Fraser
01. Tabernash to Granby
| Difficulty | III-IV |
| Length | 9.9 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 34 fpm |
| Gauge | Fraser River Blw Crooked Cr at Tabernash Co |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 56 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | June 10, 2023 |
Projects
Colorado River Access American Whitewater’s Colorado River Access Program works to improve river access and public safety throughout the state by working with landowners and managers, paddlers, law enforcement, and lawmakers to understand Colorado’s river access laws and the ongoing threats to public safety. Our primary goals of this [...]Read More
To increase its water supply, the City and County of Denver’s Board of Water Commissioners (Denver Water) is applying to the US Army Corps of Engineers for Clean Water Act section 404 permit that will allow Denver Water to enlarge their Gross Reservoir project. In July 2008, the Corps [...]Read More
River Description
The Fraser is an exciting and dynamic canyon which laregly feels like creek boating. The only public land is from the confluence of Ranch Creek and the Fraser to the tunnel. The next public land is at the takeout. Do not stop on private land.
Read and run until Thumper (III-IV) ~ 1.5 miles past the tunnel bridge which marks the end of public land. Scout river left - fast landing at a tree-less scramble to the tracks - or read and run. Higher flows can be more foregiving. The preferred run is right with a pull off Thumper rock. Read and run rapids (I-II+) follow intermittently for the next ~2 - 2.5 miles. The runout behind Granby Ranch is calm and winding. Where braided, avoid the left no-go channel. Be prepared to encounter deadfall across parts or all of the river at any time.
Recommend using this guage to assess flow in the canyon: https://dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations/FRAGRACO?params=DISCHRG (or combine Fraser @ Tabernash with Ranch Creek on USGS). Small boats can run this stretch at significantly lower flows.
River Features
Put In
There are now two put-ins to access the Fraser on Ranch Creek. Both are on private property - being respectful is paramount to maintaining access to this valuable local resource. First access is from the bridge. Parking is limited and beaver dams can pose a hazard. Second access is from the Phases parking lot and bypasses the first few dams.
Take Out
Park at the Granby fire station. Small access points on either side of the diversion riffle (runnable). During peak season, quickly make way for others to land.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportFairly easy to navigate at this flow. Thumper easy to scout and harder than White Mile rapid.