Boat Ramps In Colorado: Open Or Closed?

Boat ramps in Colorado are open, but there are several requirements that must be met before you can take to the water. All trailered and/or motorized watercraft must be inspected by certified personnel if the boat has been in any body of water that is positive or suspect for aquatic invasive species (AIS), has been in any water body outside of Colorado, or will be entering any water body where inspections are required. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) also requires that boats are registered and have an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp. CPW encourages boaters to take a boating safety course to learn about navigation safety and what to do in the case of an accident.

Boat ramp opening dates in Colorado

Bear Creek Reservoir in Lakewood typically opens for the season on March 15, pending conditions. The west boat ramp at Cherry Creek State Park opened on March 27, 2023, and will remain open from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day. The north boat ramps at Chatfield Reservoir are also now open seven days a week from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Some other boat ramp opening dates in Colorado for the 2024 season are as follows:

• Crawford: Saturday, May 4
• Mancos: TBD after April 9
• Navajo: Friday, March 1
• Paonia: Wednesday, May 22
• Sweitzer Lake: Monday, April 22

Boat ramp hours will be limited from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until late May when hours are extended. Before launching in Colorado waters, boaters need to ensure their boat is registered, purchase an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, and follow all ANS inspection requirements.

Boat registration and inspection requirements

In Colorado, any boat with a motor or sail operated on public waters must be registered with Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This includes motor-powered boats and sailboats. Boats currently registered in another state can be used in Colorado for less than 60 days without registering.

To register a boat in Colorado, you must provide acceptable proof of ownership, such as a previous registration certificate, manufacturer's certificate, certificate of title, or a court-issued document concerning ownership of the vessel. You will also need to fill out a registration application and pay a registration fee. The fee varies depending on the length of your vessel and whether you are a resident or not, with a maximum fee of $75.25.

After registering, you will be assigned a Colorado registration number, which must be painted or attached to each side of the bow of your boat. The number must be in 3-inch block letters and contrast the colour of your vessel for easy visibility.

In addition to registering your boat, you must also purchase an Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) stamp. This stamp must be purchased before launching your boat in Colorado and can be done online or at any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office or sales location. The cost of the ANS stamp is $25 for residents and $50 for non-residents.

All trailered and/or motorized boats in Colorado require certified aquatic nuisance species (ANS) boat inspections. These inspections are mandatory if the boat has been in any water body outside of Colorado or if it will be entering any water body where inspections are required. Inspections are also required if the boat has been in any water body that is positive or suspected for aquatic invasive species (AIS).

To streamline the inspection process, boaters should follow the Clean, Drain, and Dry procedures. This includes cleaning and drying their boat, trailer, and equipment every time they enter or exit any waters. Additionally, boaters should be prepared to lower outdrive motors, pull bilge plugs, turn on bilge pumps, and drain compartments that could store water.

Aquatic invasive species and their impact

Boat owners in Colorado must complete an online survey before renewing their boat registration to ensure compliance with updated U.S. Coast Guard requirements. Before launching in Colorado waters, boaters must ensure their boat is registered, purchase an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) stamp, and follow all ANS inspection requirements.

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) are aquatic plants and animals that invade lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and streams. They can also include fish pathogens and diseases, such as viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) or whirling disease. ANS can cause significant harm to Colorado's land and water, negatively impacting the state's economy, recreation, property values, and public health.

One of the most serious threats posed by ANS in Colorado is the zebra mussel, which has been discovered in the Colorado River. Zebra mussels are not native to the nation's rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. They attach to, clog, and impair water storage, treatment, and distribution systems, causing enormous problems for water infrastructure used for municipal, agricultural, and industrial purposes. They also obliterate aquatic ecosystems by eradicating basic food sources that other species rely on, such as aquatic vegetation, insects, or algae.

Another invasive species in Colorado is the New Zealand mudsnail, a freshwater snail that reproduces rapidly and eats much of the available food. This negatively affects aquatic insect larvae, native snails, and fish populations. Rusty crayfish, which are larger and more aggressive than native crayfish, have also been introduced to Colorado, likely by anglers as bait. They damage underwater habitats that are important for fish spawning and displace native crayfish.

To combat the spread of ANS, Colorado has implemented the Colorado Aquatic Nuisance Species Act and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Aquatic Nuisance Species Program. The state also has mandatory boat inspection requirements and decontamination procedures for watercraft entering Colorado waters. These measures aim to protect Colorado's natural resources, outdoor recreation, and water supply infrastructure from the costly and damaging effects of invasive species.

Life jacket rules and safety equipment

Life jackets are essential safety equipment when boating in Colorado. The state has specific rules that must be followed to ensure the safety of all passengers. Firstly, there must be one life jacket, or personal flotation device, for each person on board. This applies to all types of boats, including paddleboards, canoes, and jet skis. Children aged 12 and under are required to wear their life jackets at all times while on a boat. Additionally, individuals of all ages must wear life jackets when participating in activities such as jet skiing, wakeboarding, or being towed by a boat.

It is important to note that not wearing a life jacket can result in legal consequences. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) can issue tickets for failing to follow life jacket rules. Life jackets are crucial, especially considering the cold water temperatures in Colorado. Most large bodies of water in the state do not reach 70 degrees even during the summer months.

In addition to life jackets, there are other safety equipment requirements for recreational boats in Colorado. All recreational boats must have U.S. Coast Guard-approved safety equipment on board. This includes items such as muffling devices, flags for water-skiing, fire extinguishers, distress signals, and a working horn. Boat operators should also carry essential items such as sunscreen and keep valuables, like car keys, attached to their person.

To ensure compliance with safety regulations, boat rangers in Colorado conduct safety inspections on all waters. These inspections apply to various types of vessels, including motorized vessels, sailboats, personal watercraft, canoes, kayaks, and rafts. It is important for boat owners to be prepared for these safety inspections and to ensure their vessels meet the necessary requirements.

Colorado also has specific age restrictions for operating a boat. As of June 1, 2024, individuals under the age of 18 are prohibited from operating a motorboat, including personal watercraft like jet skis. Individuals aged 14 to 18 may operate a motorboat if they have completed a boating safety course approved by CPW and possess a valid boating safety certificate.

Boating safety courses and accident reporting

Boating safety courses are strongly encouraged by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) for all boaters in Colorado. These courses cover important topics such as navigation safety and accident reporting, and can help boaters be better prepared in case of an emergency.

In Colorado, anyone aged 14 or older can take an in-person, state-approved boating safety course to learn about safely operating a motorboat, Jet Ski, or sailboat. Those aged 14-17 who wish to operate a motorboat must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must complete a proctored exam in a classroom setting rather than taking the course online. There is also an online course available for those aged 16 and above.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary offers comprehensive boating safety classes that cover marine navigation, weather, rules of the road, boat handling, equipment, knots, trailering, and safety. The US Power Squadrons also offer an introductory course that includes topics such as boating law, boat safety equipment, and safe boating.

In addition to safety courses, it is important for boaters to be aware of the requirements for reporting boating accidents. In Colorado, certain incidents must be reported to the CPW using the Boating Incident Report Form. Any incident that results in loss of life, disappearance, injury requiring medical treatment, or property damage exceeding $2,000 must be reported within five days. Failure to file a report is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by law.

To ensure compliance with safety regulations, boat patrol officers in Colorado conduct courtesy safety inspections at boat ramps. These inspections are a great opportunity for boaters to verify that their boat meets all the necessary equipment requirements, such as navigational lighting and appropriate towed water sport flags.

Frequently asked questions