River Rafting, Western Colorado
by Tim Patterson
WHITEWATER RAFTING—it's an exciting adventure
for everyone, of every age, every experience,
every ability. Whether you like it teeth-clenching tough or mild and
scenic, you can find the perfect raft ride in SW Colorado. The majestic
San Juan Mountains and mesas fill the back drop as you float through
state wildlife areas, historic ranchlands, and the unique Uncompahgre
River Canyon or paddle your way through Class III and IV rapids in deep
gorges and canyons.Some river trips provide for on-land as well as in-water adventures. Native American rock-art, and spectacular desert flora and fauna can be found on numerous side-hikes making for a rich experience on the edge of canyon country. Some are geared for family fun and offer gentle, picture-taking opporunities, many going into places accessible only by water. In some areas, cottonwood stands along the river provide nesting habitat for herons and songbirds, while deer, desert bighorn sheep, and large game can be seen along the banks. Overnight trips are also available.
Uncompahgre River The Uncompahgre
River from the town of Ridgway to the Ridgway Reservoir, (Class II to
III+ rapids) is a great introductory rafting section with wonderful
wildlife and scenery opportunities. The majestic San Juan Mountains
fill the back drop for the entire run! Float through prime wildlife
habitat for an up-close look at songbirds, deer, and birds of prey!
Narrow canyon sections of the Uncompahgre River provide a unique and
remote experience for paddlers and a rare opportunity to get off the
beaten path. A fantastic run on over 15 miles of remote access on the
lower Uncompahgre River is also available with excellent water flows
maintained throughout the summer. Access on this mostly private section
of river is extremely limited, with no defined take-out location.
Lower
Gunnison River
Named for the
Spanish Jesuits that first explored the area in 1777, Dominguez and
Escalante Canyons are rich in history, wildlife, and scenery. The class
II Gunnison River gently carves its way through Dominguez canyon
creating a wilderness feeling. Cottonwood stands along the river
provide nesting habitat for herons and songbirds, while deer, desert
bighorn sheep, and large game can be seen along the banks.
Native American rock-art, and spectacular desert flora and fauna can be found on numerous side-hikes making for a rich experience on the edge of canyon country.
The ideal way to see the Gunnison Gorge and Black Canyon – from the inside! A true wilderness experience, this 14 mile river section combines incredible wildlife and scenery with class III-IV whitewater through one of the most spectacular canyons in Colorado.
Native American rock-art, and spectacular desert flora and fauna can be found on numerous side-hikes making for a rich experience on the edge of canyon country.
The ideal way to see the Gunnison Gorge and Black Canyon – from the inside! A true wilderness experience, this 14 mile river section combines incredible wildlife and scenery with class III-IV whitewater through one of the most spectacular canyons in Colorado.
Gunnison
River GorgeThe Gunnison
Gorge Wilderness is located nine miles northeast of Montrose and offers
a wild and pristine backcountry experience. A unique double canyon
system of black granite layered with red sandstones, the Gunnison Gorge
Wilderness is located within the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation
Area just downstream from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National
Park. The Gunnison Gorge Wilderness is only the second BLM managed
wilderness area in Colorado; it is managed to preserve and protect its
wilderness, scenic and recreational values.
The Gunnison Gorge is famous for its world-class fishing, geology, and wildlife but sees moderate use because of its remote location, and challenging access.
The Gunnison Gorge is famous for its world-class fishing, geology, and wildlife but sees moderate use because of its remote location, and challenging access.
San
Miguel River
The San Miguel
drops over 7000' from an alpine ecosystem to the desert. The San Miguel
offers the whitewater boater a variety of runs all within the class
II+--III range. The river's consistent gradient and continuous
character provides the boater with an abundance of whitewater, none of
which is overly difficult.
The San Miguel riparian corridor is lush and contains many globally rare riparian plant communities. Due to spring flooding, the river contains numerous strainers and downed wood which change periodically, though most are easily spotted. Use caution.
The San Miguel should be easily negotiated by the Intermediate whitewater boater. However, The San Miguel's class II-III rating can be deceptive. This river is continuous, shallow, and contains a fair amount of downed wood--the consequences can be more significant than the rating would suggest.
The San Miguel riparian corridor is lush and contains many globally rare riparian plant communities. Due to spring flooding, the river contains numerous strainers and downed wood which change periodically, though most are easily spotted. Use caution.
The San Miguel should be easily negotiated by the Intermediate whitewater boater. However, The San Miguel's class II-III rating can be deceptive. This river is continuous, shallow, and contains a fair amount of downed wood--the consequences can be more significant than the rating would suggest.
The
author is co-owner, with Bill Sheppard, of RIGS Fly Shop & Guide
Service, PO Box 2086, 565 Sherman Suite 2, Ridgway,
Colorado 81432.
(970) 626-4460. www.fishrigs.com
Photos, courtesy Rigs
Photos, courtesy Rigs