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Rafting and Boating
Boating
Canoeing and Rafting: The Yampa River provides excellent canoeing opportunities east and west of Craig. The Little Yampa Canyon Recreation Area west of Craig is a scenic alternation of canyons and valleys offering wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, and river canoeing. Juniper Canyon offers a short whitewater class II run through the canyon while Cross Mountain Canyon offers high risk and challenging rapids for experienced river runners class IV and V.
Green River: The Flaming Gorge Reservoir, providing a constant flow level year round, regulates the Green River levels. Canoeing is best on the upper stretches of the Green through Brown’s {ark Wildlife Refuge. At the south end of the refuge the river enters the Gates of Ladore, which is primarily white water suitable for experienced river runners, and best for rafting and kayaks.
Little Snake River: The Little Snake is canoeable in early spring to early summer for its entire 40 miles. After mid season the river is not suitable for boating activity due to low water.
Motor Boats and Jet skis: Elkhead Reservoir, located east of Craig is the most popular body of water in the county for power boating. There is a daily fee for lake use. The lake is patrolled and managed by the City of Craig. Water is open year round for boating and popular for water skiing and jet skis during the summer months. Boat launches are available at several locations around the reservoir. Camping and day use, beaching, fishing and hiking paths are available at Elkhead.
Other Bodies of Water: Freeman Reservoir, located on the Routt National Forest is accessed via State 13, 14 miles north of Craig turn east on County Road II, proceed 12 miles on county maintained 2-lane gravel road to reservoir.
Axial Pond: Four-acre lake located off State Highway 13, 12 miles south of Hamilton. Non-motorized boats permitted. The pond is open for fishing only – no swimming or waterfowl hunting.
Major Rivers and locations:
Yampa River – From the Moffat County line near Hayden west to the Utah border the Yampa River covers over 100 miles through the heart of Moffat County.
Little Snake River – The Little Snake enters Moffat County from Routt County along the Wyoming border and flows westward along the border to County Road 21 then south for 40 miles to empty into the Yampa River just east of Elk Springs on US 40.
The Green River – The Green River, located just north of Brown’s Park National Wildlife Refuge, runs north and south through the refuge and Dinosaur National Monument. It can be accessed from State 318 at Brown’s Park.
Floating our rivers
The Yampa River from Craig through the Little Yampa Canyon is a popular Class I float trip. No permits are required for private trips. Commercial river guides and outfitters must have a Special Recreation Permit.
What Makes the Yampa River Unique
The Yampa River ties together many features of the Yampa Valley that make it unique and of statewide significance. The Yampa River supports globally rare plant communities as well as four endangered fish species. This watershed has historically provided the lifeline for farming and ranching in the Yampa Valley. The river in Routt County is mostly private, while over half of it in Moffat County traverses public lands.
The key to preserving the unique characteristics of the Yampa River is RESPECT. As recreation users and as private landowners, it is imperative to respect one another, the animals and plant life, and the landscape – all of which are supported by the Yampa River. Each individual is responsible for knowing where private and public lands are located. The Yampa River Legacy Project has provided this unique opportunity to serve as a statewide model of cooperation between recreation and agriculture.
River regulations include:
- Potable toilets must be used and solid human waste and toilet paper carried out.
- Biodegradable soap must be used for cleaning and food particles strained out of dishwater.
- A fire pan must be used for fires and ashes carried out.
- Only charcoal, wood that has been carried in, dead fall, or driftwood may be used for fires.
- All trash and garbage must be carried out.
- Boating/camping group size may not exceed 15 persons.
- No hazardous materials or waste may be disposed on public lands.
- Cultural, pale ontological or historic resources are not to be removed, destroyed or vandalized.
- Do not trespass on private property. Pay attention to the private/public signing system implemented for the river’s users’ benefit to indicate where private properties are located.
- Keep noise at a respectable level – for wildlife, nearby homeowners and others enjoying the river.
- Always carry required safety equipment.
For additional information, please contact Colorado State Parks at (970) 276-2061 or BLM Little Snake Field Office at (970) 826-5000.
General river information:
Weekends are most popular for floating the Yampa and you are likely to encounter other people. Fishing for Northern Pike has also become quite popular on the upper segment of the river. Commercial canoe trips and boat rentals are also available.
The river offers a good fast (5 to 7 mph) float at high flows (in normal years 6,000 to 12,000 cubic feet per second (CFS)) around mid-May to mid-June. CAUTION: The water is very swift and cold during high flows.
Floating the 38-mile segment through the Little Yampa Canyon (from the Yampa Project pump station to Duffy Mountain) is usually an overnight trip. With low flows, generally from the end of July on, you can expect to carry or drag your boat through some of the shallow areas.
Floating the 4-mile segment through Cross Mountain Canyon is suggested for expert boaters only. By order of the Moffat County Sheriffs Office, no vessels other than kayaks are allowed through this section when over flows are above 5,000 CFS.
Camping:
There are a number of excellent camp sites available on BLM public lands, most have cottonwood trees for shade (Note: To avoid trespass charges, private land may only be used with the permission of the landowner).
Maps:
You should at minimum purchase the BLM Meeker topographic color quad map which shows land ownership. This map may be purchased from the BLM Little Snake Field Office, 455 Emerson St., Craig, CO 81625 and the BLM Colorado State Office (Public Room), 2850 Youngfield St., Lakewood, CO S0215-7076. Four USGS topographic maps are required to cover the Little Yampa Canyon area and are named as follows: Caster Gulch (south of Craig), Round Bottom, Horse Gulch, and Juniper Canyon. (The Craig quad covers a small portion of the river south of Craig.) The remainder of Juniper Canyon and to the Maybell Bridge is on the Juniper Mountain and Maybell quad maps.
Topographic maps are available from: U.S. Geological Survey, Branch Distribution (Map Sales), Box 26286, Building 41, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225-6286 – phone: (303) 236-7477.
Additional River Information:
From its headwaters in the Flattops Wilderness Area to its confluence with the Green River near the Utah border, the Yampa River has given rise to a rich past and our future. It is the thread that weaves our communities together – our past and our future. The Yampa River ties together many features of the Yampa Valley that make in unique and gives it statewide significance.
- The Yampa River is one of the most hydro logically and biologically intact rivers in the West. It supports a diversity of native aquatic communities (including four federally listed fish species: Colorado River pike minnow, humpback chub, bonytail chub, and razorback sucker – as well as rare riparian plant communities.
- The Yampa River supports a rich agriculture heritage which shapes the unique character of this area and represents an important opportunity to find ways to perpetuate a working landscape that is compatible with the conservation of a nationally significant river system.
- The ownership configuration provides an opportunity for developing model public-private partnerships: 95 percent of the Yampa Rivers course through Routt County is on private land, and conversely, in Moffat County 51 percent of the River traverses public lands.
- The Yampa Valley is recreation intensive, renowned for its high quality scenery and recreation opportunities. Over 3.5 million recreation user-days are logged annually by residents and visitors, with almost 2 million recreation days (including 1 million shier days) concentrated in the Steamboat Springs area including Steamboat Lake and Stagecoach Reservoir State Parks.
Visitor Information Center
Yampa River State Park visitor center is located on Highway 40 between Steamboat Springs and Craig. From Steamboat, take Highway 40 west approximately 27 miles to the Park headquarters, from Craig the office is approximately 17 miles east on Highway 40. The visitor information center and campground are located in a meadow next to the Yampa River surrounded by riparian wetlands. The river is easily accessible from the campground and offers fishing, nature watching and a convenient overnight campsite for boaters on the river.
The campground offers 35 electrical sites and 15 non-electrical sites. Flush toilets, coin operated showers and laundry are available in the camper services building which is located 200 yards from most campsites. Water hydrates and vault toilets are centrally located throughout the campground and a dump station is available for your convenience. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-678-CAMP/ (303) 470-1144 or online at www.parks.state.co.us.
The campground also offers a 1.25-mile nature trail with interpretive displays. Teepee’s and group campsites are available for nightly rental through the park office. A group picnic area (with nearby playground) is also available by reservation. For more information call (970) 276-2061.
Public River Access Sites
The sites and directions below match the numbers indicated on the map. Please note that the linear bar at the bottom of the centerfold map denotes the river miles between public access sites. It is the responsibility of the river user to know where he/she is passing through. Often during a boating season, the river becomes impassible due to low water. The sections that remain floatable take many hours to navigate. Please plan accordingly for your trips.
Sites that are managed by Colorado State Parks require a daily or annual vehicle pass. In addition a camping permit is required at specific sites. Daily passes and camping permits are available at self-service dispensers at each site. All passes are also available at the park visitor center near Hayden.
Site #1
Pump Station is located approximately five miles east of Hayden off U.S. Highway 40 on the north side of the highway. Overnight camping is not allowed. A State Park pass is required. The Public Service Company water intake structure is located next to the access site. Please do not trespass on the Public Service Company’s intake structure property. A boat launch is available.
Site #2
Double Bridges is located about 1.5 miles west of Hayden off U.S. Highway 40 on the south side of the highway. No overnight camping is allowed. A State Park pass is required. This site has limited parking space and a tight turning radius; therefore, it is not recommended for large rigs or boat trailers. Picnic facilities, boat ramp, restrooms and a nice beach are available. Also be aware that class II rapids are present.
Site #3
State Wildlife Area is located halfway between Hayden and Craig. The access is south of U.S. Highway 40, near a small metal railroad building called Dorsey. No overnight camping is allowed. This site has no improvements. The Colorado Division of Wildlife manages the site.
Site #4
Yampa Valley Golf Course is located south of Craig off Colorado State Highway 394 near the airport. No overnight camping is allowed. This site has no improvements. The City of Craig and Moffat County own the site. An undeveloped boat ramp is available.
Site #5
Moffat County’s Loudy Simpson Park is located off Colorado State Highway 394 south of Craig at the developed ball field complex. This site has a launch/parking area on the river. Moffat County manages and owns the land. Overnight camping is available by permission only (ask a county park manager).
Site #6
South Beach A.K.A. Yampa Project Pump Station is located approximately three miles south of Craig off Colorado State Highway 13. The access road to the large parking lot belongs to Tri-State and Trapper Mining Inc. River users should park in the large gravel parking lot on the west side of the pump station. The water intake channel is open to fishing, but boat launching is prohibited. To protect natural resources, the wooded area northeast of the pump station is open to foot traffic only. State Park passes are required.
Site #7
Duffy Mountain is located 32 miles downstream from South Beach and about 30 miles southwest of Craig. Take U.S. highway 40 west of Craig for 19 miles to Moffat County Road 17. County Road 17 is located near the town of Lay. Drive approximately 10.2 miles to Bureau of Land Management Road 1593 and turn left. The river access site is one mile farther on the right. Improvements at the site include a vault toilet, parking and picnic sites. Overnight camping is available. State Park passes are required.
Note: For legal and safety reasons, parking at Government bridge is permitted.
Site #8
Juniper Canyon is located 12 miles down river from Duffy Mountain Access Site. Take U.S. Highway 40 west out of Craig for about 20 miles to Moffat County Road 53. Drive south about 3.6 miles to Moffat County Road 74 and turn right (west) for 0.8 mile. The improved site has a vault toilet, picnic sites, parking and boat ramp. Overnight camping is available. State Park passes are required.
CAUTION: Due to Class III rapids, open canoeists should not travel over the diversion dam located in Juniper Canyon. Canoeists and inexperienced boaters should portage on the right side of the river.
Site #9
Maybell Bridge is located 28 miles west of Craig on U.S. Highway 40. The access site is located south of the highway and east of the Yampa River. The improved site has a vault toilet, parking, picnic sites and boat ramp. Overnight camping is available. State Park passes are required. The town of Maybell is three miles west on U.S. Highway 40.
Site #10
Sunbeam is located approximately seven miles northwest of Maybell. Take U.S. Highway 40 out of Maybell to State Highway 318. Drive six miles to Moffat County Road 23 that leads to the access site. There are minimal improvements and facilities. No overnight camping is allowed. Please pack out all trash.
Site #11
East Cross Mountain is located approximately 18 miles southwest of Maybell. Take U.S. Highway 40 west of Maybell about 13.6 miles to Moffat County Road 85. Drive north on Moffat County Road 85 to the Bureau of Land Management Road 1551 and then 1.5 miles. Visitors should be aware that rough roads may exist. The improved site has a vault toilet, parking, picnic sites and boat ramp. Camping is permitted, and tables and fire rings are provided. State Park passes are required.
CAUTION: Class V rapids do exist in the Cross Mountain Canyon.
Site #12 & 13
West Cross Mountain & Deerlodge Park are located between Cross Mountain Canyon and Dinosaur National Monument. Both access sites are in the care of the National Park Service. Boaters at Deerlodge Park must have a permit to float on the Yampa River through the Dinosaur National Monument.
Elkhead Reservoir
For power boaters coming to this area, Elkhead reservoir is located 11 miles west of the Colorado State Parks campground facility. This 600-acre lake offers an uncrowded experience.
Located in the Yampa Valley northeast of the city of Craig you will find numerous outdoor recreation opportunities at scenic Elkhead Reservoir State Park. The recreational opportunities you will find include hiking, horse back riding, fishing, power boating, swimming, water skiing, wildlife viewing, picnicking and basic camping.
Park Inventory
Miles of road
Paved 0
Unpaved 1.0
Miles of trails
Hiking/biking 11.0
Horseback 10.0
Number of boat ramps
2
Number of campsites
16
Number of cabins/yurts
0
Number of tepees
0
Number of picnic sites
30
Concessions at the park
None
Major building/structures
None
Total visitation, FY 07-08 (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008)
96,801
Counties
Routt and Moffat
Congressional district
3
State legislative districts
Senate 8
House 57
Year became a state park
1998
Ownership
0% State Parks
100% other
Land acres
1,800 acres
Water acres
900 acres (when full)
Elevation
6,365’
Top attraction
- 900 surface acres of water conductive for water skiing, wake boarding and tubing.
- 16 new basic campsites able to accommodate large modern RV’s. Some located right by the water.
- Excellent fishing opportunities for warm and cold water species.
- Outstanding watchable wildlife opportunities throughout the year.
Challenges
- Maintaining a lake free of Aquatic Nuisance Species.
- Ongoing construction and development of new recreational facilities.
- Invasive weed control.
- New and ongoing partnerships local, state and federal agencies.
Budget and operations
Number of full-time employees
5.0*
*shared with Yampa State Park
Number of temporary employees*
9.0
*temporary employees are hired for periods up to six months in length, shared with Yampa State Park
Number of volunteers*
9
Total volunteer hours contributed*
428
*volunteer and volunteer hours figures are from calendar year 2007, shared with Yampa State Park
Total operating expenses
$41,572
Capital construction expenses
$1,000,000
Total revenue generated
$18,181
Partners
City of Craig
Routt County
Moffat County
Colorado Division of Wildlife
Colorado River Water Conservation District
Land acquisitions 07-08
None
Ratios
Full-time staff to annual visitors
1:19,360
Contact information
Elkhead Reservoir State Park
Park Manager: Ron DellaCroce, P.O. Box 759, Hayden, CO 81639
(970) 276-2061
Vision Statement for Colorado State Parks
Colorado State Parks offer exceptional settings for renewal of the human spirit. Residents and visitors enjoy healthy, fun-filled interaction with the natural world, creating rich traditions with family and friends that promote stewardship of our natural resources. Park employees and their partners work together to provide ongoing and outstanding customer service through recreational programs, amenities and sercives.
