Kayak Rentals at Grand Lake, Colorado
Boat rentals are great, but nothing beats a serene kayak adventure in beautiful Grand Lake, CO. Mountain Paddlers Kayak Shak is your destination for summer fun since 2011.
New Kayaks
Large, brand-new fleet of sturdy, lightweight kayaks for all skill levels arriving June 2024!
Peaceful Lake
Less crowds make less boat traffic— ideal for kayaking, mindfulness, and relaxation.
Scenic Views
Panoramic Rocky Mountain views for perfect photo opps & nature enjoyment.
Why Kayak at Grand Lake?
Grand Lake, Colorado is the ideal place to unplug and disconnect from the busy hustle and bustle. This quaint little town offers local shopping, lakefront music festivals, fireworks, and summer family fun.
Voted as one of Trip Advisor’s “Top Things to Do” in Grand Lake, Colorado, take advantage of this quiet lake ideal for kayaking. Surrounded by picturesque mountain peaks, Grand Lake is the largest and deepest natural lake in Colorado. With majestic views of Rocky Mountain National Park and calm waters, our best-kept secret is your ultimate destination for serene outdoor adventures!
Rent a kayak and become one with nature—meander through the canal and tour scenic Shadow Mountain Lake. Bring a camera and be on the lookout for wildlife—Grand Lake is famous for its moose sightings!
Kayak Rentals
Looking for a relaxing kayaking adventure? Mountain Paddlers offers the largest fleet of brand-new 2024 kayaks on Grand Lake. Our lightweight, sturdy, sit-inside kayaks provide excellent tracking ability and comfort, making them suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. No reservations required; we have plenty of kayaks to accommodate walk-ups! Find us on the beach at the Kayak Shak and our friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you decide which kayak is right for you and get you paddling in no time!
All kayak rentals include: paddle, safety whistle, 2L dry bag, and a personal flotation device for your safety.
Old Town Vapor 12XT Solo Kayak*
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Suitable for one adult and one small child with a combined weight of 250 lbs/115kg
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Adjustable comfort flex seat
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Lightweight fiberglass paddle
$29/Hour**
Old Town Twin Heron Tandem Kayak*
- Suitable for up to 2 adults and 2 small children with a combined weight of 425 lbs/193 kg
- Adjustable comfort flex seats
- Lightweight fiberglass paddle
$58/Hour**
Old Town Twin Heron Tandem Kayak*
- Suitable for up to 2 adults and 2 small children with a combined weight of 425 lbs/193 kg
- Adjustable comfort flex seats
- Lightweight fiberglass paddle
$58/Hour**
*Kayaks may vary from models shown.
**Rent a kayak for 2 hours and the 3rd hour is FREE!
Get 1 Free Hour
**Rent for 2 hours and the 3rd hour is FREE!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your operating hours?
Early Season (6/1 – 6/14) 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
High Season (6/15 – 9/2) 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Weather permitting
Do you take reservations?
We operate on a first come, first served basis, so reservations are not necessary. We want you to be able to enjoy your time on Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake without having to rush back to beat the clock. We allow you to extend your time once out on the water so that you may explore the lakes at your leisure. For very large groups, please contact us.
What are your kayak rental rates?
Our rental rates are by the hour ($29/hr solo kayak / $58/hr tandem kayak). Pay for 1 hour or 2 hours upfront (3rd hour is FREE!) and if you are having a great time and end up staying out longer than your pre-paid time, that’s no problem. Any extra time will be charged upon your return in prorated half-hour increments.
Do you offer any specials?
Kayak Dude’s Special: Rent for 2 hours – 3rd hour is FREE!
Early Bird Discount: Rent before 10:00 a.m. and SAVE 10%
Discounts are offered for groups of 10+
What equipment is included with my rental?
Rental includes: personal flotation device, safety whistle, 2L dry bag, and a paddle
What should I bring with me?
Weather-appropriate clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and snacks.
Who can occupy a kayak?
LEGAL: Renters must be 18 or older, present a valid ID for age verification, and sign a Rental Agreement/Liability Waiver. Persons under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the Rental Agreement/Liability Waiver.
SAFETY: Children must weigh a minimum of 30 lbs. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult (may be in a separate kayak). Infants and pets are not permitted in kayaks, as they may cause distractions while paddling that could hinder your safety and theirs. All kayakers must follow basic safety rules.
Can I bring my dog?
As much as we love pets, to ensure their safety and yours, we don’t allow pets in the kayaks.
Where can we go?
We allow you to go anywhere on Grand Lake as well as paddling through the canal and anywhere you would like on Shadow Mountain Lake.
When is the best time to kayak?
Mornings are usually the calmest time of the day on the lakes, with less wind, fewer powerboats, and the best chance to spot wildlife.
Can I go fishing?
Yes! Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake are fantastic places to fish and we’ll even tell you the best fishing spots!
Do you offer boat rentals or stand-up paddle boards?
We only rent kayaks, but our friends at Rocky Mountain SUP would be happy to rent you a paddleboard! Give them a call at 970-557-5150 or visit www.rmsup.com.
What People Are Saying
Courtney M
Hidden Gem!
Had an amazing time kayaking on Grand Lake! My boyfriend and I decided to take a day trip up from Denver and were not disappointed. The views are amazing and the town was perfect for a weekend getaway. Drew was very informative and got us on a kayak right away! Definitely coming back to Grand Lake in the future to see this hidden gem.
Joy H
Fantastic Experience Kayaking!
Access to both Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake. AMAZING views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Lots of birds and dragonflies. Drew gave great instructions for different levels of experience and time commitment. Go before 10am for the early bird discount (they’ll honor it for extended hours if you start before 10am, and you’ll avoid the crowds). Shadow Mountain Lake is so peaceful and not as many people there. The crowds show up around 11-12pm.
Joshua B
Best kayak rental experience ever!
Kayaks are great quality, the fee is reasonable, and the customer service was unmatched! Guy gave us an extra 15 minutes and was super helpful with explaining where on the map were the best views to paddle to! Would highly recommend!
Shannon C
Great Customer Service!
I cannot tell you how great the customer service was. We needed extra sun screen for someone, and I asked if they sold it. They didn’t, but he gave me his own bottle while we kayaked. The kayaks performed great, and he provides great recommendations on where to go. Get there before 10am and rent for 3 hours for the price of 2 with an extra early bird discount before 10 am.
Kayak with Altitude
Family owned and operated since 2011, Mountain Paddlers Kayak Shak is conveniently located on the beach at Grand Lake, in front of Headwaters Marina. Owner, Drew the Kayak Dude, along with his fabulous beach crew, will get you outfitted and on the water in no time!
Contact Us
2024 Operating Hours – Weather Permitting
Early Season (6/1 – 6/14) 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
High Season (6/15 – 9/2) 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
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