Cottonwood Island Boat Ramp boat launch
Cottonwood Island Boat Ramp
This boat ramp is a concrete ramp that provides access to the Colorado River, which flows through Garfield County. It is a popular destination for boaters and anglers alike, who come to take advantage of the scenic views and abundant fish populations in the area.
The Cottonwood Island Boat Ramp is also quite wide, measuring approximately 30 feet in width. This allows for easy and safe launching and retrieval of boats of different sizes and types.
As for the kinds of craft that are permitted on the water, the Colorado River is open to a variety of boats, including motorized and non-motorized vessels. This includes boats with outboard motors, rowboats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
In terms of the most recent information available, it is advisable to check with local authorities and/or the boat ramp operator to confirm any updates or changes that may have occurred since the last publication or data collection.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Cottonwood Island Boat Ramp -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado River Near Dotsero | 1,130 cfs | → |
| Eagle River Below Gypsum | 526 cfs | → |
| Colorado River Below Glenwood Springs | 2,550 cfs | → |
| Roaring Fork River At Glenwood Springs | 1,060 cfs | → |
| Roaring Fork River Near Emma | 460 cfs | → |
| Lake Creek Near Edwards | 50 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
River runs
- Deep Creek Segment 3
- Colorado River Segment 7
- Deep Creek Segment 2b
- Deep Creek Diversion Ditch To Blm/Private Land Boundary
- 1/4 Mile Below Headwaters To Deep Creek Diversion Ditch
- Nf Boundary To East End Of Glenwood Canyon
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Cottonwood Island Boat Ramp as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Cottonwood Island Boat Ramp
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Cottonwood Island Boat Ramp.