Denver to Glenwood Springs float trip

Drive west on I-70 from Denver, float the Colorado River or the Roaring Fork, and find your own car waiting at the take-out. Here's how to plan the day.

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Key facts

Distance: about 157 road miles from downtown Denver to Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs, most of it on I-70 West.
Drive time: allow about 3 hours each way before traffic, weather or closures. Mountain traffic on I-70 can add more.
Closest put-in for Denver drivers: Grizzly Creek in Glenwood Canyon, east of Glenwood Springs. Grizzly Creek to Two Rivers is about 6.0 measured river miles.
Car shuttle: $65 flat fee per vehicle. We move your car; you don't ride with us.
Same-day: book online until 1:00 PM Mountain Time; after that call 970-540-4441.

The drive

From Denver, take I-70 West over the mountains to Glenwood Springs. The last stretch runs through Glenwood Canyon, where Grizzly Creek is the upstream end of our Colorado River coverage. Check COtrip for I-70 conditions before you leave.

Pick a stretch

For a day trip, a short leg keeps the drive home realistic. Grizzly Creek to Two Rivers is about 6.0 measured river miles. On the Roaring Fork, Carbondale to Two Rivers is about 13.8.

Where to stay

To make it a weekend, stay in Glenwood Springs, the hub town where the Roaring Fork meets the Colorado. Carbondale, New Castle, Silt and Rifle are other towns along our routes. See Visit Glenwood Springs for lodging and campgrounds.

What to bring

A properly fitting life jacket for everyone
Your boat, paddles and pump
Water, food and sun protection
Any license your river requires (see the float trip checklist)
Your vehicle plate and key plan for the shuttle

Book the shuttle

Book online with your river, put-in, take-out, date and vehicle. It's a $65 flat fee per vehicle. Your car is moved to the take-out while you float. Same-day after 1:00 PM Mountain Time: call 970-540-4441. New to this? Read how a float trip car shuttle works.

Check the river

Look at live flows on River conditions before you drive, and read Colorado River flow planning. More trip ideas are in our river guides.

Questions

How far is Glenwood Springs from Denver?

About 157 road miles from downtown Denver to Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs, mostly on I-70 West. Allow about 3 hours each way before traffic or closures.

Can I float the Colorado River as a day trip from Denver?

Yes. Leave early, pick a short stretch such as Grizzly Creek to Two Rivers (about 6.0 measured river miles), and book a car shuttle so your vehicle is waiting at the take-out.

Do I need my own boat or gear?

Yes. Driftline moves your vehicle only. Bring or rent your own raft, kayak, SUP or drift boat, and a properly fitting life jacket for everyone.

What if I-70 through Glenwood Canyon is closed?

Check COtrip before you leave. During a Flash Flood Watch CDOT closes Glenwood Canyon rest areas, including the Grizzly Creek launch area, so have a backup stretch in mind.

Live flow: Colorado River below Glenwood Springs

Loading the live USGS gauge…

USGS gauge 09085100, read live in your browser, the same way our river tool does. All gauges are on River conditions.

Ready to float?

$65 flat fee. Same-day help: 970-540-4441.

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Sources

River conditions change. Check flows and closures before you launch, and always wear a properly fitting life jacket.