Colorado River
The Colorado River roils with some of the West's best whitewater, and the section from the Shoshone Power Plant in Glenwood Canyon to New Castle north of Aspen is one of the most popular. Fishing is also a major draw.
- Class I to IV whitewater in a steep-walled canyon
- Easy-access fishing for rainbow and brown trout
- A bike path hugs the river near Glenwood Springs for 16 miles
Overview
The Colorado River is a paddler's paradise in which kayakers and rafters can test their mettle in white-knuckle whitewater, including rapids such as The Tombstone Shuffle, Maneater/Superstition and The Wall. The Colorado River is a major waterway with flows of up to 20,000 cubic feet per second, and the length from the Shoshone Power Plant to New Castle is rated class I to III and sometimes IV.
The Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park provides a place for kayakers to try rodeo moves such as cartwheels, spins and flips, and a good spot for others to watch.
Location/Directions
The Colorado River parallels Interstate 70 from Gypsum to Palisade near Grand Junction.
The Colorado River can be paddled throughout the year, though it is most popular from May to September. Fishing is best before and after the spring runoff.
Activities
Whitewater rafting/kayaking
The Shoshone Power Plant to Grizzly Creek Rest Area whitewater run is two miles of constant whitewater. Put-in: Shoshone Power Plant about five miles east of Glenwood Springs on Interstate 70. Take out: Grizzly Creek Rest Area, Exit 121 of I-70.
The Grizzly to New Castle run is 15 miles of mellower, class I and II to II whitewater through the deep gorge of Glenwood Canyon. Put in: Grizzly Creek Rest Area off I-70. Take out: I-70 exit 2 miles east of New Castle. Or shorten the run by taking out at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs, at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers.
Fishing
Brown and rainbow trout ply the waters of the Colorado, drawing fishermen. A bike path running east along the river from Glenwood Springs provides easy access. Drift boat fishing west of Glenwood is also popular.
Walking/Biking
Follow the bike path 16 miles east through the canyon from Glenwood Springs on a paved, mostly flat pathway.
Natural hot springs line the river in several spots, offering warm places to sit and enjoy the scenic canyon.
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