South Platte River

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What You Should Know About Whitewater River Rafting In Colorado

The South Platte River starts in the Pike National Forest in park County. The river then travels southeast to Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir before it flows northeast through the Cheesman Reservoir into Denver then up to Greeley. The South Platte River is a popular fishing area as well as a popular area to camp.

The river runs through the Eleven Mile Canyon. This section of the river can only be navigated with kayaks and duckies. The rapids range from class III-V+ with many eddies, waves, holes, side rapids and tight "S" turns.

The section of the river from Bailey to Pine is the only wild navigable canyon on the North Fork. The section of the river is mostly reserved for expert paddlers. The river flows over many steep slopes covered with ponderosa pines along the banks. The best time to raft is between July and August. From Buffalo Creek to South Fork Confluence, technical Class IV rapids plunge over a series of steep drops. From Deckers to North Fork, the rapids are generally light with class I to II rapids through the Platte Canyon. These runs are generally short because the river flows through private property.

The International Rapid Rating Scale:

• Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles, small waves.
• Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids, wide, clear channels.
• Class III: Intermediate. Rapids, moderate, irregular waves.
• Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids, precise boat
handling.
• Class V: Expert. Long, obstructed, violent rapids.

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