Colorado River Flow Planning

Check the gauge and timestamp

River conditions shows live data when available. Check where it was measured and when; an old or unavailable reading is not evidence that conditions are unchanged.

Separate canyon and downstream plans

Grizzly Creek to Two Rivers, Two Rivers to South Canyon and the New Castle–Silt–Rifle legs are distinct trips. Use the matching access and stretch pages rather than assuming the entire coverage area has the same conditions.

Check access independently

A river gauge does not report whether a parking area, ramp or road is open. Confirm current land-manager notices and seasonal restrictions before you commit to the launch.

Book logistics, not a river rating

Driftline relocates your vehicle. We do not certify river conditions or provide passenger transportation. Plan equipment, skills and river safety separately from your shuttle booking.

What CFS means

CFS is cubic feet per second: how much water passes the gauge each second. One cubic foot is about 7.5 gallons. Higher CFS means more water and usually faster current. The live reading for this stretch is below, and every gauge is on River conditions.

How flows change through the year

USGS 09085100, Colorado River below Glenwood Springs. Average of monthly mean flows, 2001–2025:

• January: about 1,270 CFS
• April: about 2,520 CFS
• May: about 6,150 CFS
• June: about 9,110 CFS
• July: about 4,460 CFS
• August: about 2,540 CFS
• September: about 2,230 CFS
• October: about 2,050 CFS

The yearly peak came in June in 19 of those 25 years, May in 4 and July in 2. Peaks ranged from 4,480 CFS (2002 and 2012) to 27,600 CFS (2011). Averages are history, not a forecast. Always check today's reading.

Plan by season

For runoff and fall trips, see seasonal float planning. Coming from the Front Range? Read the Denver to Glenwood Springs float trip guide. All guides: River guides.