as well for the entire family with dogs welcome.

5. Lake Pueblo

Lake Pueblo isn’t that big but worth a mention especially if you’re seeking to hire a jet ski. It’s a smaller body of water so it’s ideal for a beginner seeking to get some experience on their own PWC too. You might feel like you’re going around in circles here so it wouldn’t be my first choice, but worth checking out on a lazy weekend.

6. Horsetooth Reservoir

Horsetooth Reservoir is popular with the jet ski owners residing in Fort Collins. While it’s only just under 7 miles long, it’s still plenty to have some run and race some buddies, plus there are numerous inlets that don’t receive too much marine traffic than compared to the main channel. Watch out for the waterskiers whose numbers triple on weekends as well as those riding for the first time on their rented jet ski.

Getting Yourself Started

There we have it! 6 great areas in which you can explore behind the handlebars of a jet ski this coming weekend. In some of these areas you may need to get a recreation permit if you’re entering national parks plus pay a camping fee if you’re staying overnight, but trust me – it’s worth it!

Stay safe and I will catch you out there!