Boat ramps at state parks across southwest Colorado are opening for the 2026 season, but Colorado Parks and Wildlife is warning boaters that drought conditions and a historically low snowpack will affect water levels throughout the region, potentially shortening the window for trailered watercraft at several reservoirs.

The historically low snowpack cited by park officials is part of a season-long trend, with dry conditions persisting across much of the state since early in the year.

CPW officials say boaters who want to maximize their time on the water this year should plan to go early in the spring and summer rather than waiting for the traditional Fourth of July launch.

The low water levels affecting Southwest Region reservoirs are part of a broader pattern, as drought conditions have worsened dramatically across Colorado in recent weeks.

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At parks including Crawford, Mancos and Paonia, water levels driven by spring runoff will largely determine how long boat ramps remain accessible. Kelli Hansen Lum, senior ranger of Crawford and Paonia State Parks, said trailered watercraft may lose ramp access by the Fourth of July due to extremely low water levels.

“We anticipate the continued ability to offer hand-launched and human-powered boating opportunities once we lose access to the boat ramps,” Hansen Lum said. “However, we would like to stress the importance of safe boating practices, like wearing a properly fitted personal flotation device while on the water, especially due to staff limitations for responding to water-based emergencies once boat ramp access is not an option.”

Not all parks face the same constraints. Sweitzer Lake remains full year-round, and the larger reservoirs at Navajo and Ridgway offer more open water despite lower levels.

“We should be full all summer long, and the largemouth bass fishing should be great this summer,” said Sweitzer Lake Park Manager Scott Rist.

Navajo State Park became the first in the Southwest Region to open its boat ramp this year. The ramp opened March 13 and is currently available weekends only, Friday through Sunday, through April 12. Beginning April 14, it will be open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“Our water level will be low this year on the Colorado side,” said Navajo State Park Manager Jon Meats. “We did benefit from heavy fall rain in 2025, so our visitors on the Colorado side of the reservoir will still enjoy a quality experience when setting out on the water. But that fall flooding also introduced more debris, so we need all boaters to be aware and exercise extra caution as water levels fluctuate.”

Ridgway State Park’s boat ramp opened April 1, providing an early start for water enthusiasts.

“The reservoir is expected to fill by early July, but we are expecting to drop quickly after July 4th due to downstream water demands,” said Ridgway Park Manager John Freeborn. “Ridgway remains boatable and with an open boat ramp even during low water, but boaters should use caution and watch for hazards.”

The state has activated Phase 2 drought response measures as conditions reach historic severity, underscoring the seriousness of the water shortages affecting recreation statewide.

Paonia State Park’s boat ramp will be closed on Tuesdays for wakeless days, though hand-launched boats will still be permitted.

Cold water danger

While spring temperatures have recently reached as high as 80 degrees at some Southwest Region parks, CPW warns that water temperatures remain as cold as 40 degrees and can present immediate danger, especially for those not wearing a personal flotation device.

“It can be deceiving when we start getting warm-weather days and it’s nice outside, but everyone recreating on the water should be aware the water is still really cold and remains cold until at least mid-summer here in Colorado,” Rist said. “Having the proper gear and a life jacket on is imperative for anyone recreating on the water.”

Windy conditions can compound the danger for paddlers. Getting blown off course can happen quickly, and returning to shore against a headwind or waves forces paddlers to expend significant energy. When a paddler loses balance and enters the water, separation from a kayak or paddleboard can happen easily.

“There are several cell phone apps that will tell you hourly wind predictions,” Rist said. “Knowing when conditions are going to change can be the difference between life and death. The user has a responsibility to know before you go.”

All boats are required to carry one Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board. All persons under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket at all times on a watercraft. Boaters are encouraged to take a boating safety course with CPW.

Aquatic nuisance species inspections

Before launching in Colorado waters, boaters must ensure their boat is registered, purchase an aquatic nuisance species stamp and follow all ANS inspection requirements.

“We always want to remind everyone to make sure their boats are clean, drained and dry,” said Ridgway State Park Senior Ranger Derek MacLachlan.

Only hand-launched or human-powered vessels are allowed outside of ANS inspection hours. Visitors are encouraged to check each park’s page on the CPW website for the latest updates on ramp hours and conditions.

Southwest Region boat ramp opening dates and hours

• Crawford: Monday, April 6, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through May 22. Hours extend to 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays after May 22.
• Mancos: To be determined after May 1.
• Navajo: Friday, March 13, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday only. Starting April 10, the boat ramp will be open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours extend to 8:00 p.m. starting May 8 and to 9:00 p.m. beginning May 20.
• Paonia: Friday, May 22, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily except Tuesdays.
• Ridgway: Wednesday, April 1, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through May 1. Hours extend to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. May 1 to Memorial Day, and 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Sweitzer Lake: Wednesday, April 15, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through May 15. Hours extend to 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily until September.