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
Class range
I–V
Across the U.S.
331
Updated
Jul 2
Open the Colorado paddle layer on the map Whitewater + paddle runs filtered to Colorado.
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July
2
2026
River runs
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.
Full directory

Colorado river runs

Every paddleable section in Colorado keyed to a named USGS gauge. Sortable, quickly filterable. Tap any one for current discharge and the gauge it reports off.

160 entries
River run Streamflow Class
Headwaters To Confluence With Medano Creek 7 cfs II-IV
Headwaters At Medano Lake To Ends On The Sand Sheet Past The Southern End Of The Dunes 2 cfs II-III
Western Edge Of Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site To Eastern Edge Of Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site 12 cfs III
Headwaters To Ends 0.5 Miles Away From Trail Ridge Road 193 cfs III+
Begins 0.5 Miles Away From Trail Ridge Road To Ends Where River Segment Exits Rocky Mountain National Park 40 cfs III
Headwaters To Ends 0.5 Miles Upstream From End Of Fern Lake Road 40 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Boundary Of Rocky Mountain National Park 40 cfs II-III
Begins 0.5 Miles Upstream From End Of Fern Lake Road To Eastern Boundary Of Rocky Mountain National Park 193 cfs IV-III
Headwaters To Fan Lake 40 cfs ·
Headwaters To Ends 0.5 Miles Upstream From End Of County Hwy 115 27 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Confluence With Sand Creek 2 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To The Mountain Front 2 cfs II-IV
Mountain Front To Western Park Boundary 2 cfs III-IV
Eastern Boundary Of Park To Western Park Boundary 2 cfs IV
Begins 0.5 Miles Upstream From End Of County Hwy 115 To Eastern Boundary Of Rocky Mountain National Park 27 cfs III-IV
Eastern Boundary Of Dinosaur National Monument To Confluence With Green River 307 cfs III-IV+
Headwaters At Indian Spring To Ends Where The Creek Is Diverted Into Irrigation Ditches 2 cfs III-IV
Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary To High Water Line Of Blue Mesa Reservoir 87 cfs III-IV
Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary To High Water Line Of Morrow Point Reservoir 14 cfs III-IV
The Southern Boundary Of The Black Canyon Gunnison National Monument To The Painted Wall 488 cfs III-IV
The Painted Wall To The Black Canyon Gunnison National Monument Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Boundary 488 cfs III-V
South Fork Sec 19, T35n, R4e To Sec 36, T35n, R4 1/2e 17 cfs ·
Middle Fork Headwaters To Weminuche Wilderness Boundary 62 cfs III
Ef/Middle Fork At Weminuche Wilderness Boundary To Forest Development Road 631 40 cfs ·
Colorado Stateline To Nf Boundary 62 cfs III-IV
Rio Nutritas To Stewart Meadows 62 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Rio San Antonio 62 cfs III-IV
Sec 1, T33n, R3e To Confluence With East Fork Sec 17, T33n, R4e 30 cfs III-IV
Dipping Lakes Sec 5, T33n, R4e To Confluence With West Fork Sec 17, T33n, R4e 30 cfs ·
Sec 30, T41n, R2e To Sec 11, T40n, R2e 44 cfs 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 32 cfs ·
End Of Four Wheel Drive Road To Pearl Creek In Se 1/4 Sec 21, T10n, R74w 3 cfs ·
Pearl Creek To Junction Of Road West Of Creedmore Lakes In Sw 1/4 Sec 5, T10n, R73e 3 cfs ·
Fdr 631 To Indian Creek 404 cfs III
Indian Creek To Co Hwy 160 404 cfs ·
Road West Of Creedmore Lakes To Junction Of Intermittent Stream In Sw 1/4, Sec 29, T11n, R72w 82 cfs ·
Intermittent Stream To Junction With Co Division Of Wildlife Angler Access Trail In Sw 1/4 Sec 22, T11n, R72w 82 cfs ·
Co Dow Anlger Access Trail To Nf Boundary On East Section Line, Sec 24, T11n, R72w 82 cfs III-IV
Eleven Mile Canyon Dam To Private Land In Vicinity Of Lake George 98 cfs III-IV
Private Land To Confluence With Beaver Creek 98 cfs ·
Beaver Creek To Cheeseman Reservoir 98 cfs III-IV
Nf Boundary To East End Of Glenwood Canyon 1,740 cfs III-IV
Shoshone Power Plant To Nf Boundary 1,740 cfs III-IV
Jicarilla Apache Reservation Boundary To Nf Boundary 67 cfs III-IV
Jicarilla Apache Reservation Boundary To Colorado Stateline 67 cfs III-IV
Cheeseman Dam To Wigman Club 255 cfs III-IV
Wigman Club To Strontia Reservoir 466 cfs III-IV
North Fork Insmont To Estabrook 466 cfs III-IV
Estabrook To Cliffdale 466 cfs III-IV
Cliffdale To Confluence With South Platte 466 cfs III-IV
Headwaters At Deep Lake Outlet To 1/4 Mile Downstream 1,040 cfs ·
1/4 Mile Below Headwaters To Deep Creek Diversion Ditch 1,040 cfs ·
Deep Creek Diversion Ditch To Blm/Private Land Boundary 1,040 cfs ·
Headwaters To Holy Cross Wilderness Boundary 8 cfs ·
North Fork Headwaters To Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness Boundary 28 cfs ·
Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With South Fork 28 cfs ·
South Fork Headwaters To Beaver Lake 28 cfs III-IV
Beaver Lake To Sweet Jessup Headgate 175 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Flat Tops Wilderness Boundary 213 cfs III/IV-III/IV
Flat Tops Wilderness Boundary To Nf Boundary 213 cfs III-IV
West Section Line Sec 2, T38n, R16w (Below Mcphee Reservoir) To Bradfield Ranch Bridge 70 cfs III-IV
Bradfield Ranch Bridge To Dissappointment Creek · III
Dissappointment Creek To Little Gypsum Valley Bridge · III-IV
Little Gypsum Valley Bridge To One Mile Above Hwy 90 Bridge 0 cfs III-IV
West Dolores Source To Confluence With Mainstem 70 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Los Pinos 62 cfs II-III
Tierra Amarilla Grant Boundary To Colorado Stateline 62 cfs 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 22 cfs ·
South Sec Line, Sec 2, T11n, R80w To Co/Wy Stateline 135 cfs ·
Headwaters Of North, Middle And South Forks To Confluence Of South Fork With Encampment River 22 cfs II-III
South Section Line Sec 34, T1n, R83w To Confluence With Decker Creek 945 cfs III-IV
Lake Fork Confluence With South Fork To 1 Mile Below Town Of Platoro 17 cfs III-IV
Sec 17, T35n, R4e To Sec 36, T35n, R4e 17 cfs ·
Sec 23, T32n, R5e To Sec 20, T32n, R6e (Co/Nm State Line) 62 cfs ·
Lower Branch Sec 28, T33n, R3e; Upper Branch Sec 15, T33n, R3e To Sec 7, T32n, R4e 30 cfs III-IV
Co/Wy Stateline To Douglas Creek 135 cfs ·
Flint Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 42 cfs III-IV
Rincon La Osa Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 62 cfs III-IV
Rincon La Vaca Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 62 cfs III-IV
Snowslide Canyon Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 62 cfs III-IV
Sierra Vandera Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 62 cfs II-II
Below Rio Grande Reservoir (Sec 13, T40n, R4w) To Spring Creek (Sec 31, T41n, R2w) 62 cfs III
Below Big Meadows Reservoir Dam To Sec 9 And 10, T39n, R3e 44 cfs III-IV
Sec 10, T42n, R1e To Sec 13, T41n, R1e 167 cfs III-IV
Confluence Of North, Middle And South Forks (Sec 4, T43n, R3e) To Nf Boundary (Sec 17, T44n, R4e) 15 cfs III-IV
North Fork Sec 8, T35n, R2e To Confluence With Middle Fork 17 cfs III-IV
Middle Fork Sec 13, T35n, R2e To Confluence Of Three Forks Sec 14, T35n, R3e 17 cfs ·
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 17 cfs IV-V
Confluence With Rincon La Vaca And North Fork To Northern Line Of Granite Peak Ranch 42 cfs III-IV
Lake Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 42 cfs III-IV
Sec 9, T32n, R6e To Sec 22, T32n, R6e (Co/Nm State Line) 94 cfs ·
Yampa River Segment 3 72 cfs III-IV
Yampa River Segment 2 329 cfs III
Yampa River Segment 1 329 cfs III-IV
Deep Creek Segment 2b 1,260 cfs III-IV
Deep Creek Segment 3 1,260 cfs III-IV
Coyote Wash 1 cfs IV-V
La Sal Creek Segment 1 1 cfs ·
Ice Lake Creek Segment 1 1 cfs IV
Lion Creek Segment 1 1 cfs IV-V
Lion Creek Segment 2 1 cfs III-IV
La Sal Creek Segment 2 1 cfs III
Spring Creek 1 cfs IV-V
La Sal Creek Segment 3 1 cfs III
San Miguel River Segment 6 59 cfs III-IV
San Miguel River Segment 5 45 cfs III
Tabeguache Creek Segment 2 59 cfs III-IV
Tabeguache Creek Segment 1 45 cfs III-IV
North Fork Mesa Creek 52 cfs III-IV
Dry Creek 45 cfs ·
Naturita Creek 186 cfs III-IV
San Miguel River Segment 3 45 cfs III-V
San Miguel River Segment 2 186 cfs III+-IV
Beaver Creek 186 cfs BEAVER-III
Saltado Creek 186 cfs III-IV
Cottonwood Creek 113 cfs ·
Roubideau Creek Segment 2 113 cfs III-IV
Potter Creek 113 cfs III-V
Gunnison River Segment 2 626 cfs III-IV
Deep Creek 134 cfs III-IV
Lower Dolores River 1 cfs II-III
West Beaver Creek 1 cfs III-IV
Arkansas River Segment 1 29 cfs III-IV
Arkansas River Segment 3 338 cfs III-IV
Arkansas River Segment 2 276 cfs III-IV
East Fork Arkansas River 2 cfs IV-V
East Gulch 451 cfs III-IV
Fourmile Creek 1 cfs III-IV
Pass Creek 338 cfs III-IV
Grape Creek Segment 1 4 cfs III-IV
Little High Creek 1 cfs IV-IV
Eightmile Creek 1 cfs ·
Falls Gulch 444 cfs III-IV
Grape Creek Segment 3 357 cfs III-IV
Arkansas River Segment 4 451 cfs III
Rio Grande River Segment A 23 cfs II-III
Rio Grande River Segment B 23 cfs III-IV
Rio Grande River Segment C 28 cfs II-IV
Ice Lake Creek Segment 2 1 cfs ·
Colorado River Segment 4 857 cfs ·
Animas River 211 cfs III-IV
Colorado River Segment 5 857 cfs III-IV
Colorado River Segment 7 1,260 cfs ·
Mineral Creek 22 cfs III-IV
Monitor Creek 113 cfs IV-V
Roubideau Creek Segment 1 113 cfs III
San Miguel River Segment 1 51 cfs II-III
Grape Creek Segment 2 4 cfs III-IV
Dolores River Segment 2 1 cfs III-IV
Colorado River Segment 6 30 cfs IV
Star Canyon, Colo. River Segment 2 1,930 cfs IV-V
Unknown 1,930 cfs ·
Marble Canyon, Colo. River Segment 2 1,930 cfs III-IV
Colorado River 1,930 cfs III-IV
Little Dolores, Colo. River Segment 2 1,930 cfs II-III+
Big Creek 143 cfs IV-V
Skull Creek 72 cfs V-IV
Dolores River Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Uncompahgre Field Office 1 cfs II-IV
Dolores River Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Tres Rios Field Office 84 cfs III-IV
San Juan River 3 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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