Colorado Whitewater

HEADWATERS TO ENDS 0.5 MILES UPSTREAM FROM END OF COUNTY HWY 115


STREAMFLOW: 5 CFS

Class III-IV River Run

The Whitewater River Run in Colorado is a popular destination for kayaking and rafting enthusiasts. The ideal streamflow range for this run is between 800 to 1,500 cfs, providing enough water for exciting rapids while still maintaining safety for paddlers.

This section of the river is rated as Class III to IV, meaning it contains moderate to difficult rapids with powerful currents, steep drops, and tight channels. The segment mileage for this run is approximately 0.5 miles upstream from the end of County Hwy 115 to the river's end.

The specific river rapids and obstacles include several Class III rapids, such as "Pinball," "The Squeeze," and "The Notch," as well as the Class IV rapid "Leap of Faith." Paddlers must be skilled and experienced to navigate these rapids safely.

There are specific regulations to this area, including a permit requirement for commercial outfitters and a minimum age limit of 14 for participants. Additionally, all paddlers must wear appropriate safety gear, such as helmets and life jackets, and follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural environment. Multiple sources, including the American Whitewater website and various guidebooks, confirm the accuracy of this information. Get driving directions.
 HEADWATERS TO ENDS 0.5 MILES UPSTREAM FROM END OF COUNTY HWY 115
Last Updated 2023-11-06
River Levels 137 cfs (2.77 ft)
Percent of Normal 88%
Reporting Streamgauge SOUTH ST. VRAIN CREEK NEAR WARD, CO.
Elevation 9,372 ft.
River
Watershed St. Vrain

Nearby Camping
Location Campsites Reservations Toilets Showers Elevation
Peaceful Valley 17 8,552 ft
Olive Ridge 56 8,361 ft
Buckingham 10 10,095 ft
Tom Bennett 10 8,963 ft
Glacier Basin - Rocky Mountain National Park 150 8,604 ft
Longs Peak - Rocky Mountain National Park 26 9,397 ft
Narrows 5 6,470 ft
Kelly Flats 29 6,751 ft
Empire City RV Parking Numerous 8,635 ft
Kelly Dahl 46 8,615 ft
Rainbow Lakes 16 9,961 ft
West Chicago Creek 16 9,611 ft
Moraine Park Numerous 8,111 ft
Aspenglen - Rocky Mountain National Park 51 8,227 ft
Hermit Park Open Space Numerous 8,313 ft
Georgetown Lake Numerous 8,439 ft
Cold Springs 38 9,331 ft
Mountain Park 54 6,678 ft
Dutch George 20 6,520 ft
Meeker Park Overflow 29 8,611 ft
Camp Dick 41 8,716 ft
Lower Narrows 8 6,470 ft
Pawnee 55 10,354 ft
Reverends Ridge - Golden Gate State Park 106 9,105 ft
Marys Lake - USBR 270 8,032 ft
Jacks Gulch 56 8,100 ft