Best Waterways in Colorado

Trying to find the best waterways in Colorado? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Colorado, Grand County

01 :54 hrs
4 mi
34.57373 ft
I

Quick float from the Pumphouse to the Radium take out. Beautiful stretch of river. A few historical markers with old ruins from pioneers. Also some great places to camp next to the river. Fishing was fair, can be very good sometimes. River running about 2200 cfs.

2

Colorado, Summit County

03 :36 hrs
8 mi
38.248535 ft
II

This was a great day on Lake Dillon, from the Gibberson Bay day use area, over to the Dillon Marina, and back. I was actually on my SUP board, so if your wary of deep water, dont take this route! Or if the weather is bad, windy, etc, this would be a very tough and dangerous route. On this day, it was fairly calm, maybe 5mph winds. Sunny with a few puffy clouds. The day use parking area is very close to the water, and makes for a great hand launching spot. Please dont leave trash- I picked up a pile in less than 5 minutes. Between the lake and parking lot. So please, pack it in, pack it out.

3

Colorado, Vail

04 :40 hrs
11.3 mi
42.086914 ft
III

Pumphouse is a classic and popular section of the Colorado River. During the summer months you can expect large crowds. It offers a scenic paddle through a canyon that is accessible year round. There is fun and challenging whitewater found throughout, with nothing too extreme.

4

Colorado, Summit County

00 :18 hrs
0.7 mi
4.3637695 ft
I

When camped at Heaton Bay, boat can be shored very near your site. We are about 150 yards from our camp. Launch and store from small sand beaches. Today has been rainy and cloudy, with a few windows of sunshine. But the fishing has been fair. So worth having layers on. And rain gear. Great day on the lake for father's day!

5

Colorado, Summit County

04 :00 hrs
8.9 mi
7.901123 ft
I

This beautiful stretch has lots of views, cliffs with large homes on top, the Dillon Amphitheater, which is currently being renovated, and lots of lake. Great for almost any size boats, sailboat, Paddle board, kayak, temps stay chilly for most water sports but wetsuits in the middle of summer are an option. And I've seen diving clinics and training going on as well. Fishing and birdwatching, bike path that surrounds the lake. Campgrounds as well. Lots of recreation options!

6

Colorado, Chaffee County

02 :41 hrs
6.1 mi
122.253174 ft
IV

The put in and take out have parking and a drop off with ramp for lowering boats into the river. Fast moving class 3 and 4 rapids, most of the river requires paddling at all times. Fairly shallow and running at 1050. Rocks are abundant. But lots of fun to be had!The road to the put in and take out are both really rough. But raft trailers do work fine. Super fun stretch of river, we had an amazing time!

7

Colorado, Lakewood

00 :37 hrs
1.9 mi
54.132446 ft
III

Clear Creek runs through a scenic canyon and into the town of Golden. It offers fun and exciting whitewater. The current is fast with the more difficult obstacles in the beginning. As the river wanders through Golden you will find man-made ledges that are good for surfing.

8

Colorado, Summit County

02 :38 hrs
5.9 mi
14.279053 ft
I

Our bday pontoon on Lake Dillon, went to pirates cove and back to Dillon marina!

9

Colorado, Grand County

00 :22 hrs
1 mi
19.161865 ft
I

This put in is located at the Wolford Campground. It's an easy walk from camp to the lake to put in. Super chill, flat water morning but doesnt take much wind to really get the waves going on the lake though, and not many trees around the lake anywhere. Beautiful scenery, sagebrush and grass valleys to pine covered mountains and cliffs surround you.

10

Colorado, Gunnison County

00 :16 hrs
0.6 mi
3.5239258 ft
I

Emerald Lake is a high mountain lake that lies in the Elk Mountain near Crested Butte. The road to the lake is usually not accessible till late July. Fishing for brook and rainbow trout are popular here. The scenery is amazing so be sure to bring your camera.

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