North Star Nature Preserve

North Star Rentals

Spend a couple of hours on the glassy waters of the North Star Nature Preserve

About the Experience

This is a great option for DIY paddlers. Take advantage of our stand up paddle board and inflatable kayak rental program at North Star Nature Preserve. The preserve’s beaches are easily accessible by car and allow for enjoyment for the whole family.  If you have some basic SUPing or kayaking experience, rentals can certainly be an option for you. If you have never paddled before, we highly recommend taking one of our SUP or inflatable kayak classes downstream before venturing out on your own.


North Star Nature Preserve is located just two miles southeast of downtown Aspen in the White River National Forest. This area encompasses the Roaring Fork River, wetlands and many species of wildlife. Everywhere you look are beautiful and impressive photo spots, as well as, lots of memories to be created. SUPs and inflatable kayaks are the preferred craft and are perfect for all skill levels. Beginners will find the shallow waters very inviting. The still water is crystal clear and you can often spot fish swimming in the water beneath your boat. Pack yourself a picnic lunch, and take a break on the Beach to eat, lay in the sun, or swim in the refreshing waters.

Please remember that North Star is a nature preserve and obey all regulations. There is no stopping/beaching anywhere outside of the designated Beach, the put-in and the take-out. There is no access to the west side of the river, audible music, glass containers or dogs allowed in the North Star Nature Preserve. Also, please pack out everything you bring in to the preserve.

Infographic titled 'North Star Rules & Regulations.' It includes sections for 'Just Float,' 'Quiet Zone,' 'Access,' and 'Wildlife,' outlining rules like no stopping outside designated areas, no audible music, restricted access to certain river areas, and keeping distance from wildlife. Features images depicting nature and a beaver. Footer includes a website URL for further information.
Person paddleboarding on a river surrounded by lush trees and mountains under a blue sky with clouds.

Help Us Protect Northstar.

There is no denying the fact that as an outdoor guide service, our company could potentially be contributing to negative environmental impacts on the rivers we love. How could we harm the very place that we love and take our guests to enjoy? However, at Thunder River Adventures we believe that the enjoyment our guests experience stems from discovering what it is to love that which is threatened…and we must love it, in order to protect it. We hope to inspire our guests to protect Northstar, as well as, the wildlife that thrives within the preserve.

The experienced guides at Thunder River Adventures encourage conservation minded travel, and support sustainable measures that aid in the protection of nature, wildlife and local communities.

“Experience Nature. Then you know why it is worth protecting”

— Ed Begley, Jr.