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River runs

Colorado river runs

Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in Colorado with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.

Runs in Colorado
160
Runnable now
-
Class mix
-
Updated
Oct 12
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Paddle briefing · Oct 12, 2026

Colorado river runs today

What’s in range, the best bets by class and what’s running high — from live USGS gauges.

43 of 160 Colorado runs are in their runnable range right now, 82 are too low and 26 are running high. 9 more have no live reading.

Best bets in range today — Class V: Potter Creek (358 cfs) and Monitor Creek (358 cfs); Class IV: North Fork Insmont To Estabrook (385 cfs) and Nf Boundary To East End Of Glenwood Canyon (1,060 cfs); Class III: Roubideau Creek Segment 1 (358 cfs) and Headwaters To Los Pinos (153 cfs).

Running high: Sec 10, T42N, R1E To Sec 13, T41N, R1E at 408 cfs (range tops out near 303) and Wigman Club To Strontia Reservoir at 385 cfs (range tops out near 268). Scout before you commit.
Colorado is a mecca for whitewater enthusiasts, offering a wide range of thrilling river runs for all skill levels. One of the most popular destinations is the Arkansas River, particularly the Brown's Canyon section near Buena Vista. This 14-mile stretch features exciting Class III rapids surrounded by stunning Rocky Mountain scenery. Ideal streamflow levels for Brown's Canyon typically range from 700-3,000 cubic feet per second, providing a perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment. For a more adrenaline-pumping experience, the Numbers section of the Arkansas River offers intense Class IV-V rapids that will test even the most experienced paddlers.

Another must-visit spot for whitewater adventurers is Clear Creek, just a short drive from Denver. The Upper Clear Creek segment near Idaho Springs boasts thrilling Class IV rapids with continuous action from start to finish. With streamflow levels between 500-1,000 cubic feet per second, this run will keep your heart pounding and adrenaline flowing. Safety is paramount when exploring Colorado's whitewater, so be sure to always wear a properly fitted life jacket, helmet, and appropriate footwear. Additionally, it's recommended to paddle with a knowledgeable guide or experienced group, especially on more challenging runs. With its diverse array of river runs and breathtaking scenery, Colorado offers an unforgettable whitewater experience for kayakers and rafters alike.

Colorado paddle report

160 runs
River run Streamflow Status Runnable range Class
Headwaters To Confluence With Medano Creek 23 cfs Too high 8–20 cfstypical II-IV
Headwaters At Medano Lake To Ends On The Sand Sheet Past The Southern End Of The Dunes 9 cfs Too high 0–2 cfstypical II-III
Western Edge Of Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site To Eastern Edge Of Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site 17 cfs Runnable 13–170 cfstypical III
Headwaters To Ends 0.5 Miles Away From Trail Ridge Road · No reading 286–516 cfstypical III+
Begins 0.5 Miles Away From Trail Ridge Road To Ends Where River Segment Exits Rocky Mountain National Park 3 cfs Too high 0–0 cfstypical III
Headwaters To Ends 0.5 Miles Upstream From End Of Fern Lake Road 3 cfs Too high 0–0 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters To Boundary Of Rocky Mountain National Park 3 cfs Too high 0–0 cfstypical II-III
Begins 0.5 Miles Upstream From End Of Fern Lake Road To Eastern Boundary Of Rocky Mountain National Park · No reading 286–516 cfstypical IV-III
Headwaters To Fan Lake 3 cfs Too high 0–0 cfstypical ·
Headwaters To Ends 0.5 Miles Upstream From End Of County Hwy 115 4 cfs Runnable 3–9 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Sand Creek 9 cfs Too high 0–2 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters To The Mountain Front 9 cfs Too high 0–2 cfstypical II-IV
Mountain Front To Western Park Boundary 9 cfs Too high 0–2 cfstypical III-IV
Eastern Boundary Of Park To Western Park Boundary 9 cfs Too high 0–2 cfstypical IV
Begins 0.5 Miles Upstream From End Of County Hwy 115 To Eastern Boundary Of Rocky Mountain National Park 4 cfs Runnable 3–9 cfstypical III-IV
Eastern Boundary Of Dinosaur National Monument To Confluence With Green River 68 cfs Too low 1,300–25,000 cfs III-IV+
Headwaters At Indian Spring To Ends Where The Creek Is Diverted Into Irrigation Ditches 9 cfs Too high 0–2 cfstypical III-IV
Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary To High Water Line Of Blue Mesa Reservoir 133 cfs Too low 600–3,000 cfs III-IV
Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary To High Water Line Of Morrow Point Reservoir 24 cfs Too low 37–58 cfstypical III-IV
The Southern Boundary Of The Black Canyon Gunnison National Monument To The Painted Wall 209 cfs Too low 600–3,000 cfs III-IV
The Painted Wall To The Black Canyon Gunnison National Monument Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Boundary 209 cfs Too low 280–15,000 cfs III-V
South Fork Sec 19, T35n, R4e To Sec 36, T35n, R4 1/2e 53 cfs Too high 3–22 cfstypical ·
Middle Fork Headwaters To Weminuche Wilderness Boundary 167 cfs Too low 550–4,000 cfs III
Ef/Middle Fork At Weminuche Wilderness Boundary To Forest Development Road 631 228 cfs Too low 550–4,000 cfs ·
Colorado Stateline To Nf Boundary 153 cfs Runnable 38–204 cfstypical III-IV
Rio Nutritas To Stewart Meadows 153 cfs Runnable 38–204 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters To Rio San Antonio 153 cfs Runnable 38–204 cfstypical III-IV
Sec 1, T33n, R3e To Confluence With East Fork Sec 17, T33n, R4e 52 cfs Runnable 20–121 cfstypical III-IV
Dipping Lakes Sec 5, T33n, R4e To Confluence With West Fork Sec 17, T33n, R4e 52 cfs Runnable 20–121 cfstypical ·
Sec 30, T41n, R2e To Sec 11, T40n, R2e 107 cfs Runnable 43–208 cfstypical III-IV
Source In Se 1/4 Sec 25, T10n, R75w To End Of The Four Wheel Drive Road East Of The Nf Poudre Campground (Nw 1/4 Of Sec 21, T10n, R74w 20 cfs Too low 200–1,500 cfs ·
End Of Four Wheel Drive Road To Pearl Creek In Se 1/4 Sec 21, T10n, R74w · No reading 200–1,500 cfs ·
Pearl Creek To Junction Of Road West Of Creedmore Lakes In Sw 1/4 Sec 5, T10n, R73e · No reading 200–1,500 cfs ·
Fdr 631 To Indian Creek 123 cfs Too low 400–4,000 cfs III
Indian Creek To Co Hwy 160 123 cfs Too low 400–4,000 cfs ·
Road West Of Creedmore Lakes To Junction Of Intermittent Stream In Sw 1/4, Sec 29, T11n, R72w 4 cfs Too low 200–1,500 cfs ·
Intermittent Stream To Junction With Co Division Of Wildlife Angler Access Trail In Sw 1/4 Sec 22, T11n, R72w 4 cfs Too low 200–1,500 cfs ·
Co Dow Anlger Access Trail To Nf Boundary On East Section Line, Sec 24, T11n, R72w 4 cfs Too low 200–1,500 cfs III-IV
Eleven Mile Canyon Dam To Private Land In Vicinity Of Lake George 64 cfs Too low 275–700 cfs III-IV
Private Land To Confluence With Beaver Creek 64 cfs Too low 275–700 cfs ·
Beaver Creek To Cheeseman Reservoir 64 cfs Too low 275–700 cfs III-IV
Nf Boundary To East End Of Glenwood Canyon 1,060 cfs Runnable 500–10,000 cfs III-IV
Shoshone Power Plant To Nf Boundary 1,060 cfs Runnable 900–8,600 cfs III-IV
Jicarilla Apache Reservation Boundary To Nf Boundary 233 cfs Runnable 86–1,115 cfstypical III-IV
Jicarilla Apache Reservation Boundary To Colorado Stateline 233 cfs Runnable 86–1,115 cfstypical III-IV
Cheeseman Dam To Wigman Club 102 cfs Too low 275–700 cfs III-IV
Wigman Club To Strontia Reservoir 385 cfs Too high 168–268 cfstypical III-IV
North Fork Insmont To Estabrook 385 cfs Runnable 275–700 cfs III-IV
Estabrook To Cliffdale 385 cfs Too high 168–268 cfstypical III-IV
Cliffdale To Confluence With South Platte 385 cfs Too high 168–268 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters At Deep Lake Outlet To 1/4 Mile Downstream 544 cfs Too low 900–5,000 cfs ·
1/4 Mile Below Headwaters To Deep Creek Diversion Ditch 544 cfs Too low 900–5,000 cfs ·
Deep Creek Diversion Ditch To Blm/Private Land Boundary 544 cfs Too low 900–5,000 cfs ·
Headwaters To Holy Cross Wilderness Boundary 7 cfs Too low 11–14 cfstypical ·
North Fork Headwaters To Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness Boundary 17 cfs Too low 1,000–3,000 cfs ·
Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With South Fork 17 cfs Too low 1,000–3,000 cfs ·
South Fork Headwaters To Beaver Lake 17 cfs Too low 200–350 cfs III-IV
Beaver Lake To Sweet Jessup Headgate 78 cfs Too low 400–2,000 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Flat Tops Wilderness Boundary 234 cfs Runnable 208–317 cfstypical III/IV-III/IV
Flat Tops Wilderness Boundary To Nf Boundary 234 cfs Runnable 208–317 cfstypical III-IV
West Section Line Sec 2, T38n, R16w (Below Mcphee Reservoir) To Bradfield Ranch Bridge 109 cfs Too low 400–3,000 cfs III-IV
Bradfield Ranch Bridge To Dissappointment Creek · No reading 800–4,000 cfs III
Dissappointment Creek To Little Gypsum Valley Bridge · No reading 800–4,000 cfs III-IV
Little Gypsum Valley Bridge To One Mile Above Hwy 90 Bridge 9 cfs Too low 800–5,000 cfs III-IV
West Dolores Source To Confluence With Mainstem 109 cfs Too low 400–3,000 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Los Pinos 153 cfs Runnable 38–204 cfstypical II-III
Tierra Amarilla Grant Boundary To Colorado Stateline 153 cfs Runnable 38–204 cfstypical III
Roaring Fork (West Section Line Sec 28 T9n, R82w); Red Canyon (Nw1/4 Sec 5, T8n, R82w) To East Section Line Sec 34, T9n, R82w 14 cfs Too low 400–1,400 cfs ·
South Sec Line, Sec 2, T11n, R80w To Co/Wy Stateline 27 cfs Too low 400–3,000 cfs ·
Headwaters Of North, Middle And South Forks To Confluence Of South Fork With Encampment River 14 cfs Too low 400–1,400 cfs II-III
South Section Line Sec 34, T1n, R83w To Confluence With Decker Creek 346 cfs Too low 900–5,800 cfs III-IV
Lake Fork Confluence With South Fork To 1 Mile Below Town Of Platoro 53 cfs Too high 3–22 cfstypical III-IV
Sec 17, T35n, R4e To Sec 36, T35n, R4e 53 cfs Too high 3–22 cfstypical ·
Sec 23, T32n, R5e To Sec 20, T32n, R6e (Co/Nm State Line) 153 cfs Runnable 38–204 cfstypical ·
Lower Branch Sec 28, T33n, R3e; Upper Branch Sec 15, T33n, R3e To Sec 7, T32n, R4e 52 cfs Runnable 20–121 cfstypical III-IV
Co/Wy Stateline To Douglas Creek 27 cfs Too low 400–3,000 cfs ·
Flint Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 116 cfs Runnable 9–117 cfstypical III-IV
Rincon La Osa Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 167 cfs Too high 1–30 cfstypical III-IV
Rincon La Vaca Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 167 cfs Too high 1–30 cfstypical III-IV
Snowslide Canyon Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 167 cfs Too high 1–30 cfstypical III-IV
Sierra Vandera Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 167 cfs Too high 1–30 cfstypical II-II
Below Rio Grande Reservoir (Sec 13, T40n, R4w) To Spring Creek (Sec 31, T41n, R2w) 167 cfs Too high 1–30 cfstypical III
Below Big Meadows Reservoir Dam To Sec 9 And 10, T39n, R3e 107 cfs Runnable 43–208 cfstypical III-IV
Sec 10, T42n, R1e To Sec 13, T41n, R1e 408 cfs Too high 70–303 cfstypical III-IV
Confluence Of North, Middle And South Forks (Sec 4, T43n, R3e) To Nf Boundary (Sec 17, T44n, R4e) 43 cfs Runnable 27–47 cfstypical III-IV
North Fork Sec 8, T35n, R2e To Confluence With Middle Fork 53 cfs Too high 3–22 cfstypical III-IV
Middle Fork Sec 13, T35n, R2e To Confluence Of Three Forks Sec 14, T35n, R3e 53 cfs Too high 3–22 cfstypical ·
El Rito Azul Blue Lake (Sec 26, T35n, R3e) And Portion Of Conejos Above Platoro Reservoir To Upper Reach Of Platoro Reservoir Sec 6, T35n, R4e 53 cfs Too high 3–22 cfstypical IV-V
Confluence With Rincon La Vaca And North Fork To Northern Line Of Granite Peak Ranch 116 cfs Runnable 9–117 cfstypical III-IV
Lake Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 116 cfs Runnable 9–117 cfstypical III-IV
Sec 9, T32n, R6e To Sec 22, T32n, R6e (Co/Nm State Line) 153 cfs Runnable 38–204 cfstypical ·
Yampa River Segment 3 7 cfs Too low 700–5,000 cfs III-IV
Yampa River Segment 2 80 cfs Too low 483–1,552 cfstypical III
Yampa River Segment 1 80 cfs Too low 483–1,552 cfstypical III-IV
Deep Creek Segment 2b 544 cfs Too low 900–5,000 cfs III-IV
Deep Creek Segment 3 544 cfs Too low 900–5,000 cfs III-IV
Coyote Wash 9 cfs Too low 23–132 cfstypical IV-V
La Sal Creek Segment 1 9 cfs Too low 23–132 cfstypical ·
Ice Lake Creek Segment 1 9 cfs Too low 23–132 cfstypical IV
Lion Creek Segment 1 9 cfs Too low 23–132 cfstypical IV-V
Lion Creek Segment 2 9 cfs Too low 23–132 cfstypical III-IV
La Sal Creek Segment 2 9 cfs Too low 23–132 cfstypical III
Spring Creek 9 cfs Too low 23–132 cfstypical IV-V
La Sal Creek Segment 3 9 cfs Too low 23–132 cfstypical III
San Miguel River Segment 6 142 cfs Runnable 30–444 cfstypical III-IV
San Miguel River Segment 5 89 cfs Too low 600–5,000 cfs III
Tabeguache Creek Segment 2 142 cfs Runnable 30–444 cfstypical III-IV
Tabeguache Creek Segment 1 89 cfs Too low 600–5,000 cfs III-IV
North Fork Mesa Creek 105 cfs Runnable 77–355 cfstypical III-IV
Dry Creek 89 cfs Too low 600–5,000 cfs ·
Naturita Creek 127 cfs Too low 500–5,000 cfs III-IV
San Miguel River Segment 3 89 cfs Too low 600–5,000 cfs III-V
San Miguel River Segment 2 127 cfs Too low 500–5,000 cfs III+-IV
Beaver Creek 127 cfs Too low 500–5,000 cfs BEAVER-III
Saltado Creek 127 cfs Too low 500–5,000 cfs III-IV
Cottonwood Creek 358 cfs Runnable 156–454 cfstypical ·
Roubideau Creek Segment 2 358 cfs Runnable 156–454 cfstypical III-IV
Potter Creek 358 cfs Runnable 156–454 cfstypical III-V
Gunnison River Segment 2 421 cfs Too low 800–20,000 cfs III-IV
Deep Creek 6 cfs Too low 13–202 cfstypical III-IV
Lower Dolores River 10 cfs Too low 800–5,000 cfs II-III
West Beaver Creek 4 cfs Runnable 2–19 cfstypical III-IV
Arkansas River Segment 1 15 cfs Too low 200–5,000 cfs III-IV
Arkansas River Segment 3 196 cfs Too low 300–5,000 cfs III-IV
Arkansas River Segment 2 · No reading 200–5,000 cfs III-IV
East Fork Arkansas River 0 cfs Too low 200–5,000 cfs IV-V
East Gulch · No reading 200–3,200 cfs III-IV
Fourmile Creek 4 cfs Runnable 2–19 cfstypical III-IV
Pass Creek 196 cfs Runnable 167–481 cfstypical III-IV
Grape Creek Segment 1 11 cfs Runnable 10–43 cfstypical III-IV
Little High Creek 4 cfs Runnable 2–19 cfstypical IV-IV
Eightmile Creek 4 cfs Runnable 2–19 cfstypical ·
Falls Gulch 258 cfs Runnable 227–553 cfstypical III-IV
Grape Creek Segment 3 258 cfs Too low 302–588 cfstypical III-IV
Arkansas River Segment 4 · No reading 200–3,200 cfs III
Rio Grande River Segment A 15 cfs Too low 207–572 cfstypical II-III
Rio Grande River Segment B 15 cfs Too low 207–572 cfstypical III-IV
Rio Grande River Segment C 28 cfs Too low 225–875 cfstypical II-IV
Ice Lake Creek Segment 2 9 cfs Too low 23–132 cfstypical ·
Colorado River Segment 4 346 cfs Too low 750–2,500 cfs ·
Animas River 211 cfs Too low 300–2,000 cfs III-IV
Colorado River Segment 5 346 cfs Too low 900–5,800 cfs III-IV
Colorado River Segment 7 544 cfs Too low 900–5,000 cfs ·
Mineral Creek 19 cfs Runnable 10–29 cfstypical III-IV
Monitor Creek 358 cfs Runnable 156–454 cfstypical IV-V
Roubideau Creek Segment 1 358 cfs Runnable 156–454 cfstypical III
San Miguel River Segment 1 54 cfs Too low 500–5,000 cfs II-III
Grape Creek Segment 2 11 cfs Runnable 10–43 cfstypical III-IV
Dolores River Segment 2 9 cfs Too low 800–5,000 cfs III-IV
Colorado River Segment 6 9 cfs Too low 900–5,800 cfs IV
Star Canyon, Colo. River Segment 2 1,720 cfs Too low 2,000–30,000 cfs IV-V
Unknown 1,720 cfs Too low 2,000–30,000 cfs ·
Marble Canyon, Colo. River Segment 2 1,720 cfs Too low 2,000–30,000 cfs III-IV
Colorado River 1,720 cfs Too low 2,000–30,000 cfs III-IV
Little Dolores, Colo. River Segment 2 1,720 cfs Too low 2,000–30,000 cfs II-III+
Big Creek 27 cfs Too low 400–3,000 cfs IV-V
Skull Creek 7 cfs Too low 175–600 cfstypical V-IV
Dolores River Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Uncompahgre Field Office 9 cfs Too low 800–5,000 cfs II-IV
Dolores River Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Tres Rios Field Office 109 cfs Too low 400–3,000 cfs III-IV
San Juan River 3 cfs Too low 500–8,000 cfs II-III
River runs FAQ

About Colorado river runs

What does whitewater class mean?

The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.

Where does the Colorado streamflow data come from?

USGS streamgauges. Each Colorado paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.

What's a runnable level?

Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a Colorado paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.

Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?

Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.

Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?

No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.

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