Colorado River — Upper
Grand Co. · 30 mi · Class II–III
475CFS/ 4.07 ft
Below Optimal
↑Rising slowly (+37 cfs/hr)· +96 cfs in 3h
Water temp: 46°F — Hypothermia risk, wear a drysuit
Optimal: 800–2500 CFS · USGS #09058000
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
30 mi
Length
Class II–III
Difficulty
800–2500 cfs
Optimal
1,450 cfs
Avg Flow
1,320 cfs
Hist. Median
#09058000
USGS Gauge
Upper Colorado River Special Recreation Management Area · BLM

The Upper Colorado River from Pumphouse to Radium or State Bridge is the most popular intermediate whitewater run on the Colorado River — a scenic Class II–III day float through sandstone canyons, hot springs, and ranching country. Pumphouse Recreation Site is a major BLM put-in supporting rafting, kayaking, and overnight camping, and the river is one of the best family whitewater trips in Colorado.

Trip sections
Pumphouse to Radium — Class II–III, 5 mi, day trip classic
Radium to Rancho del Rio — Class II, ranching country
Rancho del Rio to State Bridge — Class I–II, final day of the Upper C
Outfitters
Kremmling Rafting Co.
Upper Colorado River rafting from Pumphouse
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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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.