[N00B]

Due to my brother having a kid, my bachelor party got cancelled. We were originally supposed to go hang out in Colorado April 27-29th.

Since I have the weekend free I figured I might try to make a trip out to do some paddling. I was wondering if there is usually anything flowing at that point. I'm inexperienced so I'm looking at class II-III.

I was thinking something in the front range if possible, as I will be driving 11 hours to get there anyway, (how much is it to check a kayak? Maybe I will look at flying).

The other thing I was considering is a swift water rescue class if there is one going on.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[lmyers]

The South Platte above Denver should have a couple options for you. Waterton is pretty much always running and ends in a reservoir if you have problems...above the confluence the South Fork South Platte has the Deckers/Chutes stretch, good class II with one easy III.

Another option is the Arkansas near Canon City. There is a playpark in town, as well as the II-III Texas Creek to Pinnacle Rock, and the class III Parkdale run nearby.

These will both likely be at pretty low flows, but between the 2 you should be able to find suitable whitewater.

There are a couple other options such as the Upper Colorado and Shoshone that will have enough water to boat, but are a little farther away.

 

[gh]

Those are good suggestions and I have no clue why you would cancel a bachelor party just cause you brother is having a kid. People been having kids for a long, long time.

 

[N00B]

I didn't cancel it, he did. We had been planning for about 6 months, but once the kid popped out, he changed his mind and decided he couldn't be away from home for 2 nights.

I just want to have a good time before I get hitched.

 

[Kendi]

Sounds like the river will probably be more fun than anything your BIL was planning.... Just because someone has a kid(s) doesn't mean all life stops. But whatever. Who am I to talk?- I have 3 of them.... Congrats and have a good time.

 

[Wavester]

The Salt in AZ should be running at that time or the lower Owyhee In OR. Both feature deep canyons and class 3 rapids.

Due to my brother having a kid, my bachelor party got cancelled. We were originally supposed to go hang out in Colorado April 27-29th.

Since I have the weekend free I figured I might try to make a trip out to do some paddling. I was wondering if there is usually anything flowing at that point. I'm inexperienced so I'm looking at class II-III.

I was thinking something in the front range if possible, as I will be driving 11 hours to get there anyway, (how much is it to check a kayak? Maybe I will look at flying).

The other thing I was considering is a swift water rescue class if there is one going on.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[lmyers]

The Salt in AZ should be running at that time or the lower Owyhee In OR. Both feature deep canyons and class 3 rapids.

I wouldn't count on the Salt still running the very end of April, especially if they don't get anymore snow.....he did say close to the Colorado Front Range too...kinda rules out Oregon.

 

[Ladderboy]

The rogue is always good and the illy

 

[N00B]

I wouldn't count on the Salt still running the very end of April, especially if they don't get anymore snow.....he did say close to the Colorado Front Range too...kinda rules out Oregon.

You're right, Oregon is out, so is Arizona. The front range is about an 11 hour drive for me, so that is where I'm limiting it.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[Cutch]

If you are sticking to the front range, check out the Poudre canyon sections for quality. Much better camping than the South Platte stuff. Although Denver usually has better night life options... er, strip clubs. Seeing as it's a bachelor party.

 

[N00B]

If you are sticking to the front range, check out the Poudre canyon sections for quality. Much better camping than the South Platte stuff. Although Denver usually has better night life options... er, strip clubs. Seeing as it's a bachelor party.

I'm not worried about night life or strip clubs. I just want to have a good time and be on a good river. Where is put in for poudre? Fo co?

 

[lmyers]

If your looking at the Cache la Poudre, the closest city is Fort Collins. The stretch you would most likely be interested in would be Filter Plant...possibly Bridges, but there may not be suitable flows at the end of April up there...unless something BIG changes with the weather patterns.

 

[deepsouthpaddler]

Late April is a couple of weeks before run off. CO will be cold with low water. If I were in Iowa and was willing to drive I would be thinking NC/TN.