Colorado
07. Shoshone Power Plant, Exit 123 (I-70) to Grizzly Creek, Exit 121 (I-70)(Shoshone)
| Difficulty | III-IV |
| Length | 1.7 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 39 fpm |
| Gauge | Colorado River Near Dotsero, Co |
| Flow Rate as of 18 minutes | 1280 cfsrunnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 6, 2021 |
River Description
Shoshone is one of Colorado's premier class III runs that sits deep in the heart of Glenwood canyon. The run is one of the few in Colorado that goes year-round and is host to a new year's day paddle. between 1,200 and 3,000 CFS Shoshone is great class III to take learning kayakers down as well as some of the best playboating and slice boating in the state. Between 3,000 and 5,000 CFS, the features in the river become noticeably bigger and pushier and above 5,000 CFS the run turns into class IV big water.
After the put in, you peel out downstream into a section called entrance exam which is some read and run Class III that you will want to run down the center. The run continues with straightforward read and run until you reach a large wall on river left, marking one of the major rapids called 'the wall'.
The next rapid is called Tombstone and is a large, jagged rock in the middle of the river. Boof to the right of the rock to clear the hole. Following tombstone is a long stretch of flatwater that will lead to a horizon line making the final rapid of the run, Superstition.
A five minute paddle out to the Grizzly Creek takeout river right.
From Glenwood Springs, take I-70 east and set shuttle at the Grizzly Creek exit. Enter back on I-70 East and take the Shoshone exit to put in. If you only have 1 car, it is very easy to walk the shuttle as a bike path follows the river for the entirety of the run.
From Dotsero, meet at Grizzly Creek, park shuttle, run East to the Shoshone exit to the putin in less vehicles. From Grizzly Creek you will return to the I-70 Deck eastbound and exit Shoshone.
\\ Sept 25 2020 update **
This area is in nascent recovery from the Multi-Agency Effort on the Grizzly Creek Fire.
Be cognizant of rockfall and avalanche constantly.
This area is in fire recovery and slopes will be unstable and made liquid if torrential downpour occurs.
Check CDOT before you travel as these exits
...River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportUpdate to CDOT's efforts in regard to the flooding from last summer.
*GLENWOOD CANYON is a dynamic situation that will change DAILY once spring flows hit. BE SAFE AND SCOUT!*
I would consider Shoshone a great place for a learning kayaker at low flows. I have a pretty good understanding of rolling, boofing, and other strokes for my experience level. I previously learned to roll on a lake and had a total of a day and a half of on the river experience before running Shoshone at 1,700cfm
I consider it a must do and a great educational experience for a new paddle. It was challenging but extremely fun learning how to boof ledges and punch through holes. The worst case scenario if you were to swim there was lots of free space at the bottom of each rapid! It's a absolute must do!
I think it is the hardest III+ in the state besides Waterton Canyon. It is most definitely more difficult than Browns Canyon. However, I say this because Shoshone is so powerful. But it is unlikely you will swim if someone leads you down. Frankly, I rarely see a swimmer so maybe its just me and you will rate it III and leave off the +. But jump in this river near 3000 cfs and make no mistake...you are flirting with IV-. I have done some class V and I am nervous about trying this run at 4000 or higher. But this river and I have a bad history. I always have to brace out of some situation or another. Easy to scout...jig the path...adds to the fun.
Unknown boater in Maneater, also known as Superstition.
The upper part of Maneater.
The lower part of Maneater.
This is the canyon below the put in.
This is one of the drops towards the top.
Good play wave about halfway down.
Entrance to The Wall.
Lower in The Wall.
Lower still in The Wall.
The lower part of The Wall.
The upper part of Tombstone.
Looking up at Tombstone.
This drop comes after The Wall.
Another shot of Bonehead.
This rapid is just west of Glenwood Springs. Not too hard, simple big water class III. Not technically in this run, but the run this is rapid is in isnt listed on AW.