Colorado Rafting - Glenwood Springs Floats
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Colorado is a premier whitewater rafting destination. The tumbling waters of the Arkansas, Poudre, San Juan, Eagle, Blue, Crystal, Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers are all stuff campfire stories are made of. But it’s not all whitewater.
There are many stretches of riffling river throughout the state to enjoy, as well. Day trips, overnights and multi-day runs ideal for ordinary river rats who want to pilot their own craft and immerse themselves in the great outdoors for relaxation instead of an adreline rush.
Nothing beats drifting through sky-high canyons with a cold drink, an old dog and a good friend. My favorite trip is one close to home. A 2-3 hour float I can take on a moment’s notice and shoehorn in between work and sundown on hot summer afternoons.
Grizzly to Two Rivers, aka Grizz, is the town run for Glenwood Springs - a 6 mile section of the Colorado River that winds through lower Glenwood Canyon. The put in is at the Grizzly Creek Recreation Area and the take out at Two Rivers Park. Both ends offer water, restrooms, parking and launches.
The river can be pretty scary for water wimps during the run-off, but if you don’t mind getting splashed, the icy wave trains are a thrill. By mid-June, it’s mostly riffles that can be negotiated in a PFD and an inner tube. Beaches and swimming holes abound and natural hot springs seep into the river as you approach Glenwood Springs.
Grizzly draws everyone with something that floats on scorching summer weekends, it’s heavily used by the many commercial rafting companies from Aspen to Vail, and it’s sandwiched between a busy Interstate highway and a railroad track. But don’t let any of that deter you. As soon as you hit the water, your attitude will ease, your stress will soften and you’ll feel like one of the lucky ones. Raft on!
See Colorado River Rafting in Grand Junction, too.
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