Royal Gorge
The Royal Gorge is a classic Colorado run on the Arkansas river. The highlight is entering the heart of the gorge below the famous Royal Gorge Bridge, which tourists flock to during the warm months. The bridge itself makes the dubious claim of being the world's highest suspension bridge. There's little doubt though that the view looking up from this deep and narrow gorge is spectacular. During the tourist season, expect the paparazzi to be out in full force. (bonus tip: They love it when you roll.)
Suggested river levels for paddling this section of the Arkansas River are between a bare minimum of 200cfs and a high of 7,000cfs.
River conditions sourced from USGS 07094500, the Arkansas River At Parkdale
Remember only watercraft are permitted
at Royal Gorge.
Run Stats
| Status | Runnable |
| Class Level | IV- to IV |
| Elevation | 5,719 ft |
| Run Length | 10.0 Mi |
| Gradient | 46 FPM |
| Streamflow Discharge | 970 cfs |
| Gage Height | 3.5 ft |
| Air Temperature | 85° |
| River | Arkansas River |
| Reporting Streamgage |
Arkansas River At Parkdale
USGS 07094500 |
| Gauge | Streamflow | Stage |
|---|---|---|
|
Rock Creek Above Fort Carson Reservation
USGS 07105945 |
0 cfs | 1.1 ft |
|
Cherry Creek Near Franktown
USGS 06712000 |
2 cfs | 2.4 ft |
|
Cottonwood Ck At Union Blvd
USGS 07103987 |
2 cfs | 11.0 ft |
|
South Platte River Below Cheesman Lake
USGS 06701500 |
164 cfs | 1.3 ft |
|
Arkansas River At Parkdale
USGS 07094500 |
970 cfs | 3.5 ft |
|
S Platte R Ab 11-Mile Canyon Re
USGS 06695000 |
251 cfs | 1.8 ft |
|
Arkansas River Near Wellsville
USGS 07093700 |
1,060 cfs | 4.6 ft |
|
Huerfano River At Badito
USGS 07112500 |
10 cfs | 1.8 ft |
|
Cottonwood Creek Near Crestone
USGS 08229500 |
9 cfs | 0.8 ft |
|
Fountain Creek At Cascade
USGS 07100300 |
3 cfs | 3.7 ft |
| Snotel Site | Snowpack | 24hr Change |
|---|
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springer Gulch | 15 | 8,324 ft | |||
| Round Mountain | 15 | 8,531 ft | |||
| Happy Meadows | 8 | 7,879 ft | |||
| Cove | 4 | 8,457 ft | |||
| Oak Creek | 15 | 7,649 ft | |||
| Blue Mountain | 21 | 8,079 ft | |||
| Riverside | 18 | 8,052 ft | |||
| Spillway | 23 | 8,461 ft | |||
| Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park | None | 6,160 ft | |||
| Eleven Mile State Park | 350 | 8,616 ft |
| Ski Area | Snowpack | Air Temperature | 5 Day Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conquistador Ski Resort | 42" | 61° | 5.45" |
| River Run | Streamflow | Length | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Gorge | 258.0cfs | 10.0 Mi | IV- to IV |