| Difficulty | V+ |
| Length | 19.3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 129 fpm |
| Gauge | Piney River Near State Bridge, Co |
| Flow Rate as of 50 minutes | 12 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 10, 2026 |
The Piney River (not to be confused with Pine Creek, a rapid on the Arkansas River) is a small, steep, rarely run creek in the Eagle's Nest Wilderness. Access issues, significant deadfall, and Class V+ whitewater keep most boaters away.
The put in is accessed by following Red Sandstone Road (FR 700) north out of Vail, veering right to stay on FR 700 towards Piney Lake to Piney Crossing. The take out is at State Bridge, after the Piney confluences with the Upper Colorado.
Expect tight whitewater culminating in the Class V+ Beaver Attack. It has been years, if not decades, since this stretch has been run. Expect severe amounts of deadfall and significant hazards from pinned logs.
No trip reports yet.