Colorado River — Glenwood Canyon
Garfield Co. · 12 mi · Class III–IV
512CFS/ 1.80 ft
Below Optimal→Stable
Water temp: 51°F — Hypothermia risk, wear a drysuit
Optimal: 3000–8000 CFS · USGS #09085000
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Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Glenwood Canyon Recreation Area · White River National Forest
Twelve miles of thundering Class III–IV through Glenwood Canyon — one of the most dramatically scenic river corridors in North America. Limestone walls rise 1,800 feet from the Colorado River as I-70 clings to the cliff faces above. The mandatory Shoshone hydraulic is the most powerful river feature on the Colorado. Best in May–June spring runoff.
Trip sections
Dotsero to Grizzly Creek — Class II–III, upper canyon approach
Grizzly Creek to Shoshone — Class III–IV, the best 4 miles
Shoshone Dam — mandatory portage, then Class III to Glenwood Springs
Outfitters
Rock Gardens Rafting
Glenwood Canyon all levels, Glenwood Springs
Whitewater Rafting LLC
Colorado River Glenwood trips
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.