Upper Colorado River at Pumphouse

Mellow canyon floats, a play wave and riverside camps.

Just below Gore Canyon’s expert rapids, Pumphouse is the main launch for the gentle Upper Colorado, with three boat ramps, a man-made play wave and reservable riverside campsites. The five miles to Radium are Class II and suit inflatable kayaks, SUPs and first-timers, while longer runs carry on toward State Bridge. It’s an easy summer escape from Vail, Summit County or Steamboat.

At a glance

Classic float

Pumphouse to Radium, 5 mi, Class II

Boat ramps

3, plus the Gore Canyon play wave

Campsites

18 single and 2 group sites, reservations required

Upstream

Gore Canyon, for experts only

Fees

$10/campsite; day-use fee April to November

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate

What’s here

• Whitewater
• Flatwater
• Guided tours
• Paddleboarding
• Fishing

Rentals, guides and shops

• AVA Rafting (Kremmling)

  Half-day scenic floats from Pumphouse to Radium, plus guided inflatable kayak and SUP trips.

• Timberline Tours

  Vail outfitter running guided duckie (inflatable kayak) floats on the Upper Colorado; $130 for adults.

• Rancho del Rio

  Private river access downstream with vehicle shuttles, a store and a campground.

Where to stay

• lodgeHot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa

  Historic hot springs pools and lodging, east of Kremmling.

  45 min drive
• cabinRancho del Rio

  Rental cabins, a large riverside campground, a small store and a restaurant about 10 miles downriver on Trough Road.

  25 min drive

Nearby

• Gore Canyon Trail · At the put-in

  Foot trail from Pumphouse 1.5 miles up into Gore Canyon, past old retaining walls built by early surveyors.

• Radium Hot Springs · On the river

  Small natural hot pool on the riverbank near Radium, reached on foot or by boat.

• Inspiration Point

  Overlook into Gore Canyon on the Colorado Headwaters Scenic Byway.

• Hot Sulphur Springs · 45 min drive

  Historic mineral pools in the town of Hot Sulphur Springs.

Getting there

• Denver International (DEN) · about 2 hr 45 min drive
• Vail · about 1.25 hr
• Steamboat Springs · about 1.25 hr
• Denver · about 2.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps