How to Kayak on the Colorado River

The Colorado River is North America's third longest river, and runs 1,450 miles through the North American southwest. The Colorado river attracts millions of water sport and outdoor enthusiasts every year, and is extremely popular for kayaking and canoeing. Outfitters for kayak enthusiasts have set up shop along the length of the river in droves, making the sport more attractive to would-be kayakers, offering guided tours and lessons, as well as gear rental services. Any kayak trip to any section of the Colorado river should be planned with precision and care. The river is extremely wild and unpredictable, and has claimed the lives of many novice kayakers throughout the years. Only highly experienced kayakers should attempt the difficult sections of the river.

Things You'll Need

  • Kayak suited for river travel
  • PFD
  • Helmet
  • Paddling jacket
  • 360 degree light source
  • Whistle
  • Camping gear (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a section of the Colorado river that suits your personal experience and kayak ability level. The Colorado river begins its southerly trek to the Gulf of California high in Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado, and meanders through hundreds of miles through Utah, and Arizona, while skirting the borders of Nevada and California. The possibilities of where to start are endless, but you should let your experience level dictate the section of the river to kayak. Novice kayakers should take lessons, or a guided tour to gain experience prior to challenging the class IV and V+ rapids that the Colorado offers.

    • 2

      Plan the kayak trip with a group of experienced paddlers. This is the safest way to run the Colorado river in any section. The Colorado is a long, cold river, and river levels can fluctuate wildly between seasons. In the summer, the river levels can be much lower in areas, and have extremely difficult rock negotiations, as well as fast moving water. In spring, the snow starts to melt and pour into the river at the headwaters, dramatically increasing the water level, and the river can be much faster moving during this time. Group travel is much safer on the Colorado river.

    • 3

      Use a kayak that is suited for river travel, and can be easily controlled in faster waters. Sections along the Colorado have calm slow moving water, as well as extreme drops in elevation, and flesh pounding rapids. A short kayak with an overall length of six feet or less, with a narrow bow, and a tight fit around your body is ideal for the Colorado river to negotiate sharp bends, and strong eddies. For calmer sections of the river a longer, broader kayak is recommended for comfort and stowing gear.

    • 4

      Follow all river navigation and safety rules that are stipulated in specific sections along the Colorado. These rules are generally mandated by the state which the river flows through. Certain areas near reservoirs may be restricted periodically, and use of a helmet is normally required near rapids. The Colorado also flows through national parks and recreation areas, particularly in the Grand Canyon of Arizona. This area is restricted, and certain areas require permits, or signing a waiting list to paddle down the river. Currently the waiting list stands at over 6,500 names, and an estimated wait time of 12 years after signing the list.

    • 5

      Bring all the necessary gear that your kayak trip requires. If camping along the river, you may need a kayak with at least 20 percent extra space for storage of your personal camping gear. A paddling jacket is recommended for all sections of the Colorado due to its low temperature. In addition to a helmet in rough waters, you'll need to have a PFD--personal flotation device--a whistle or other noise signal device, and a white light that can be seen from 360 degrees. These items are sometimes required by law depending on the area of the river, but regardless of the laws, you should have them at all times for safety.