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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
Nov 1
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Paddle briefing · Nov 1, 2026

Colorado river runs today

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

30 of 160 Colorado runs are in their runnable range right now, 56 are too low and 53 are running high. 21 more have no live reading.

Best bets in range today — Class V: Star Canyon, Colo. River Segment 2 (3,690 cfs); Class IV: Animas River (537 cfs) and Nf Boundary To East End Of Glenwood Canyon (1,310 cfs); Class III: Fdr 631 To Indian Creek (1,110 cfs) and Little Dolores, Colo. River Segment 2 (3,690 cfs).

Running high: Sec 10, T42N, R1E To Sec 13, T41N, R1E at 1,370 cfs (range tops out near 303) and Rio Grande River Segment C at 877 cfs (range tops out near 875). 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 43 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 61 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 · No reading 0–0 cfstypical III
Headwaters To Ends 0.5 Miles Upstream From End Of Fern Lake Road · No reading 0–0 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters To Boundary Of Rocky Mountain National Park · No reading 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 · No reading 0–0 cfstypical ·
Headwaters To Ends 0.5 Miles Upstream From End Of County Hwy 115 · No reading 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 · No reading 3–9 cfstypical III-IV
Eastern Boundary Of Dinosaur National Monument To Confluence With Green River 285 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 239 cfs Too low 600–3,000 cfs III-IV
Curecanti National Recreation Area Boundary To High Water Line Of Morrow Point Reservoir 48 cfs Runnable 37–58 cfstypical III-IV
The Southern Boundary Of The Black Canyon Gunnison National Monument To The Painted Wall 222 cfs Too low 600–3,000 cfs III-IV
The Painted Wall To The Black Canyon Gunnison National Monument Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Boundary 222 cfs Too low 280–15,000 cfs III-V
South Fork Sec 19, T35n, R4e To Sec 36, T35n, R4 1/2e 160 cfs Too high 3–22 cfstypical ·
Middle Fork Headwaters To Weminuche Wilderness Boundary 371 cfs Too low 550–4,000 cfs III
Ef/Middle Fork At Weminuche Wilderness Boundary To Forest Development Road 631 818 cfs Runnable 550–4,000 cfs ·
Colorado Stateline To Nf Boundary 685 cfs Too high 38–204 cfstypical III-IV
Rio Nutritas To Stewart Meadows 685 cfs Too high 38–204 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters To Rio San Antonio 685 cfs Too high 38–204 cfstypical III-IV
Sec 1, T33n, R3e To Confluence With East Fork Sec 17, T33n, R4e · No reading 20–121 cfstypical III-IV
Dipping Lakes Sec 5, T33n, R4e To Confluence With West Fork Sec 17, T33n, R4e · No reading 20–121 cfstypical ·
Sec 30, T41n, R2e To Sec 11, T40n, R2e 751 cfs Too high 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 23 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 1,110 cfs Runnable 400–4,000 cfs III
Indian Creek To Co Hwy 160 1,110 cfs Runnable 400–4,000 cfs ·
Road West Of Creedmore Lakes To Junction Of Intermittent Stream In Sw 1/4, Sec 29, T11n, R72w 6 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 6 cfs Too low 200–1,500 cfs ·
Co Dow Anlger Access Trail To Nf Boundary On East Section Line, Sec 24, T11n, R72w 6 cfs Too low 200–1,500 cfs III-IV
Eleven Mile Canyon Dam To Private Land In Vicinity Of Lake George 98 cfs Too low 275–700 cfs III-IV
Private Land To Confluence With Beaver Creek 98 cfs Too low 275–700 cfs ·
Beaver Creek To Cheeseman Reservoir 98 cfs Too low 275–700 cfs III-IV
Nf Boundary To East End Of Glenwood Canyon 1,310 cfs Runnable 500–10,000 cfs III-IV
Shoshone Power Plant To Nf Boundary 1,310 cfs Runnable 900–8,600 cfs III-IV
Jicarilla Apache Reservation Boundary To Nf Boundary · No reading 86–1,115 cfstypical III-IV
Jicarilla Apache Reservation Boundary To Colorado Stateline · No reading 86–1,115 cfstypical III-IV
Cheeseman Dam To Wigman Club 105 cfs Too low 275–700 cfs III-IV
Wigman Club To Strontia Reservoir 256 cfs Runnable 168–268 cfstypical III-IV
North Fork Insmont To Estabrook 256 cfs Too low 275–700 cfs III-IV
Estabrook To Cliffdale 256 cfs Runnable 168–268 cfstypical III-IV
Cliffdale To Confluence With South Platte 256 cfs Runnable 168–268 cfstypical III-IV
Headwaters At Deep Lake Outlet To 1/4 Mile Downstream 618 cfs Too low 900–5,000 cfs ·
1/4 Mile Below Headwaters To Deep Creek Diversion Ditch 618 cfs Too low 900–5,000 cfs ·
Deep Creek Diversion Ditch To Blm/Private Land Boundary 618 cfs Too low 900–5,000 cfs ·
Headwaters To Holy Cross Wilderness Boundary 8 cfs Too low 11–14 cfstypical ·
North Fork Headwaters To Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness Boundary 21 cfs Too low 1,000–3,000 cfs ·
Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness Boundary To Confluence With South Fork 21 cfs Too low 1,000–3,000 cfs ·
South Fork Headwaters To Beaver Lake 21 cfs Too low 200–350 cfs III-IV
Beaver Lake To Sweet Jessup Headgate 117 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 609 cfs Runnable 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 142 cfs Too low 800–5,000 cfs III-IV
West Dolores Source To Confluence With Mainstem 609 cfs Runnable 400–3,000 cfs III-IV
Headwaters To Los Pinos 685 cfs Too high 38–204 cfstypical II-III
Tierra Amarilla Grant Boundary To Colorado Stateline 685 cfs Too high 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 9 cfs Too low 400–1,400 cfs ·
South Sec Line, Sec 2, T11n, R80w To Co/Wy Stateline 41 cfs Too low 400–3,000 cfs ·
Headwaters Of North, Middle And South Forks To Confluence Of South Fork With Encampment River 9 cfs Too low 400–1,400 cfs II-III
South Section Line Sec 34, T1n, R83w To Confluence With Decker Creek 374 cfs Too low 900–5,800 cfs III-IV
Lake Fork Confluence With South Fork To 1 Mile Below Town Of Platoro 160 cfs Too high 3–22 cfstypical III-IV
Sec 17, T35n, R4e To Sec 36, T35n, R4e 160 cfs Too high 3–22 cfstypical ·
Sec 23, T32n, R5e To Sec 20, T32n, R6e (Co/Nm State Line) 685 cfs Too high 38–204 cfstypical ·
Lower Branch Sec 28, T33n, R3e; Upper Branch Sec 15, T33n, R3e To Sec 7, T32n, R4e · No reading 20–121 cfstypical III-IV
Co/Wy Stateline To Douglas Creek 41 cfs Too low 400–3,000 cfs ·
Flint Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 325 cfs Too high 9–117 cfstypical III-IV
Rincon La Osa Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 371 cfs Too high 1–30 cfstypical III-IV
Rincon La Vaca Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 371 cfs Too high 1–30 cfstypical III-IV
Snowslide Canyon Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 371 cfs Too high 1–30 cfstypical III-IV
Sierra Vandera Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 371 cfs Too high 1–30 cfstypical II-II
Below Rio Grande Reservoir (Sec 13, T40n, R4w) To Spring Creek (Sec 31, T41n, R2w) 371 cfs Too high 1–30 cfstypical III
Below Big Meadows Reservoir Dam To Sec 9 And 10, T39n, R3e 751 cfs Too high 43–208 cfstypical III-IV
Sec 10, T42n, R1e To Sec 13, T41n, R1e 1,370 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) 91 cfs Too high 27–47 cfstypical III-IV
North Fork Sec 8, T35n, R2e To Confluence With Middle Fork 160 cfs Too high 3–22 cfstypical III-IV
Middle Fork Sec 13, T35n, R2e To Confluence Of Three Forks Sec 14, T35n, R3e 160 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 160 cfs Too high 3–22 cfstypical IV-V
Confluence With Rincon La Vaca And North Fork To Northern Line Of Granite Peak Ranch 325 cfs Too high 9–117 cfstypical III-IV
Lake Creek Headwaters To Confluence With Los Pinos 325 cfs Too high 9–117 cfstypical III-IV
Sec 9, T32n, R6e To Sec 22, T32n, R6e (Co/Nm State Line) 685 cfs Too high 38–204 cfstypical ·
Yampa River Segment 3 91 cfs Too low 700–5,000 cfs III-IV
Yampa River Segment 2 173 cfs Too low 483–1,552 cfstypical III
Yampa River Segment 1 173 cfs Too low 483–1,552 cfstypical III-IV
Deep Creek Segment 2b 618 cfs Too low 900–5,000 cfs III-IV
Deep Creek Segment 3 618 cfs Too low 900–5,000 cfs III-IV
Coyote Wash 142 cfs Too high 23–132 cfstypical IV-V
La Sal Creek Segment 1 142 cfs Too high 23–132 cfstypical ·
Ice Lake Creek Segment 1 142 cfs Too high 23–132 cfstypical IV
Lion Creek Segment 1 142 cfs Too high 23–132 cfstypical IV-V
Lion Creek Segment 2 142 cfs Too high 23–132 cfstypical III-IV
La Sal Creek Segment 2 142 cfs Too high 23–132 cfstypical III
Spring Creek 142 cfs Too high 23–132 cfstypical IV-V
La Sal Creek Segment 3 142 cfs Too high 23–132 cfstypical III
San Miguel River Segment 6 498 cfs Too high 30–444 cfstypical III-IV
San Miguel River Segment 5 370 cfs Too low 600–5,000 cfs III
Tabeguache Creek Segment 2 498 cfs Too high 30–444 cfstypical III-IV
Tabeguache Creek Segment 1 370 cfs Too low 600–5,000 cfs III-IV
North Fork Mesa Creek 545 cfs Too high 77–355 cfstypical III-IV
Dry Creek 370 cfs Too low 600–5,000 cfs ·
Naturita Creek 306 cfs Too low 500–5,000 cfs III-IV
San Miguel River Segment 3 370 cfs Too low 600–5,000 cfs III-V
San Miguel River Segment 2 306 cfs Too low 500–5,000 cfs III+-IV
Beaver Creek 306 cfs Too low 500–5,000 cfs BEAVER-III
Saltado Creek 306 cfs Too low 500–5,000 cfs III-IV
Cottonwood Creek 556 cfs Too high 156–454 cfstypical ·
Roubideau Creek Segment 2 556 cfs Too high 156–454 cfstypical III-IV
Potter Creek 556 cfs Too high 156–454 cfstypical III-V
Gunnison River Segment 2 556 cfs Too low 800–20,000 cfs III-IV
Deep Creek 5 cfs Too low 13–202 cfstypical III-IV
Lower Dolores River 58 cfs Too low 800–5,000 cfs II-III
West Beaver Creek 6 cfs Runnable 2–19 cfstypical III-IV
Arkansas River Segment 1 13 cfs Too low 200–5,000 cfs III-IV
Arkansas River Segment 3 245 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 · No reading 200–5,000 cfs IV-V
East Gulch · No reading 200–3,200 cfs III-IV
Fourmile Creek 6 cfs Runnable 2–19 cfstypical III-IV
Pass Creek 245 cfs Runnable 167–481 cfstypical III-IV
Grape Creek Segment 1 71 cfs Too high 10–43 cfstypical III-IV
Little High Creek 6 cfs Runnable 2–19 cfstypical IV-IV
Eightmile Creek 6 cfs Runnable 2–19 cfstypical ·
Falls Gulch 331 cfs Runnable 227–553 cfstypical III-IV
Grape Creek Segment 3 481 cfs Runnable 302–588 cfstypical III-IV
Arkansas River Segment 4 · No reading 200–3,200 cfs III
Rio Grande River Segment A 313 cfs Runnable 207–572 cfstypical II-III
Rio Grande River Segment B 313 cfs Runnable 207–572 cfstypical III-IV
Rio Grande River Segment C 877 cfs Too high 225–875 cfstypical II-IV
Ice Lake Creek Segment 2 142 cfs Too high 23–132 cfstypical ·
Colorado River Segment 4 374 cfs Too low 750–2,500 cfs ·
Animas River 537 cfs Runnable 300–2,000 cfs III-IV
Colorado River Segment 5 374 cfs Too low 900–5,800 cfs III-IV
Colorado River Segment 7 618 cfs Too low 900–5,000 cfs ·
Mineral Creek 49 cfs Too high 10–29 cfstypical III-IV
Monitor Creek 556 cfs Too high 156–454 cfstypical IV-V
Roubideau Creek Segment 1 556 cfs Too high 156–454 cfstypical III
San Miguel River Segment 1 93 cfs Too low 500–5,000 cfs II-III
Grape Creek Segment 2 71 cfs Too high 10–43 cfstypical III-IV
Dolores River Segment 2 142 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 3,690 cfs Runnable 2,000–30,000 cfs IV-V
Unknown 3,690 cfs Runnable 2,000–30,000 cfs ·
Marble Canyon, Colo. River Segment 2 3,690 cfs Runnable 2,000–30,000 cfs III-IV
Colorado River 3,690 cfs Runnable 2,000–30,000 cfs III-IV
Little Dolores, Colo. River Segment 2 3,690 cfs Runnable 2,000–30,000 cfs II-III+
Big Creek 41 cfs Too low 400–3,000 cfs IV-V
Skull Creek 91 cfs Too low 175–600 cfstypical V-IV
Dolores River Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Uncompahgre Field Office 142 cfs Too low 800–5,000 cfs II-IV
Dolores River Mcphee To Bedrock Segment In Tres Rios Field Office 609 cfs Runnable 400–3,000 cfs III-IV
San Juan River 59 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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