RIVER BASIN The Mighty Colorado

Introduction

The Mighty Colorado River

     The Mighty Colorado River needs no introduction. It is the most famous river of the American Southwest and is lifeblood for nearly seven states. In terms of history of whitewater boating there are few rivers that are more important than the Colorado. This fame, of course, comes largely from the pioneers of the Grand Canyon and the history that occurred there. The section of the Colorado concerned within this book, between Dotsero at the headwaters of Glenwood Canyon and New Castle at the base of South Canyon, have also played their role in shaping whitewater history and Colorado boating history. Although this section of the Colorado River suffers from over-exposure with I-70, several other roads, and a popular bike path closely mirroring it for its entire length through this section, it plays an important role for the Colorado boating community, for it is one of the only rivers with year-round reliable flow. As a result boaters from all over the state often come to Glenwood Canyon and the Glenwood Springs area during the off and shoulder seasons.

All things considered, the boating in Glenwood Canyon is outstanding. Sure it could be better in some ways. It could have more class V, more class IV, more class III, less class II, more play, less rafts, whatever it is that people might complain about. But the truth is that boaters of almost every level can find something for them in Glenwood Canyon. It might not be the best at anything but it has a little of everything. Rank beginners can learn eddy turns on the deep, forgiving waters and well-defined gentle eddies of the upper canyon. So-called ‘”advanced beginners” can hone new skills on the forgiving class II waters of Grizzly and South Canyon. Intermediates can train on Shoshone and do laps while they prepare for better things. With two short portages, advanced boaters can run all but the crux of Barrel at a manageable class IV level. And experts can catch Barrel at high water for some full-on big water class V. While the noise of I-70 so close by can be a distraction, it is hard to deny the beauty of Glenwood Canyon.

In the 21^st Century life has improved for the boater on the Colorado in this area. The addition of the whitewater park eases in the congestion of Shoshone and creates more options for fun park and play for kayaks and other surfers. With its terraced grass seating and benches it also makes for a fun place to have lunch and watch the kayakers and surfers.