Entry No. 212 — the Denver file — filed under: after-dark
Rocky Mountain Paddleboard Full Moon Paddle
Once a month around the full moon, this outfitter launches themed night paddles onto Front Range reservoirs after dark, including Boulder Reservoir and Cherry Creek. Glowing boards drift across the water while the moon rises, and food and drinks are usually on hand at the launch. They run the series spring through early fall, so dates shift with the lunar calendar each month. It's beginner-friendly, with rentals and guides, but you will probably get a little wet.
The story
Most suburban Front Range reservoirs bolt their gates when the sun drops behind the Flatirons, keeping the water dark and strictly off-limits. But once a month between May and September, Rocky Mountain Paddleboard circumvents the curfew. Securing night access at spots like Boulder Reservoir and Cherry Creek, they strap waterproof LED lights to a fleet of paddleboards and kayaks, turning quiet municipal reservoirs into glowing nocturnal gatherings.
Instead of a rigid, single-file tour, the event functions as a floating social hour. On shore, there is a live DJ, a themed sweet-and-drink buffet, and lawn games; on the lake, paddlers drift under the moon in costume to match monthly lunar themes—ranging from tropical luau gear for May's Blue Moon to disco sequins and metallics for late summer. Rentals come equipped with underwater LED illumination kits that cast neon halos onto the dark water.
You do not need elite balance, but you do need respect for cold water. Reservoir water is alpine snowmelt, and depth perception gets tricky when you are floating on total dark with only an LED strip under your feet. After the shoreline safety briefing, you launch directly off the beach. Out on the open lake, the shore DJ fades into quiet ripples, leaving you floating in a pool of under-board neon while the full moon climbs over the water.
What it's like
You will pull into the reservoir parking area around dusk, pay the municipal park entry fee at the gate (such as $12 at Boulder Reservoir), and walk down to the outfitter tent near the water. The vibe on shore is a casual beach gathering with a live DJ, neon swag, and themed bites. After a quick safety briefing and receiving your board, paddle, PFD, and underwater lights, you launch off the beach into open water. The catch: this is a self-guided float rather than an escorted tour, so you are responsible for keeping your own balance and steering in the dark, and park entry fees are charged separately from your event ticket. Pro tip: wear quick-dry clothing over your costume, pack a towel and dry sweatshirt in the car for afterward, and if you plan to bring your own board, make sure you already hold the required municipal reservoir craft permit.
The move: Rent two glowing paddleboards and float out across the reservoir together as the full moon climbs over the water.
📍 Before you go Monthly full-moon dates only, spring through early fall; book ahead via their site. Location varies by date (Boulder Reservoir, Cherry Creek). Bring a towel and a layer.
- 📍 Boulder / Aurora
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: Boulder Reservoir, 5565 N 51st St, Boulder, CO 80301
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- License No. 1 — Dry off from the reservoir and head down into the basement of Hotel Boulderado for a post-paddle cocktail beneath Boulder's first legal post-Prohibition liquor license.
- Fiske Planetarium Laser & Liquid Sky Shows — Trade the actual full moon over the reservoir for an immersive 8K laser show under Fiske's 65-foot dome on the CU Boulder campus.
- Sommers-Bausch Observatory Open House Nights — Follow up your open-water moonlight float with free rooftop telescope stargazing at CU's working teaching observatory just five miles away.
- Niwot Tree Carvings (Eddie Running Wolf) — Swing through Niwot before sunset to see Eddie Running Wolf's carved willow stumps before heading to the reservoir launch tent.
Good to know
Is the Full Moon Paddle a guided tour?
No, it is a self-guided community event. After a mandatory safety briefing and gear fitting on shore, you are free to paddle, float, and socialize at your own pace within the designated reservoir zone.
What is included with a paddleboard or kayak rental?
Rental tickets include the watercraft, paddle, lifejacket, underwater LED lighting or solar lantern, LED swag, safety instruction, access to the themed snack and drink buffet, and live DJ entertainment.
Can I bring my own paddleboard or kayak?
Yes, BYO-board tickets are available at a reduced rate ($35), but you must supply your own board, PFD, personal lighting, and any required reservoir watercraft permits (such as Boulder Reservoir's seasonal small craft permit).
What happens if there is severe weather?
The event runs in light weather, but if high winds or thunderstorms force a cancellation, Rocky Mountain Paddleboard issues digital gift cards for the full value rather than cash refunds.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear swimwear or quick-dry synthetic layers (along with costume accents matching the monthly theme), and bring a towel, bug spray, reusable water bottle, and a warm change of clothes for after you land.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · colorado.com · longmontcolorado.gov
last checked: 2026-06-23