Rio Grande

02. Box Canyon to Creede(Texas Creek Ramp to Airport Rd)

DifficultyII-III
Length23.7 mi
Avg Gradient24 fpm
GaugeRio Grande at Thirty Mile Bridge Near Creede
Flow Rate as of 14 hours
322 cfsbelow recommended
Reach Info Last UpdatedJune 11, 2020

Projects

Rio Grande Recreational Needs Assessment

Rio Grande Recreational Flow Study In partnership with the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project, and supported by grants from the Colorado Water Conservation Board and foundations, American Whitewater completed a Recreational Needs Assessment as part of a Rio Grande Basin Stream Management Planning effort (SMP). The final report was [...]Read More


River Description

There are several alternate Put ins and Access points for this stretch:

Hogback Mountain (unimproved): The boat ramp is on the south side of river (river right) about 50 yards downstream of the big lone Ponderosa Pine Tree however, this is not an official boat ramp. 4-wheel drive is needed to access the put-in and there are no restrooms at the launch. It's about 2.1 miles +/- to the Rio Grande C.G. boat ramp.

Rio Grande C.G. (aka Fisherman's): The boat ramp is on the north side of the river (river left) just after a little island. You must either float to the left of island or REALLY hump on the oars at end of island to make the boat ramp. Overnight camping available for a fee in this USFS C.G. Public restrooms. DO NOT park in any of the campground sights, instead park near the outhouse and pump. Having 4-wheel drive might be helpful but is not necessary. 4.9 miles +/- to Marshal Park CG boat ramp.

Marshall Park C.G. Boat Ramp: The boat ramp is on the south side of the river (river right) located between the Hwy 149 bridge and the bridge going to the campground. You are unable to park in the boat ramp so make sure to turn around and park at the top of the hill near pavement. There are no restrooms unless you walk across bridge into the C.G. 7.2 miles +/- to Deep Creek boat ramp.

There are a few low bridge hazards on this reach, as described below. Information was provided by the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project and Trout Unlimited.

The Rio Oxbow Ranch private bridge is always passable with drift boats, however flows > 1,000 cfs (at RIOMILCO gauge) presents issues for rafts with fishing frames. Coordinates: 37.728903, -107.059001

The Kansas Club Bridge is a private walking bridge for a fishing club. At higher flows, boats must stay left and be aware of hanging rope and cables. Coordinates: 37.730691, -107.011209

The Antlers Resort Bridge is another walking bridge farther downstream that presents an extreme haza

...

River Features

Deep Creek Bridge

Distance: 0 mi
Access Point
Deep Creek Bridge

Hogback Mountain (Hold-up Hill)

Distance: 0 mi
Access Point
Hogback Mountain (Hold-up Hill)

Rio Grande Campground

Distance: 0 mi
Access Point
Rio Grande Campground

Marshall Park

Distance: 0 mi
Access Point
Marshall Park

Old Creede Fish Hatchery

Distance: 0 mi
Take Out
Old Creede Fish Hatchery

Put In

Distance: 0 mi

Nathan Fey
Nathan Fey

Dec 12, 2018


Near Hogback Take-out

Nathan Fey
Nathan Fey

Dec 12, 2018


Near Hogback Take-out