This is one of the most popular places for rafters, kayakers, and fishing dories to access the Colorado River. The five mile stretch from Grizzly Creek to Two Rivers Park is packed with bumpy Class II and III rapids. Plan for anywhere from a couple of hours to a half-day, depending on river flows.

About 1.5 miles east of Grizzly is Shoshone, a favorite spot for commercial rafting companies and intermediate to strong paddles. This section of the river is class III for commercial rafting and is cut off to commercial trips at 6000 cfs when it because class IV.

Further east in Glenwood Canyon, this rest area provides an informal boat launch. The river here is deep and wide, without significant rapids. It is ideally suited for paddling including canoeing and kayaking. Boaters must exit the river at the Hanging Lake take out, about a 2.5-hour ride downstream.

This is the stopping point for many float trips. An easy to navigate boat ramp is located at river right just past where the Colorado and the Roaring Fork Rivers converge. However, rafters and kayakers looking to float west out of Glenwood Springs often use this launch for a calmer float through South Canyon.

This man-made attraction on the Colorado River does not have a boat launch but is a favorite of kayakers.

To float the lower section of the Roaring Fork River from Carbondale to Glenwood Springs, launch boats, rafts and kayaks under the intersection of Highways 82 and 133. A second access point is located at the Ironbridge exit off of Highway 82, between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale.

This section has great views of Mount Sopris and fun Class I to III rapids. Continue all the way to Two Rivers Park where there is a convenient boat ramp at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Colorado or consider continuing on the Colorado River through South Canyon towards New Castle. Roaring Fork River rafting and kayaking options are top notch!