Utah river runs
Live streamflow, whitewater class, and length for every paddleable section in Utah with a named USGS gauge. Built for kayakers, rafters, and canoeists.
Utah paddle map
See which Utah runs are in right now
Every run and gauge on one live map:
- Runnable now — too low, in range or too high
- Gauges — every river vs its normal flow
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Utah river runs today
What’s in range, the best bets by class and what’s running high — from live USGS gauges.
Best bets in range today — Class V: Headwaters To Forest Road #1473 (114 cfs) and Wolverine Creek (114 cfs); Class IV: The Forest Service Spillway Boat Ramp Below Flaming Gorge… (2,180 cfs) and Northern Boundary Of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area… (114 cfs); Class III: The Bureau Of Land Management Boat Ramp At Indian Crossin… (2,180 cfs) and Eastern Border For Natural Bridges National Monument To W… (2,500 cfs).
Running high: Headwaters To Southern Boundary Of Zion National Park at 2,100 cfs (range tops out near 750). Scout before you commit.
Utah is a paradise for whitewater enthusiasts, with a variety of rivers that offer thrilling rapids and stunning scenery. One of the most popular destinations is the Green River, specifically the Desolation Canyon stretch. This 84-mile run offers a mix of Class II-III rapids, making it perfect for both beginner and intermediate paddlers. The best time to visit is in the spring and early summer when the snowmelt provides optimal streamflow levels. Another must-visit spot is the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon in Canyonlands National Park. This 100-mile stretch is known for its challenging Class III-IV rapids, breathtaking red rock canyons, and abundant wildlife. Be sure to check streamflow levels beforehand, as they can vary depending on the season.
For those looking for a more adrenaline-pumping experience, the Westwater Canyon section of the Colorado River is a top choice. This 17-mile run features Class III-IV rapids, including the famous Skull Rapid, which will challenge even the most experienced paddlers. The best time to visit is in the spring and fall when streamflow levels are at their peak. Safety is paramount when embarking on any whitewater adventure in Utah, so be sure to wear a proper fitting life jacket, helmet, and wetsuit if necessary. Always paddle with a buddy and be aware of potential hazards such as strainers and undercut rocks. With its diverse range of river runs and stunning landscapes, Utah offers something for every whitewater enthusiast.
Utah paddle report
| River run | Streamflow | Status | Runnable range | Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Boundary Of Park To Fruita Area | 82 cfs | Too low | 100–500 cfs | II-IV |
| Beging Just Downstream From South Draw Road To Eastern Park Boundary | 82 cfs | Too low | 100–500 cfs | · |
| Southern Boundary Of Park To Ends 4 Miles Downstream From Southern Boundary Of Park | 3,310 cfs | Runnable | 2,154–4,632 cfstypical | III-III |
| Northern Boundary Of Park To Confluence With Colorado River | 3,310 cfs | Runnable | 2,154–4,632 cfstypical | · |
| Eastern Park Boundary To Western Park Boundary | 2,640 cfs | Runnable | 2,460–3,410 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Fruita Area To Eastern Park Boundary | 82 cfs | Too low | 100–500 cfs | III-IV |
| Southern Boundary Of Park To Ends 10 Miles Downstream From Southern Boundary Of Park | 0 cfs | Too low | 0–3 cfstypical | II-III |
| Western Park Boundary To Ends Just Downstream From South Draw Road | 82 cfs | Too low | 100–500 cfs | II-III |
| Headwaters To Southern Boundary Of Park | 82 cfs | Too low | 100–500 cfs | II-IV |
| Headwaters To Confluence With Colorado River | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | II-IV |
| Begins One Mile Upstream From The Western Border Of Zion National Park To Western Boundary Of Zion National Park | 36 cfs | Runnable | 7–50 cfstypical | II-IV |
| Northern Boundary Of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area To Lake Powell | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | II |
| Northern Boundary Of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With Colorado River | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| Eastern Boundary Of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With Colorado River/Lake Powell | 2,500 cfs | Runnable | 500–8,000 cfs | · |
| Headwaters At T39s, R9e To Confluence With Escalante River | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Western Boundary Of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With Escalante River | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| Eastern Border For Natural Bridges National Monument To Western Border Of Natural Bridges National Monument | 2,500 cfs | Runnable | 500–8,000 cfs | II-III |
| Headwaters In T41s R11e To Confluence With San Juan River | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | IV-III+ |
| The Bureau Of Land Management Boat Ramp At Indian Crossing To Gates Of Lodore | 2,180 cfs | Runnable | 200–5,000 cfs | III |
| Boundary Of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area And Capital Reef National Park To Confluence With Colorado River | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Headwaters At T39s, R9e To Confluence With Escalante River | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | II-IV |
| Headwaters (North Of Twenty Five Mile Creek) To Confluence With Escalante River | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| Eastern Boundary Of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With Lake Powell | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | II-III |
| Boundary Of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With San Juan River | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Boundary Of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With Lake Powell | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | II-IV |
| Headwaters At T31s, R16e To Confluence With Colorado River | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | II-IV |
| Headwaters At T41s, R10e To Confluence With San Juan River | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Eastern Boundary Of National Monument To Western Boundary Of National Monument | 8 cfs | Too low | 50–200 cfs | III-IV |
| Headwaters At T38s, R9e To Confluence With Fence Canyon Creek | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | II-III |
| Boundary Of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. To Confluence With Colorado River | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | II-IV |
| Headwaters To Confluence With Coalpits Wash | 88 cfs | Too low | 150–600 cfs | III |
| Headwaters To Southern Boundary Of Zion National Park | 2,100 cfs | Too high | 500–750 cfs | III-IV |
| Headwaters To One Mile Upstream From The Western Boundary Of Zion National Park | 36 cfs | Runnable | 7–50 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Western Boundary Of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area To Confluence With The Green River | 3,310 cfs | Runnable | 2,154–4,632 cfstypical | IV-V |
| Gates Of Lodore To The Southern Boundary Of Dinosaur National Monument, South Of The Split Mountain Boat Landing | 2,820 cfs | Runnable | 200–20,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Source To Hoop Lake Diversion | 201 cfs | Too low | 300–1,500 cfs | III-IV |
| Source To Mouth | 112 cfs | Too low | 300–3,000 cfs | III-II |
| Source To Confluence With Little East Fork | 112 cfs | Too low | 300–3,000 cfs | III-IV |
| The Forest Service Spillway Boat Ramp Below Flaming Gorge Dam To The Bureau Of Land Management Boat Ramp At Indian Crossing | 2,180 cfs | Runnable | 200–5,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Immediately Below Boulder Top To Upstream Side Of King's Pasture | 82 cfs | Too low | 100–500 cfs | III-IV |
| Headwaters To Nf Boundary | 1 cfs | Too low | 2–5 cfstypical | IV-III |
| Northern Boundary Of Box Death Hollow Wilderness To Southern Boundary Of Box Death Hollow Wilderness | 1 cfs | Too low | 2–5 cfstypical | II-IV |
| Headwaters To Forest Road #1473 | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-V |
| Elevation Of 6720 Feet To Nf Boundary | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| Source To Nf Boundary | 56 cfs | Too low | 300–1,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Frost Canyon/Bear Canyon Confluence To Causey Reservoir | 63 cfs | Too low | 120–800 cfs | · |
| Trial Lake To U35 Bridge | 56 cfs | Too low | 300–1,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Confluence Below Timpooneke To Mt Timpanogos Wilderness Boundary | 8 cfs | Too low | 50–200 cfs | III+ |
| Mt Timpanogos Wilderenss Boundary To Scout Falls | 8 cfs | Too low | 50–200 cfs | III-IV |
| Headwater Spring In Sec 8 To Mt Timpanogos Wilderness Boundary | 8 cfs | Too low | 50–200 cfs | III-IV |
| Mt Timpanogos Wilderness Boundary To Theater In The Pines | 8 cfs | Too low | 50–200 cfs | IV |
| Top Of Cascade Springs To Road Crossing In Section 36 | 0 cfs | Too low | 200–1,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Headwaters To Confluence With Sixth Water Creek | 25 cfs | Too low | 45–300 cfs | II-III |
| Source To Red Butte Reservoir | 1 cfs | Too low | 1–6 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Source To Murray City Diversion | 8 cfs | Too low | 50–200 cfs | II |
| Source To Holiday Park | 106 cfs | Too high | 25–61 cfstypical | II-IV |
| Wilderness Boundary To Mouth | 106 cfs | Too high | 25–61 cfstypical | I-III |
| Confluence Of West Fork And East Fork To Meeks Cabin Reservoir | · | No reading | · | III |
| Source To Wilderness Boundary | 112 cfs | Too low | 300–3,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Wilderness Boundary To Trailhead | 112 cfs | Too low | 300–3,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Alsop Lake And Norice Lake To Near Trailhead | 106 cfs | Too high | 25–61 cfstypical | IV/V |
| Confluence With Beaver Creek To Bridge In Guinavah Malibu Campground | 34 cfs | Too low | 330–1,500 cfs | II-III |
| Trappers Creek To I 70 | 13 cfs | Too low | 14–57 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Source To Confluence With East Fork Bear | 106 cfs | Too high | 25–61 cfstypical | II-III |
| Headwaters To Trappers Creek | 70 cfs | Too high | 10–41 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Headwaters To Dixie National Forest Boundary | 32 cfs | Too low | 150–650 cfs | III-IV |
| 1 Mile Below Highway 12 To Nf Boundary | 1 cfs | Too low | 2–5 cfstypical | II-III |
| Forest Road #1473 To Nf Boundary | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| Range Creek | 25 cfs | Too low | 250–2,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Green River | 25 cfs | Too low | 250–2,000 cfs | II-IV |
| Crystal Creek | 88 cfs | Too low | 150–650 cfs | III-IV |
| Price River | 11 cfs | Too high | 3–7 cfstypical | III |
| Escalante River | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | II-III |
| Unknown | 70 cfs | Too high | 10–41 cfstypical | · |
| Muddy Creek | 22 cfs | Too low | 150–500 cfs | III-IV |
| Pine Creek Box Section | 1 cfs | Too low | 2–5 cfstypical | IV-V |
| Virgin River | 1,890 cfs | Runnable | 400–10,000 cfs | III-IV |
| San Rafael River | 3,300 cfs | Runnable | 1,000–20,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Cane Wash | 22 cfs | Too low | 150–500 cfs | III-IV |
| Paria River | 2,180 cfs | Too high | 4–55 cfstypical | II-III |
| Mamie Creek & West Tributary | 1 cfs | Too low | 2–5 cfstypical | III |
| Deep Creek | 88 cfs | Too low | 150–650 cfs | III |
| Robbers Roost Canyon | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Lower Boulder Creek | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| Harris Wash | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | II-IV |
| Kane Springs, Colo. River Seg. 4 | 2,640 cfs | Runnable | 2,460–3,410 cfstypical | · |
| Quitchupah Creek | 5 cfs | Runnable | 4–9 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Stevens Canyon | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Starlight Canyon | 2,180 cfs | Too high | 4–55 cfstypical | II-III |
| Death Hollow Creek | 1 cfs | Too low | 2–5 cfstypical | II-III |
| Colorado River Segment 2 | 2,560 cfs | Runnable | 1,500–15,000 cfs | III-IV |
| The Gulch | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | · |
| Deer Creek Canyon | 2,180 cfs | Too high | 4–55 cfstypical | · |
| Dry Hollow Creek | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| La Verkin Creek | 2,660 cfs | Too high | 35–598 cfstypical | III+ |
| Virgin River, North Fork Segment 48 49 | 88 cfs | Too low | 150–650 cfs | III-IV |
| Fremont River 3 (A) | 82 cfs | Too low | 100–500 cfs | III-IV |
| Cottonwood Wash | 3,300 cfs | Runnable | 1,000–20,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Twenty Five Mile Wash #2 | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | II-III |
| White River | 248 cfs | Too low | 379–500 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Georgies Canyon | 82 cfs | Too low | 100–500 cfs | · |
| Nine Mile Creek | 83 cfs | Runnable | 45–142 cfstypical | III |
| Beaver Dam Wash | · | No reading | 2–26 cfstypical | II-III |
| Hackberry Creek | 2,180 cfs | Too high | 4–55 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Phipps Wash & Tribs | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| Evacuation Creek | 248 cfs | Too low | 379–500 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Mill Creek | 3 cfs | Too low | 4–9 cfstypical | III+ |
| Bull Valley Gorge | 62 cfs | Runnable | 31–125 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Neon Canyon | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III |
| Indian Canyon, South Fork Segment 22 23 | 5 cfs | Runnable | 2–31 cfstypical | IV-V |
| Lower Paria River | 2,180 cfs | Too high | 4–55 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Fish Creek | 4 cfs | Too low | 150–1,500 cfs | III-IV |
| Dirty Devil River | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | II-III |
| Sheep Creek | 2,180 cfs | Too high | 4–55 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Lower Deer Creek | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | II-III |
| Virgin River, East Fork Segment 40a 41 | 193 cfs | Runnable | 150–600 cfs | III |
| Lower Horse Canyon | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| Coyote Gulch #2 | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| Cottonwood Canyon | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| Beaver Creek | 190 cfs | Too low | 250–5,000 cfs | II-IV |
| Scorpion Gulch | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| Maidenwater Creek | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Orderville Canyon Segment 44 45 | 88 cfs | Too low | 150–600 cfs | III-IV |
| Lower Sand Creek | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| Gordon Creek, South Fork | 13 cfs | Runnable | 10–22 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Sams Mesa Box Canyon | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | IV-V |
| Steep Creek | 1 cfs | Too low | 2–5 cfstypical | IV-V |
| Beaver Wash Canyon | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | · |
| Twin Corral Box Canyon | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | III-V |
| Willow Patch Creek | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III |
| Mineral Gulch Segment 35 38 | 193 cfs | Too high | 28–148 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Lamanite Arch Canyon | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | · |
| Fence Canyon | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | IV-V |
| Onion Creek | 190 cfs | Too low | 250–5,000 cfs | II-III |
| Little Death Hollow | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| Fools Canyon | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III |
| Dolores River Segment 2 | 190 cfs | Too low | 250–5,000 cfs | II-III |
| Lower Green River | 144 cfs | Runnable | 30–402 cfstypical | II-III |
| Hell Dive Canyon Segment 30 31 | 5 cfs | Runnable | 2–31 cfstypical | IV |
| Gordon Creek | 13 cfs | Runnable | 10–22 cfstypical | IV-V |
| Fremont River 2 (Fremont Gorge) | 82 cfs | Too low | 100–500 cfs | III-IV |
| Wolverine Creek | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | WOLVERINE-V |
| Rock Creek | 25 cfs | Too low | 250–2,000 cfs | III |
| East Moody | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | II-III |
| Moody Creek | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| Slickrock Canyon | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| Argyle Creek | 83 cfs | Runnable | 45–142 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Virgin River, East Fork Segment 37 40a | 193 cfs | Runnable | 150–600 cfs | III-IV |
| Colorado River Segment 3b | 2,560 cfs | Runnable | 1,500–15,000 cfs | III-III |
| Granite Creek, Dolores River Segment 2 | 190 cfs | Too low | 250–5,000 cfs | III-IV |
| Water Canyon | 114 cfs | Runnable | 50–300 cfs | III-IV |
| Water Canyon Segment 20 21 | 5 cfs | Runnable | 2–31 cfstypical | III-IV |
| Mill Creek, North Fork | 1 cfs | Too low | 6–16 cfstypical | · |
| Esplin Gulch Segment 45 45a | 88 cfs | Too low | 150–650 cfs | III-IV |
| No Mans Canyon | 21 cfs | Too low | 100–1,000 cfs | III-V |
| Calf Creek | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Fisher Creek | · | No reading | · | IV-V |
| Buckskin Canyon | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Revee Creek | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Coal Wash, South Fork | · | No reading | · | II-III |
| Choprock Canyon | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Hogeye Creek | · | No reading | · | IV |
| Silver Falls Creek | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Cow Canyon | · | No reading | · | III |
| Yellow Creek | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Coal Wash, North Fork | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Dolores River Segment 3 | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Cottonwood Creek Segment 28 29 | · | No reading | · | IV-V |
| Paria River Segment 68 69 | · | No reading | · | II-III |
| Blackwater Canyon | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Sheep Creek, Nps | · | No reading | · | · |
| Eastside Tributary #1 | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Indian Canyon Seg 24 25, North Branch South Fork | · | No reading | · | III-II+ |
| Bitter Creek | · | No reading | · | IV-V |
| Larry Canyon | · | No reading | · | III |
| Indian Canyon Segment 26 27 | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Coal Wash | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Snake Creek | · | No reading | · | III |
| Kitchen Canyon | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| East Fork Boulder Creek | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Dolores River Segment 1 | · | No reading | · | · |
| Colorado River Segment 3a | · | No reading | · | · |
| Unnamed Tributary | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Fisher Creek, Dolores River Segment 1 | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Unnamed Wash (4) | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Meadow Creek Segment 33 35 | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Kanarra Creek | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Colorado River Segment 4 | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Colorado River Segment 5 | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Green River Segment 4a | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Indian Creek | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| San Juan River | · | No reading | · | II-III |
| Fable Valley | · | No reading | · | III-IV |
| Upper Green River | · | No reading | · | IV+ |
| Colorado River | · | No reading | · | II-IV |
| Dark Canyon | · | No reading | · | III |
| Arch Canyon | · | No reading | · | IV-V |
About Utah river runs
What does whitewater class mean?
The international whitewater scale (Class I–VI) rates a river's difficulty. I is moving water with riffles. II is straightforward rapids with clear channels. III requires complex maneuvers in fast water. IV is intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring decisive boat handling. V is extremely long, obstructed, or violent rapids with significant hazard. VI is considered impossible to run.
Where does the Utah streamflow data come from?
USGS streamgauges. Each Utah paddle run is keyed to a specific gauge that paddlers and outfitters have agreed represents flow on that section. Gauges report every 15 minutes; we re-pull throughout the day.
What's a runnable level?
Run-specific. A creek that's classic at 200 cfs might be too low at 100 and dangerously flooded at 1,000. Always cross-reference with a guidebook or a Utah paddling club for the run's accepted gauge ranges before launching.
Can I get an alert when a run hits prime flow?
Yes. Save any paddle run as a favorite in the Snoflo iOS app, set a flow window (e.g. "alert me between 800 and 1,500 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses into range. Free with a Snoflo account.
Is this a substitute for local guidebooks and trip leaders?
No. Snoflo is informational. Always carry appropriate skills, gear, and a sober assessment of the day's flow. For high-consequence runs (Class IV+), paddle with people who know the run and never solo. American Whitewater is the authoritative source for U.S. river information.