Floating, rafting and kayaking down the Colorado River takes you through the spectacular Glenwood Canyon, arguably some of the most scenic rafting in the world. Launch your boat on the Colorado River from a variety of access points for a spectacular trip through the magnificent Glenwood Canyon. Experience Colorado River rafting and kayaking at its best in Glenwood Springs!
Colorado River Access Points
Grizzly Creek Rest Area
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.
Shoshone
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.
Bair Ranch
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.
Two Rivers Park
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.
Whitewater Activity Area
This man-made attraction on the Colorado River does not have a boat launch but is a favorite of kayakers.
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