Conejos
02. South Fork CG to Highway 17 Bridge
| Difficulty | II+ |
| Length | 12.6 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 20 fpm |
| Gauge | Conejos River Below Platoro Reservoir, Co. |
| Flow Rate as of 7 hours | 433 cfsrunnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 9, 2024 |
Projects
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
From Spectacle Lake down, a pretty flatwater float with no rapids of consequence, but many river wide fences requiring portage. A very early season run, dropping out before other parts of the state start to flow. Several options upstream, including South Fork (Hike to, up to 5 miles), Pinnacles section, and a section putting in at this take out.
-DJM, May 2023
River Features
Take Out
Put In
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportPlatoro Res Gauge said about 200cfs, Mogote Gauge said 1440. I think 800+/- is a good guess for what we were floating on. River *just* out of the banks at both portages. Floated at fishing access just above Spectacle Lake to Hwy 17 Bridge. 2 fence portages (both well marked by PVC Pipe), saw at least 6 barbed wire fences pulled out of the river for high flow, I expect to be in play at lower water. Class II, some manouvering required. Some low bridges may be problematic for rafts, or kayaks at higher water. Pretty float, took about 2 hours to go 6.5 miles, including portages. Some great looking surf waves, some on the fly, some with eddy service. Was not able to hitch shuttle, had to hike the whole way (on road), would bring bike next time. Pretty float.