Colorado

The lower section from Horse Creek or Cottonwood Landing down to Dotsero is a friendly beginner stretch, offering Class II rapids for rafters, paddleboarders, and other river users for much of the summer. The middle section, from Catamount down, is one of the quieter sections of the Upper Colorado and can be floated as a day trip or as part of an overnight with sections above. Two more significant rapids, Rodeo and Pinball, require more water than stretches above or below and require Class III+ to IV- moves. 

The section starts with mellow water below Catamount, and the prettiest section of this middle stretch comes around when the river moves away from the road. Spencer’s Cabin is in this stretch, and is a small bunkhouse (with no cooking facilities) that can be reserved in advanced through Eagle County.

A bridge followed by a pool backing up behind a horizon line marks Rodeo (III+ to IV-). Scout right, on the road (or pre scout during shuttle). A chunky hole in the center of the rapid requires a move to avoid it, and a ledge hole river right near the bottom will be an issue for those who don’t. It gets more technical at lower flows. At high flows, above 3000 cfs most of the problems can be snuck on the left. 

Further downstream, not far past the Pinball Ramp, lies Pinball Rapid (III), the other crux of this stretch. A rocky left turn leads into a bridge, and much of the flow tries to drive boaters into the bridge pilings. Scout river right, either on foot or during your shuttle. 

Overnight camping is possible in this section, though campsites are somewhat sparse. Be mindful of the private property scattered through the reach.

Things settle down to Class I-II water down to Horse Creek, another access point popular for those day floating down to Dotsero. The action picks up there but doesn’t exceed Class II. Cottonwood Landing or Lyons Gulch offer alternative access points in this stretch.

When reaching Dotsero, be sure to stay

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