Arkansas River

Hayden Meadows to Granite is a scenic, Class I-II run typically runnable near the peak spring runoff season. A little over 10 miles long, this stretch is great for new kayakers, river SUPers and small rafts. The run starts at Hayden Meadows River Access near Leadville. The parking lot has a vault toilet and is about a 1/10 mile walk to the put in down a flat path. It’s also a popular spot for fisherman.

Once you put in, be prepared for a gentle, abet swift, float through a vast plain with meandering curves for the first five miles. The river will occasionally split and braid back together. Wood can also occasionally build up on some of the bends. There are plenty of rock bars on the curves to stop for lunch and enjoy the beautiful mountain views on a clear day.

During high water (3800 CFS), two rapids appear during this stretch. Baby Bump and Big Bump. Baby Bump is a read and run, river wide, small hole that is easily passed by squaring up and paddling through. Big Bump is on river right but can be easily passed to the left. The river also opens up some large marsh-like channels during high water so stick to the largest channel when in doubt.

Around mile 4, the County Road 55 Bridge crosses the river and provides another alternative access point (Kobe, no facilities). This offers another alternative for those looking for a shorter run. At high water (above 3800), clearance under the bridge is tight - a portage is available river left.

More braids and riffles follow Kobe. Be mindful of the railroad bridge around Mile 7 - stay near the pilings to avoid old timber near the river banks. Further down, old rebar and some old barbed wire can cause hazards here and there, particularly on river right.

Shortly after the railroad crossing is Convergence Rapid, where Twin Lakes comes in via Lake Creek. As the currents converge, the eddy lines can become tricky for new boaters. Stay in the left wave train and follow it back right The convergen

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