Naturita Creek river run
Naturita Creek
The Whitewater River Run Naturita Creek is a challenging yet thrilling adventure for skilled kayakers and rafters. The ideal streamflow range for this river is between 200-500 cfs. The segment mileage ranges from 8.5 to 10 miles, and the river is rated a class III to IV.
The river rapids and obstacles on this run are exciting and require advanced paddling skills. Some of the most notable rapids include The Plunge, The Slide, and The Squeeze. The Plunge is a class IV rapid with a steep drop and powerful current, while The Slide is a fast and narrow chute that requires precise maneuvering. The Squeeze is a tight slot that can be challenging for larger rafts.
When planning a trip to this area, it is important to note that there are specific regulations in place. The BLM (Bureau of Land Management) manages the river, and they require all watercraft to have proper safety equipment, including personal flotation devices and a whistle. Additionally, no camping is allowed within ¼ of a mile of the river, and fires are only permitted in established fire rings.
Overall, the Whitewater River Run Naturita Creek is a thrilling adventure for experienced paddlers. It offers challenging rapids and obstacles, and the beautiful scenery of Colorado makes it a must-visit destination for any avid rafter or kayaker.
Plan your run down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram; rain ahead of a run typically lifts flows 12-48 hours later depending on the basin.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks -- the upstream story that drives next week's flows.
Regional streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Naturita Creek -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| San Miguel River Near Placerville | 202 cfs | → |
| San Miguel River At Brooks Bridge Near Nucla Co | 138 cfs | → |
| San Miguel River At Uravan | 218 cfs | → |
| South Fork San Miguel River Near Ophir | 65 cfs | → |
| Dolores River Near Slick Rock | 11 cfs | → |
| Dallas Creek Near Ridgway | 2 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest boat launches, other paddle runs, and campgrounds so a day on the water can grow into a full weekend.
Boat launches
Other river runs
Campgrounds
Whitewater safety
- Check the flow before you run
- Use the linked-gauge card and Regional Flow panel above. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV+ at high water.
- Know your skill ceiling
- Pick runs comfortably below your ceiling. Cold-water and big-water runs raise the consequences of any mistake.
- Wear the right gear
- Helmet, PFD, drysuit / wetsuit when water is below 60°F. Throw bag, knife, and whistle on your person, not in the boat.
- Scout, set safety, and run with a team
- Scout new rapids on foot, set safety with throw bags above the consequence pool, and run with at least one other competent paddler.
- Respect the river
- Strainers, undercuts, low-head dams, and wood can kill at any class rating. When in doubt, portage.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Naturita Creek as a favorite, set a discharge threshold (e.g. "alert me when flow hits 600 cfs"), and the iOS app pushes the moment the linked gauge crosses.
About Naturita Creek
What's the optimal flow for Naturita Creek?
The optimal flow depends on the section and the craft. Check the Run Details panel for the linked gauge and current status.
How fresh is the cfs reading on this page?
The linked USGS streamgauge reports continuously (every 15 minutes); Snoflo refreshes throughout the day. Hover the streamflow sparkline to read individual datapoints.
What's the whitewater class?
See the Run Details panel for the class rating Snoflo tracks for this run. Class ratings change with flow -- a Class III at low water can become Class IV in high water.
Where do I put in / take out?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions to the put-in. For shuttle planning, check the Nearby Boat Launches panel and the river run operator's site.
Can I get alerts when flows hit the optimal range?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this run, set a discharge threshold, and you'll get a push the moment the gauge crosses.
Other runs near here
Snoflo-tracked paddle runs within driving distance of Naturita Creek.