Yampa River Segment 2 river run
Yampa River Segment 2
This segment features several notable rapids and obstacles, including the "Little Joe" rapids, which are class III rapids that require precise navigation to avoid rocks and eddies. The "Squeeze Play" rapid is another challenging obstacle on this segment, featuring a narrow channel between rocks that requires skilled maneuvering. Additionally, there are several smaller rapids and waves throughout the segment that add to the excitement for more experienced paddlers.
Regulations to the area include mandatory life jackets for all boaters, and a minimum age requirement of 6 years old for paddlers. Camping is permitted in designated sites along the river, but campfires are only allowed in established fire rings. Additionally, all trash must be packed out, and dogs must be kept on a leash to protect the area's wildlife.
Overall, the Yampa River Segment 2 offers a thrilling whitewater experience for paddlers with moderate to advanced skills. Its challenging rapids, stunning scenery, and specific regulations make it a popular destination for river enthusiasts seeking adventure and natural beauty.
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 Yampa River Segment 2 -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Yampa River Below Craig | 2,450 cfs | → |
| Yampa River Near Maybell | 2,710 cfs | → |
| Elkhead Creek Near Craig | 66 cfs | → |
| Yampa River Above Elkhead Creek Near Hayden | 2,340 cfs | → |
| White River Near Meeker | 441 cfs | → |
| Elkhead Creek Above Long Gulch | 94 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
- Yampa River Segment 1
- Cross Mountain Gorge
- Yampa River Segment 3
- Pumphouse To Double Bridges
- Flat Tops Wilderness Boundary To Nf Boundary
Campgrounds
- Duffy Mountain Camping
- Duffy Mountain Upper Vista Camping
- Duffy Mountain Axial Trailhead Camping
- West Duffy Mountain Camping
- Duffy Mountain - Yampa River State Park
- Juniper Canyon - Yampa River State Park
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 Yampa River Segment 2 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 Yampa River Segment 2
What's the optimal flow for Yampa River Segment 2?
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 Yampa River Segment 2.