Put In

Put In is a whitewater put-in on Lime Creek in San Juan County, Colorado, located in the headwaters of this medium-sized river system. The creek features a significant gradient of 28.2 feet per mile with an average slope, making it suitable for whitewater paddlers rather than flat-water boaters. With an average flow of 3.12 cubic feet per second and velocity of 0.96 feet per second, Lime Creek offers technical whitewater paddling opportunities characteristic of Colorado mountain streams. The elevation drops 802 feet over the creek's 28.48-mile length, indicating continuous gradient and consistent water movement.

This put-in location sits near the source of Lime Creek in the San Juan Mountains region, providing access to headwater paddling. Paddlers should be prepared for mountain stream conditions including potentially swift currents, rocky terrain, and variable water levels depending on seasonal runoff and precipitation. The creek's modest drainage area of 31 square miles means water levels can fluctuate significantly with weather conditions, so checking current conditions before paddling is important.

As a whitewater-focused put-in, this site is best suited for kayakers and canoeists with whitewater experience. The technical nature of the water and mountain stream characteristics suggest intermediate to advanced paddling skills would be beneficial. Boaters should be aware of the remote mountain location and plan accordingly for safety and logistics.