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 | 1110 cfs |
| Gage Height | 3.7 ft |
| Air Temperature | 78° |
| River | Arkansas River |
| Reporting Streamgage |
Arkansas River At Parkdale
USGS 07094500 |
| Gauge | Streamflow | Stage |
|---|---|---|
|
Grape Creek Near Westcliffe
USGS 07095000 |
129 cfs | 1.5 ft |
|
S Platte R Ab 11-Mile Canyon Re
USGS 06695000 |
299 cfs | 2.0 ft |
|
Tarryall Creek At Upper Station
USGS 06696980 |
22 cfs | 5.4 ft |
|
Teller Reservoir Spillway Near Stone City
USGS 07099238 |
2 cfs | 3.5 ft |
|
South Platte River At Waterton
USGS 06708000 |
73 cfs | 0.8 ft |
|
Bear Creek Near Colorado Springs
USGS 07105000 |
2 cfs | 7.9 ft |
|
Arkansas River At Portland
USGS 07097000 |
1,120 cfs | 3.1 ft |
|
South Platte River At South Platte
USGS 06707500 |
681 cfs | 3.4 ft |
|
South Platte River Above Cheesman Lake
USGS 06700000 |
326 cfs | 5.8 ft |
|
Fountain Cr Bl Janitell Rd Bl Colo. Springs
USGS 07105530 |
411 cfs | 6.7 ft |
| Snotel Site | Snowpack | 24hr Change |
|---|---|---|
|
Hayden Pass
SNOTEL 1102 |
1" | 0" |
|
North Costilla
SNOTEL 665 |
1" | 1" |
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside | 18 | 8,052 ft | |||
| Oak Creek | 15 | 7,649 ft | |||
| Spillway | 23 | 8,461 ft | |||
| Round Mountain | 15 | 8,531 ft | |||
| Eleven Mile State Park | 350 | 8,616 ft | |||
| Blue Mountain | 21 | 8,079 ft | |||
| Happy Meadows | 8 | 7,879 ft | |||
| Springer Gulch | 15 | 8,324 ft | |||
| Grape Creek - Temple Canyon Park | None | 6,160 ft | |||
| Cove | 4 | 8,457 ft |
| Ski Area | Snowpack | Air Temperature | 5 Day Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conquistador Ski Resort | 0" | 52° | 0" |
| River Run | Streamflow | Length | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Gorge | 1110.0cfs | 10.0 Mi | IV- to IV |