Here in the mountains, the Colorado flows relatively clear and green, first tumbling through narrow canyons like Gore Canyon near Kremmling, and then becoming more passive as it flows through beautiful mountain valleys. Historically a river of many names, it was most commonly called the Grand River until 1921, when a Colorado congressman pushed through a bill to name it Colorado, after the state of its headwaters. Along its course, the Colorado bears many of the marks of man, including Glen Canyon Dam and Hoover Dam as the most famous. Today the Colorado has become a series of dams and diversion projects, so that it is only a trickle by the time it reaches the Gulf of California. The Upper Colorado River, between the towns of Radium and Dotsero, is very popular for boaters.
Rapids are few and mild, and geese, eagles, deer, and many varieties of ducks are common.
Road access is good along the entire section. The Upper Colorado river is a good section for beginning boaters, but experienced river enthusiasts are drawn to it again and again for its beauty and peacefulness. Wilderness Aware Rafting. All Rights Reserved.