North star preserve

Grab your Shaboomee SUP and head out on beautiful North Star Preserve - Stillwater Aspen!

Floating the Roaring Fork River through Stillwater in Aspen North Star Preserve is a wonderful experience. Stand-up paddleboards are the preferred vessels for floating through the Preserve; some folks choose to tube it. The river through North Star flows gently, making it a suitable float for families and beginners. The water, however, is very cold in early season. When floating North Star, we recommend putting in and parking at the South Gate. Dogs are permitted on land only, at the Wildwood put-in and at the take-out. Please keep your dog on your vessel; dogs are not permitted on the land within North Star Nature Preserve.

Two optional start locations.

Wildwood.

Pro longer run. Con very limited parking. Not recommended in shallow or deep water. Not recommended in early or late season. Safe bet in those times is Southgate.

Southgate.

Pro plenty of parking, easy access, great late season float. Con shorter run.

Takeout.

Main takeout is by the pedestrian bridge. DO NOT PASS TAKEOUT! DANGER BELOW TAKEOUT! Please be very aware of traffic, be sure kids or pets do not go in the road. Very limited parking there and it is only short term right by the bridge. Traffic drives by there WAY to fast so be careful.

Couple things to be sure of with your crew. Private property is strictly protected. North Star preserve is off-limits. Towards the end of the run there is a beach on River right that is an awesome place to hang out on. Absolutely no glass near the water. Please keep your volume low to respect the traquility.

MOOSE ENCOUNTERS
Moose are unpredictable and may behave aggressively if they perceive a threat. Moose attacks on humans often involve dogs, as dogs remind moose of wolves. Consider leaving your dog at home if you float through North Star. Dogs are not allowed on land at the Preserve and must remain on your watercraft, if you bring them. If you come upon a moose while floating, stop and pull to the side and wait. Ideally, boaters should stay 100 yards (the length of a football field) from a moose. In the event of aggressive moose behavior at North Star, Open Space and Trails may close access to the property. Please obey closure signs.

Here is a link to a page put out by Open Space and Trails with a ton of great info. Please check it out before you float.

https://www.northstaraspen.com