| Difficulty | I(IV) |
| Length | 13 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | San Miguel River at Brooks Bridge Near Nucla Co |
| Flow Rate as of 48 minutes | 6 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 1, 2024 |
This is a nice but complicated float through some private property below Norwood Canyon. It's scenic like Norwood Canyon, starting to take on some Dolores feel, and certainly not crowded. However, there are two low-head dams, and several fences that cross the river posing serious threats to paddlers. San Miguel Watershed Association and others are working towards rehabilitating the dams to improve fish passage and navigability for boats. Currently the dams are unmarked and surprisingly tough to see. The fences? Welcome to western Colorado, stay very alert.
Mileages start here, although better boat launch is upstream at cottonwood campground.
Private agricultural diversion. Easy scout/portage river right.
Low pipe crossing. Kinda skanky. Photo at 90 cfs.
Low head dam. Dangerous at moderate and high flows!
Discussions have started to mitigate the danger here.
90 CFS