Take Out

This take-out site on the Uncompahgre River near Delta provides access to a significant whitewater stretch of a large river system. The Uncompahgre is a major tributary with considerable volume and gradient, featuring an average flow of over 300 cubic feet per second and an average gradient of 95.4 feet per mile, indicating consistent whitewater character throughout much of its course. The river drops nearly 2,300 meters across its 79-mile length, making this a dynamic and challenging waterway that requires solid paddling skills and river reading ability.

Paddlers using this take-out should be prepared for fast current and substantial water movement typical of a Stream Order 7 river with significant gradient. The location near Delta places this in the lower section of the Uncompahgre, where the river has consolidated into a large, powerful channel. Water conditions reflect the river's high average velocity of 2.71 feet per second and steep gradient, creating whitewater opportunities that demand advanced technique and experience. The drainage area of nearly 4,800 square miles means water levels can vary significantly with season and snowmelt.

This is an appropriate take-out point for completing runs on the Uncompahgre River whitewater section. Paddlers should scout sections before running, understand current conditions, and be equipped for the fast-moving water characteristic of this drainage. The site serves kayakers and canoeists running the upper whitewater sections of the river.