Kayakers love Colorado. It’s unprecedented whitewater rivers, gorgeous surroundings and an environment conducive to adventure make it the perfect place for pros and beginners alike. The Colorado River has been considered the go-to place for kayaking and whitewater rafting.
With an abundance of outfitters, lakes and rivers, Colorado has everything needed to get kayaking and find thrilling whitewater adventure.
Before heading out to the Colorado River, check the section of river you intend to paddle on American Whitewater’s International Scale of River Difficulty. The system rates sections of river and their rapids on a scale of I to VI based on the technical skills necessary to navigate them. Difficulty varies as water levels change, so compare current water flows measured in cubic feet per second (CFS) to listed average flow. Acquaint yourself with the river access points to exit before difficulty ramps up downstream and avoid a dangerous situation beyond your skill level.
Class I stretches of river are little more than riffles, suitable for novice kayakers to practice new skills. In Colorado, most of the Colorado River is suitable only for skilled, intermediate paddlers or experts; however, the river has beginner-friendly waters running through Grand Junction and between South Canyon and Cameo.
Colorado’s rafting and kayaking season typically runs from May through September, with the swiftest running whitewater occurring in May and June. August is the best month for a more laid-back kayaking experience.
River waters across the state vary and are classified Class I through Class VI, depending on the intensity of the rapids. Class I rivers offer an easy float downriver while Class III rivers have more challenging rapids, interspersed with boulders and narrow passages.
Some remote sections of the Colorado River require paddlers to carry specific safety equipment such as signaling devices, extra paddles, a repair kit and river map. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are an essential wardrobe item in these areas. Pack all the water you’ll need for your journey: The silty water of the Colorado renders water filtration systems useless.
Some stretches of the Colorado River require a use permit before paddling. All participants must have the Class IV skills needed to paddle the canyon, and you must pay a several hundred-dollar deposit immediately upon being chosen. The Grand Canyon isn’t the only stretch of river that requires a permit: Cataract Canyon, Ruby/Horsethief Canyons and Westwater Canyon also have permit requirements. The Black Canyon Water Trail below Hoover Dam harbors sauna caves and hot springs and makes an enjoyable overnight trip. Smooth water river trails extending down to Yuma let kayakers paddle and camp for days on end along Arizona’s western border. Permits are not required to access the Lower Colorado River.