Colorado
04. State Bridge to Catamount

| Difficulty | II+ |
| Length | 15 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Colorado River at Catamount Bridge, Co |
| Flow Rate as of 30 minutes | 1090 cfsmedium runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | July 15, 2026 |
American Whitewater has led the recreational boating voice in the management of the Upper Colorado River since 2007. At that time, the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released its report on the eligibility of rivers in the Upper Colorado River basin for Wild and Scenic River designation. In [...]Read More
This section of the Upper Colorado is significantly quieter than Pumphouse, just above, and provides another overnight option (or a combination with the stretches above and below). While not quite as scenic as the canyons above, it is still a stretch of pretty Class II+ water where it is easy to forget the road is nearby.
Putting in at State Bridge brings about whitewater similar to what was between Rancho Del Rio and State Bridge - mostly pool drop Class II+ rapids that are straightforward at all water levels. Things move pretty consistently to Two Bridges, another common put in or take out.
Things slow down a bit further down to Catamount, another access point with a concrete ramp and an established campground.
Compared to Pumphouse, above, this section sees fewer boaters and fewer campers, though for those putting together overnight trips on the Upper Colorado, the campsites thin out after State Bridge.
Boaters can easily combine this section with the Pumphouse section above, or continue to Dotsero or a number of access points between Catamount and Dotsero.
Access: Put in is at State Bridge, where Highway 131 crosses the river and joins Trough Road.
Take out: Catamount River Access and Campground, or continue downstream. Make sure to make the left move at Catamount, since current from the rapid above carries past the ramp, and eddies may be somewhat small.
State Bridge River Access Point - you'll find a concrete ramp, plenty of parking, and pit toilets. It's also easy connect this stretch with Pumphouse, above.
A dirt ramp with plenty of parking and pit toilets. Popular access point for those linking this to runs above or below (for example, Rancho Del Rio to Two Bridges).
Catamount has a concrete ramp, pit toilets, and established camping. Start to pull left once you go under the bridge since current carries past the ramp.
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