Headwaters To Confluence With Medano Creek Paddle Report

Summary

The ideal streamflow range for this stretch of the river is between 500 and 2000 cfs. The class rating for this run is Class II-III, with some sections reaching Class IV during peak runoff in early summer.

The segment mileage for the Whitewater River Run is approximately 12 miles, starting at the headwaters near the Great Sand Dunes National Park and ending at the confluence with Medano Creek. Some of the specific river rapids and obstacles include Baby Falls, which is a Class III rapid, and the S-turns, which can be a bit tricky to navigate.

There are specific regulations for this area, such as the requirement for a personal floatation device (PFD) for each person on board, and a permit is required to access the river within the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Additionally, visitors should be aware of the potential hazards of the river, including swift currents, underwater hazards, and cold water temperatures.