Run Map

Run Time Estimate

Put-in

Take-out

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Whitewater timing varies with scouting, portages, and group pace. Use as a planning baseline.

Description

The Lower Blue is dam affected. The rapids are all Class III pool drop or boulder piles. Most of the rapids are fairly short but a few can be long and are unpleasant to swim. The last drop after leaving the shadow of Green Mountain is a stair stepping flume on the left with a small hole. This is a gentle whitewater run for most Colorado boaters. Shuttle is easy. Put in at the base of the dam on 30 RD off Hwy 9 and drive back out to HWY 9 go left then take the next left and park where the river and road meet. A rope is recommended to lower boats down the hill for the normal put in. The run breaks down into some wave trains with various spots to play. The largest is called the Canyon Wall rapid which is shortly followed up by two small diversion dams. At low flows it is recommended to portage the dams unless you don't like your boat. They are easy to scout with large pools on either side but a river right portage is best. Around normal flows they can be a fun rapid with surf waves at times. Make sure not to miss the takeout at the bridge.