Some portions of the Colorado River contain an abundance of silt, making it important to carry your own drinking water.
The Colorado River is the seventh longest river in the United States. It flows through Utah, Nevada, Arizona, California and Texas and is more than 1,400 miles in length, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. There are numerous paddling trails along the river that range in length and difficulty. A paddling trail is a frequently used paddling route along a river. Maps of these trails can be found online at the U.S. Department of Boating and Waterways.
Paddling
You can paddle the Colorado River by raft, kayak or canoe. Deciding which sort of paddling interests you most will help determine which paddling trail is right for you. If you are inexperienced, rafting is probably the best choice.
Rafting the Grand Canyon gives you the opportunity to appreciate the Canyon's stunning geology. These rafting trips range in length from one to six days.
Canoeing is best for fishermen looking to travel along gentle Class I trails, and kayaking is ideal if you want to practice shooting whitewater solo. Canoes and kayaks are rented by outfitters like the Willow Beach Marina and Colorado Sports Rentals.
Whitewater
When picking a paddling trail, find one that fits your ability level. Class I or Class II are suitable whitewater levels for beginners, while Class III and IV should only be attempted by paddlers with significant experience.
The paddling trail from Dotsero to Bair Ranch is 5.75 miles in length and is rated as Class I, making it suitable for beginner paddlers, although it is recommended that beginners take a whitewater training course before paddling without a guide. Courses are offered throughout the United States by the U.S. National Whitewater center.
Experienced paddlers might be interested in trails like the one from Grizzly Creek to Two Rivers Park, which features Class II and III whitewater or the trail from Shoshone Power plant to Grizzly Creek, which features Class III and IV whitewater. The Gore Canyon trail and the Barrel Springs trail feature a range from Class I to Class V whitewater and should only be attempted by professionals.
Guided Paddling
Travel with a guide if you are interested in paddling the Colorado mainly as a fishing or sightseeing trip. Guides will plan and arrange logistics, like securing permits, deciding where to camp and packing what to eat, so you can spend more time taking photos or exploring. Outfitters like Rocky Mountain Adventures and Western River expeditions offer guided paddling trips on the Colorado river.
Permits
If you are planning your own padding trip, you must secure permits in advance. Permit requirements vary depending on which states you will be traveling through and on trip length. If you plan to paddle the Grand Canyon, you must enter a spring lottery for a permit. Entrance into the lottery costs $25.
Tags: paddling trail, Class whitewater, Colorado River, along river, Class Class
