SEARCH CARBONDALE
Photo: Craig Silberman
Kayaking
Paddle!
The Roaring Fork Valley holds some of the most diverse, dynamic and reliable kayaking. Fed by snowmelt from the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers satisfy whitewater enthusiasts of all skill levels. Throughout the summer and fall, the mighty Colorado River continues to run strong, even when other rivers in the state have dried up.
The most exciting time to kayak here is in the spring when the snow stars to melt and the rivers swell far beyond their normal bounds. Our local rivers should be treated with great respect during periods of high water, and the runoff provides a bouncy roller-coaster ride to thrill even the most experienced kayakers. In Shoshone, on of the more popular runs in the area and in the entire state, are the big waves of Superstition, The Wall, and Tombstone. The rapids challenge and excite boaters and warm them up for the last and biggest rapid, Maneater. To have a successful run down Maneater, a kayaker must either successfully circumnavigate or penetrate a massive wall of water that threatens to capsize mishandled craft.
As the water levels drop and become less treacherous during the summer, the rivers become friendlier for novices, making mid-July and August a perfect time to dip your toes into whitewater sports for the first time. Paddling in the local rivers is the ideal way to cool off on a hot summer afternoon. There are several great local outfitters that offer first-timers’ classes and clinics, maximizing the fun and safety of your initial kayaking experience.
The Roaring Fork Valley is known for its spectacular beauty and diversity and from the seat of a kayak is one of the most thrilling ways to experience the wonder of the local scenery. From the towering cliffs of Glenwood Canyon, to the sparkling waters of the Crystal River, to the aspen-lined banks of the Upper Roaring Fork, whitewater boating takes you to special places that are not accessible from any road.
- Colorado Canoe & Kayak
The most exciting time to kayak here is in the spring when the snow stars to melt and the rivers swell far beyond their normal bounds. Our local rivers should be treated with great respect during periods of high water, and the runoff provides a bouncy roller-coaster ride to thrill even the most experienced kayakers. In Shoshone, on of the more popular runs in the area and in the entire state, are the big waves of Superstition, The Wall, and Tombstone. The rapids challenge and excite boaters and warm them up for the last and biggest rapid, Maneater. To have a successful run down Maneater, a kayaker must either successfully circumnavigate or penetrate a massive wall of water that threatens to capsize mishandled craft.
As the water levels drop and become less treacherous during the summer, the rivers become friendlier for novices, making mid-July and August a perfect time to dip your toes into whitewater sports for the first time. Paddling in the local rivers is the ideal way to cool off on a hot summer afternoon. There are several great local outfitters that offer first-timers’ classes and clinics, maximizing the fun and safety of your initial kayaking experience.
The Roaring Fork Valley is known for its spectacular beauty and diversity and from the seat of a kayak is one of the most thrilling ways to experience the wonder of the local scenery. From the towering cliffs of Glenwood Canyon, to the sparkling waters of the Crystal River, to the aspen-lined banks of the Upper Roaring Fork, whitewater boating takes you to special places that are not accessible from any road.
- Colorado Canoe & Kayak
Whether it’s in a 12-foot-long, handmade, wood, fiberglass and canvas boat, or a four-and-a-half-foot, electric-yellow, potato-shaped plastic boat, kayakers are still running rivers at the Colorado Rocky Mountain School in Carbondale.
