Flying High: The Best Parasailing & Aerial Adventures Near Boulder, CO
When people think of Boulder, Colorado, they usually picture jaw-dropping mountain views, crunchy hikers in Patagonia gear, and people sipping organic coffee while plotting their next 14er climb. Parasailing? Not exactly the first thing that pops into mind. But if you’ve got the urge to float through the air like a carefree kite, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered!
While Boulder itself isn’t exactly a parasailing hotspot (spoiler: we don’t have oceans or giant lakes), there are some pretty awesome places nearby where you can get your parasailing fix. And if you’re open to a few alternative ways to soar, Boulder might just surprise you.
Buckle up — or rather, buckle into your harness — because this guide is your one-stop shop for parasailing (and parasailing-adjacent) adventures in and around Boulder.
Wait… Can You Even Parasail in Boulder?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: technically, no — you can’t parasail right in Boulder. Parasailing usually needs a lot of wide-open water — think oceans or enormous lakes. Boulder, being nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, is a little short on those.
BUT (and this is a big but), you don’t have to give up your dream of floating above stunning scenery. Within a short drive, you’ll find some gorgeous lakes that offer parasailing, plus a ton of other airborne activities that’ll get your heart racing.
The Best Parasailing Spots Near Boulder
Lake Dillon (Dillon Reservoir) — The Crowd Favorite
Drive Time: About 1.5 hours (worth every minute)
Location: Dillon, Colorado
Lake Dillon is like Colorado’s hidden gem for water lovers. Imagine soaring hundreds of feet above sparkling water with snow-capped mountains all around you — it’s like parasailing inside a Bob Ross painting.
Why it’s awesome:
- Massive lake perfect for safe parasailing.
- Killer views of Breckenridge, Keystone, and the Tenmile Range.
- Professional operators offer tandem parasailing rides (yes, you can scream together).
Who to call:
- Dillon Marina (seasonal parasailing — call ahead!)
- Frisco Bay Marina (great for other water fun too)
Best season: Summer (June to August). Otherwise, you’ll need a dry suit and a good sense of humor.
Chatfield Reservoir — The Convenient Option
Drive Time: About 1 hour
Location: Littleton, Colorado
Closer to home and great for a spontaneous adventure, Chatfield Reservoir sometimes offers parasailing through special operators or events.
Why it’s worth checking out:
- Super close to Boulder.
- Calm waters that play nice with parasails.
- Lots of backup activities like paddleboarding, jet skiing, and good old-fashioned floating.
Pro tip: Since parasailing availability can change, call local marinas ahead of time. You don’t want to show up ready to fly and end up renting a paddleboat.
Grand Lake — Big Views, Big Smiles
Drive Time: About 2 hours
Location: Grand Lake, Colorado
Grand Lake is Colorado’s largest natural lake, and it sits right at the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park — perfect for combining your parasailing trip with a nature getaway.
Why you’ll love it:
- Gorgeous alpine scenery.
- Water activities galore.
- Nearby elk and moose photo ops (don’t try to parasail over them).
Heads up: Parasailing availability depends on the season and local operators. Summer is your best bet.
Lake Granby — The Underrated Gem
Drive Time: About 2 hours
Location: Granby, Colorado
Right next door to Grand Lake, Lake Granby is quieter but just as beautiful. While full-time parasailing companies are rare here, private operators occasionally offer rides, and the lake is perfect for boating, fishing, and pretending you’re in a nature documentary.
Why it’s great:
- Huge lake with plenty of room to spread your wings (literally).
- Fewer crowds.
- Excellent add-on to a camping or fishing weekend.
Boulder’s Best Aerial Alternatives (aka “Parasailing’s Cousins”)
Since true parasailing in Boulder is tricky, why not explore some equally fun — and sometimes even more thrilling — options right here in town? Trust us, your adrenaline won’t know the difference.
Paragliding — Boulder’s Favorite Way to Fly
If you’ve ever looked up while hiking and seen colorful dots floating in the sky, you’ve spotted Boulder’s paragliders living their best lives.
Where to glide:
- Wonderland Lake – great for beginners and tandem rides.
- Lookout Mountain (Golden) – stunning launches.
- Gross Reservoir – advanced flights with epic views.
Who to fly with:
- Adventure Paragliding
- Colorado Paragliding
Why it rocks:
- No water required.
- Amazing Rocky Mountain views.
- Fly solo (if you’re trained) or go tandem with an experienced pilot.
Hot Air Ballooning — The Chill Aerial Vibe
If you prefer your flights a little slower and your champagne bubbly, hot air ballooning is calling your name.
Operators to check out:
- Fair Winds Hot Air Balloon Flights
- Life Cycle Balloon Adventures
Why you’ll love it:
- Peaceful sunrise flights.
- Incredible panoramic views of Boulder Valley.
- Great for proposals, anniversaries, or Instagram flexing.
Skydiving — The “Go Big or Go Home” Option
Want to skip the gentle glide and go full-on adrenaline junkie? Skydiving might be your perfect fit.
Closest drop zone:
Mile-Hi Skydiving Center in Longmont (only about 20 minutes away)
Why it’s epic:
- 120 mph freefall? Yes please.
- Epic views of the Rockies while you plummet (safely).
- Tandem jumps for first-timers, advanced options for the brave.
When’s the Best Time to Fly?
Timing is everything when you’re depending on the weather gods. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Season | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (April-May) | Hit or miss — warming up but windy. |
| Summer (June-August) | Prime season. Book early, stay hydrated, and fly high. |
| Fall (Sept-October) | Cooler temps, gorgeous views, less crowded. |
| Winter (Nov-March) | Snow + flying = tricky. Stick to hot air balloons if weather allows. |
Quick Safety Tips (Because You’re Precious)
- Always use licensed, certified operators.
- Follow every safety instruction like your life depends on it (because it kinda does).
- Watch the weather — if the wind’s howling, maybe reschedule.
- Wear proper gear — life jacket, harness, sunscreen, sunglasses.
- If you feel sick easily, pack some motion sickness meds (your stomach will thank you).
What Should You Pack?
- Lightweight jacket or windbreaker (it gets breezy up there).
- Sunscreen — you’re closer to the sun, after all.
- GoPro or waterproof camera for the ultimate bragging rights.
- Closed-toe water shoes or sneakers.
- A sense of humor (always helps).
The Bottom Line: Fly High, Have Fun
While Boulder may not be the parasailing capital of the world, it absolutely makes up for it with epic aerial adventures all around. From mountain lakes like Dillon and Grand Lake to paragliding right over Boulder itself, you’ve got plenty of ways to get airborne and make some unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re floating like a balloon, soaring like a bird, or screaming like a banshee on a parasail, one thing’s for sure: Colorado knows how to show you a good time in the sky.
P.S. Don’t forget to check availability and book ahead — Colorado’s outdoor scene can get pretty popular when the sun’s out!
