Colorado Whitewater
LAKE CREEK--HEADWATERS TO CONFLUENCE WITH LOS PINOS
STREAMFLOW: 647 CFS
• Class III-IV River Run
The Lake Creek to Los Pinos whitewater river run in Colorado is a popular destination for kayakers and rafters seeking thrilling rapids and beautiful scenery. The ideal streamflow range for this segment is between 300 and 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), with peak flows occurring during spring runoff.
This segment is rated as class III-IV, with several challenging rapids including Sledgehammer, Pinball, and the infamous Texas Creek. Portages are available for those who wish to avoid these obstacles. The total mileage for this segment is approximately 11 miles, with plenty of opportunities for scenic stops and wildlife viewing.
Regulations for this area include a permit requirement for commercial outfitters, as well as a mandatory safety briefing for all river users. Additionally, all boaters are required to wear a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the river.
Get driving directions.
This segment is rated as class III-IV, with several challenging rapids including Sledgehammer, Pinball, and the infamous Texas Creek. Portages are available for those who wish to avoid these obstacles. The total mileage for this segment is approximately 11 miles, with plenty of opportunities for scenic stops and wildlife viewing.
Regulations for this area include a permit requirement for commercial outfitters, as well as a mandatory safety briefing for all river users. Additionally, all boaters are required to wear a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) at all times while on the river.
Get driving directions.
| Last Updated | 2024-04-25 |
| River Levels | 647 cfs (2.54 ft) |
| Percent of Normal | 261% |
| Reporting Streamgauge | VALLECITO CREEK NEAR BAYFIELD, CO. |
| Elevation | 7,925 ft. |
| River | |
| Watershed | Upper San Juan |
Nearby Camping
| Location | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams Creek | 23 | 9,218 ft | |||
| Mill Creek - Lake City | 22 | 9,509 ft | |||
| Graham Creek | 25 | 7,725 ft | |||
| North Canyon - Vallecito Reservoir | 21 | 7,708 ft | |||
| Pine Point - Vallecito Reservoir | 30 | 7,709 ft | |||
| Lost Trail | 7 | 9,583 ft | |||
| Vallecito | 80 | 7,924 ft | |||
| Middle Mountain - Vallecito Reservoir | 24 | 7,699 ft | |||
| Old Timers - Vallecito Reservoir | 11 | 7,692 ft | |||
| Lower Piedra | 17 | 6,589 ft | |||
| Pine River | 6 | 7,918 ft |
Weather Forecast
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