Shadow Lake & Granby Lake

Nestled at the very headwaters of the Colorado River, Shadow Lake and Granby Lake offer paddlers a stunning, tranquil introduction to one of America’s most iconic waterways. Jed and our team launched from these pristine lakes, where the journey downstream begins—calm, cool waters reflecting the grandeur of the surrounding Rockies.

Shadow Lake is the smaller of the two, hidden like a jewel within the shadows of towering peaks. The lake’s still waters are often glassy in the early hours, offering perfect conditions for the first strokes of our world-record attempt. Surrounded by thick forests, rocky cliffs, and the distant hum of alpine wilderness, it’s easy to forget you’re at the very source of the mighty Colorado River.

Just downstream lies Granby Lake, a larger, more expansive body of water that stretches out beneath the big sky. The lake’s scenic beauty is amplified by the surrounding mountain vistas, where jagged peaks reflect in the shimmering surface, and the river's flow begins to gather momentum. As Jed paddled through this stretch, the sense of adventure was palpable—the beginning of a massive river that will eventually carve through canyons, deserts, and national parks.

For the early part of the journey, the rivers here are serene, offering a peaceful contrast to the wild rapids that lie ahead. The reflections of pine forests, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks make it a dream-like location for paddlers setting out on a historic quest.