Cherry Creek river run
Cherry Creek
Some of the most challenging rapids on Cherry Creek include Barrel Springs, which features several large drops and tight chutes, and Triple Drop, a three-part rapid that requires precise maneuvering and strong paddling skills. Other notable rapids include Corkscrew, Hell's Half Mile, and Deadman's Corner.
To help protect the natural resources of the area, there are specific regulations that apply to Cherry Creek. These include a permit requirement for all visitors to the area, restrictions on campfires and other activities that could damage the environment, and guidelines for disposing of waste and other materials. Visitors are also encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles and to respect the natural beauty of the area.
Overall, Cherry Creek is a challenging and rewarding whitewater river run that is best suited for experienced paddlers. With its remote location, beautiful scenery, and exciting rapids, it is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to test their skills on the water.
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 Cherry Creek -- useful for spotting upstream pulses and gauging which tributary is contributing what.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetwater River Near Alcova | 27 cfs | → |
| N Platte Riv Ab Seminoe Reservoir | 1,640 cfs | → |
| Medicine Bow R Ab Seminoe Reservoir | 38 cfs | → |
| Sweetwater River Near Sweetwater Station | 97 cfs | → |
| L Medicine Bow R At Boles Spring | 10 cfs | → |
| Pass Creek Near Elk Mountain | 149 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.
Fishing spots
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 Cherry 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 Cherry Creek
What's the optimal flow for Cherry 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 Cherry Creek.