Gore -

WHITEWATER-HUB

Gore Canyon, Colorado River

Continuous Powerful Gradient

Rafting Gore Canyon on the Colorado River near Kremmling, Colorado, is one of the most intense and challenging whitewater experiences in the U.S., a compact 9-10 mile remote gorge run through steep, dramatic cliffs and deep granite walls that delivers relentless Class IV-V (borderline V+) rapids with a steep average gradient of about 35-40 feet per mile—among the steepest in the state—featuring big drops, powerful holes, technical maneuvers, and high-consequence lines that demand expert skills, strong swimming ability, and precise teamwork.

River Class / Skill Level

• Class: IV–V continuous whitewater with powerful hydraulics and technical lines.

• Skill Level: Advanced to expert paddlers recommended.

Season / Permits / Weather

• Boating Season: May through August depending on snowmelt runoff.

• Permit Required: No permit required.

• Best Time to Run: Late spring and early summer during peak flows.

• Weather: Cool mountain conditions with warm summer afternoons.

Water Levels / River Character

• Typical Flow Range: ~800–3,000 cfs.

• Low Water: Extremely technical rapids with exposed rocks.

• Optimal Flows: 1,200–2,000 cfs provides classic Gore Canyon conditions.

• High Water: Very powerful hydraulics and fast current.

• Special Considerations: Famous rapids include Gore Rapid, Tunnel Falls, and Kirshbaum’s.

Put-In / Take-Out

• Standard Put-In: Blue/Colorado Confluence .

• Standard Take-Out: Pumphouse Recreation Site

• Trip Length: Approximately 9 miles.

River Trip Launch Pad

Essential links for permits, conditions, maps, shuttles and gear before you hit the road.