04. Wagon Wheel Gap to South Fork

Launch Site: Wagon Wheel Gap Boat Ramp: The boat Ramp is on the north side of the river (river left). There is not much room for multiple boats so be sure to look ahead for space. 4-wheel drive is needed. There are no restrooms at the put-in and be sure to not park in the boat ramp, instead park up by Hwy 149. Alternate Launch Sites: Palisade C.G. Boat Ramp: The boat ramp is on the north side of the river (river left). Please do not park in the CG, instead, Park up by Hwy 149. Overnight camping is available for a fee in this USFS C.G., and there is a public restroom present. 3.3 miles +/- to Upper Coller boat ramp. Upper Coller Bridge SWA (Forest Rd 430A): The boat ramp is on the north side of the river (river left) just downstream of the Upper Coller concrete bridge. Do not park by the boat ramp, instead park in the designated parking lot just above. 1.9 miles +/- to Middle Coller boat ramp. Middle Coller Bridge Ramp SWA (Forst Rd 430): This boat ramp is on the north side of the river (river left) downstream of the green steel bridge about 100 yds. Be sure to park outside the gate instead of the boat ramp. There is a public restroom present. 3.5 miles +/- to the Lower Coller boat ramp. Lower Coller Boat Ramp SWA: The boat ramp is on the north side of the river (river left). Please do not park in the boat ramp turn around area. Instead, park in designated parking lot 100 yds prior to the boat ramp. Unfortunately, there are no bathrooms at this put in. You may need 4-wheel drive at this boat ramp. 3.4 miles+/- to the Hwy 149 boat ramp. Wagon Wheel Gap railroad trestle: This bridge presents a hazard at most flows due to the angle of the pylons and the debris build-up. Commercial outfitters should not attempt the passage of this bridge at flows > 2,000 CFS (at the RIOWAGCO gauge). Coordinates: 37.772695, -106.831181 The 4UR Bridge (on Goose Creek Rd) presents a minor obstacle at higher flows. Coordinates: 37.766346, -106.830947 At Elk Creek Bridge passage is not suggested if the flow is above 2,500 cfs. Coordinates: 37.691966, -106.67906 Once the sight of the annual Wagon Wheel Gap Raft Race, this class II stretch of the Rio Grande can give paddlers a lesson in just how far whitewater paddling has come since the neon spandex of the early eighties. This race featured a recreational, and a professional class that offered some of the top prize money at the time. A beautiful setting, with a deep, almost perfectly formed V-shaped valley frames the scene. Beginners nervous about leaving the safety net of the road will love this stretch as Hwy 140 parallels the entire stretch making for easy scouting and multiple access options. This is not the muddy, silt laden Rio Grande found downstream. This is the headwaters where the water is crisp and clear and the pools are deep and full of gold-medal brown trout. Leave this one to the fisherman when the 
water is low. _Whitewater of the Southern Rockies by Stafford/McCutchen_