Class III-IVRoaring Fork Valley, CO
Roaring Fork River
86.7 CFS→
Too LowAbout this run
The Roaring Fork drains the high country above Aspen and drops through the Roaring Fork Valley before joining the Colorado at Glenwood Springs. The most popular whitewater sections run from Carbondale down through the lower canyon — wave trains, punchy holes, and scenic Colorado River plateau country. In peak snowmelt, the Fork runs fast and pushy, flushing paddlers through long Class III wave trains with a few Class IV moves mixed in. The proximity to Aspen makes this the local training river for the valley's strong paddling community.
Known Hazards
- Woody debris and sweepers in the braided upper sections above Basalt
- Several irrigation diversion dams — mandatory portages, marked on river left
- Flows spike rapidly after afternoon thunderstorms in the Elk Mountains
- Lower canyon narrows above the Colorado confluence — powerful at high water
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Post a TripCurrent Flow
86.7CFS→
stable
Too LowOptimal RangeHigh
Current86.7 CFS
Optimal Min400 CFS
Optimal Max1,200 CFS
StatusToo Low
7-Day Flow
05/23104 CFS05/28
River Info
RegionRoaring Fork Valley
StateCO
DifficultyClass III-IV
USGS Gauge09073400
RunnableNo