Diverse sections of whitewater in the heart of Colorado
Roaring Fork River
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roaring fork river overview
At 12,000 ft. on Independence Pass, the Roaring Fork begins its journey through the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains ending in Glenwood Springs as one of the major tributaries of the Colorado River. From the town of Aspen to the confluence of the Colorado River the Roaring Fork offers up nearly 30 miles of boating and a variety of sections suitable for everyone from the beginner to the adventure seeking adrenaline junkie right in the heart of Colorado’s high country.
• Difficulty: Class II-V (What does this mean?)
• Season: May – August
White Water Rafting Trips on the Roaring Fork River:
Trip Lengths: 1/2 Day
Outfitter: Aspen Whitewater
Learn More: www.aspenwhitewater.com ~ 970.920.3511
roaring fork river sections
Slaughterhouse
Class IV-V
Challenging and technical, this section of white water near Aspen includes narrow channels and an intricate maze of rapids.
Woody Creek & Toothache
Class III-IV
This section is a great combination of mild float water and continuous, semi-technical rapids and fun wave trains.
Cemetery
Class II-III
Moderately-paced section featuring a handful of small rapids and one larger rapid that flows through the town of Glenwood Springs before flowing into the Colorado River.
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Information for Roaring Fork River Self-Guided Boaters:
The Roaring Fork River (Slaughterhouse and Wood Creek & Toothache sections) are in Pitkin county and is managed by the City of Aspen.
- Boating Permit Required: NO
- Permit Details: No fee of any kind is required to float this section of river.
- River Manager: City of Aspen and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails
123 Emma Road, Suite 106, Basalt, CO 81621
970.920.5200 ~ www.pitkincounty.com/772/Properties-Trails
The Roaring Fork (Cemetery section) is managed by the Bureau of Land Management out of Silt, CO.
- Boating Permit Required: NO
- Permit Details: No fee of any kind is required to float the river, but you do need to buy a pass to use the BLM managed and private access sites.
- River Manager: U.S Bureau of Land Management – Colorado River Valley Field Office
2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652
970.876.9000 ~ www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/crvfo.html
Shuttles:
If shuttle service is available, information is listed under the specific section page.