Colorado Whitewater

HEADWATERS TO BOUNDARY OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK


STREAMFLOW: -999 CFS

Class II-III River Run

The Whitewater River Run from Headwaters to Boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is a popular destination for white water enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 500 and 1500 cfs, with the best time to run the river being from May to July. The class rating for the river varies between Class II and Class IV, depending on the segment.

The river run is approximately 26 miles long, and can be divided into three segments. The first segment is from the headwaters to the town of Tabernash, which is approximately 7 miles long and rated as Class II-III. The second segment is from Tabernash to the town of Granby and is approximately 10 miles long, with a rating of Class III-IV. The final segment is from Granby to the boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park, which is approximately 9 miles long and rated as Class II-III.

The river features several rapids and obstacles, including the Railroad Rapids, which is a Class III rapid that requires precise navigation to avoid rocks and other obstacles in the river. There are also several other Class III-IV rapids throughout the river, such as the Devil’s Elbow and the Pinball Rapids.

There are specific regulations in place for the Whitewater River Run, including a requirement for all boaters to wear personal flotation devices and a restriction on the use of motorized watercraft. Additionally, all participants in the river run must adhere to Leave No Trace principles, including properly disposing of trash and minimizing the impact on the surrounding natural environment. Get driving directions.
 HEADWATERS TO  BOUNDARY OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Last Updated 2024-04-25
River Levels 44 cfs (0.96 ft)
Percent of Normal -6691%
Reporting Streamgauge GRAND RIVER DITCH AT LA POUDRE PASS, CO.
Elevation 10,170 ft.
River Grand-River
Watershed Big Thompson

Nearby Camping
Location Campsites Reservations Toilets Showers Elevation
Sleeping Elephant 15 7,865 ft
Olive Ridge 56 8,361 ft
Moraine Park Numerous 8,111 ft
Marys Lake - USBR 270 8,032 ft
Peaceful Valley 17 8,552 ft
Arapaho Bay 84 8,337 ft
Bellaire Lake 26 8,665 ft
Tom Bennett 10 8,963 ft
Meeker Park Overflow 29 8,611 ft
Grand View 9 10,038 ft
Aspenglen - Rocky Mountain National Park 51 8,227 ft
North Fork Poudre 9 9,159 ft
Buckingham 10 10,095 ft
Longs Peak - Rocky Mountain National Park 26 9,397 ft
Pawnee 55 10,354 ft
Jacks Gulch 56 8,100 ft
Dowdy Lake 70 8,176 ft
Glacier Basin - Rocky Mountain National Park 150 8,604 ft
Big Bend 8 7,717 ft
West Lake 36 8,254 ft
Rainbow Lakes 16 9,961 ft
Camp Dick 41 8,716 ft
Long Draw 25 10,059 ft