Totten Lake is a 217-acre reservoir located just east of Cortez, Colorado, offering a peaceful paddling environment with wakeless speed restrictions. Only non-motorized watercraft are permitted, including kayaks, canoes, rafts, paddle boards, and float tubes, due to aquatic nuisance species prevention measures.

The lake features 4 public boat launches and provides restroom facilities and picnic areas for visitors. Public access is prohibited along the north shore from March 1st through May 31st to protect wildlife. Since water is rare in the Four Corners region, the lake attracts significant numbers of waterbirds, making it a prime location for wildlife viewing while paddling.

The reservoir serves as a notable birding destination, with 234 recorded species, though a spotting scope may be needed to view birds well from the water. For paddlers interested in exploring the full extent of the lake, the northeastern corner is accessible through pinyon-juniper habitat, though this may require a longer paddle.

Essential facilities include: - Restrooms - Picnic areas - Multiple boat launch points - Parking areas (gravel)

Paddlers should be aware that the lake is also used for fishing, with species including bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and walleye. The most active periods for fishing are early morning and late evening, which may influence optimal paddling times.

The best time to visit is from May to October, when average temperatures range from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The lake's location provides views of the surrounding landscape while offering one of the few paddling opportunities in the immediate Four Corners area.