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Colorado River

Glenwood Canyon (Shoshone Rapids) River Guide

Glenwood Springs, CO
Class 3–412506000 CFS

The Shoshone Rapids section carves through the breathtaking 1,300-foot limestone walls of Glenwood Canyon, offering a perfect introduction to whitewater rafting. This 4.5-mile run features continuous Class III-IV rapids including Entrance Exam, The Wall, Tombstone, and Man-Eater, followed by a scenic float through one of Colorado's most spectacular canyons. Conveniently located off I-70 and accessible from Glenwood Springs, Vail, and Aspen, it combines exciting whitewater with opportunities to spot wildlife including bighorn sheep and bald eagles. Take out at Two-Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs.

Alerts

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Weather Forecast

What's the daily forecast at the put-in for Glenwood Canyon (Shoshone Rapids)?

Sat
Mar 28
65°
1%
13 mph WSW
Mostly Sunny
Sun
Mar 29
65°
2%
10 mph WSW
Sunny
Mon
Mar 30
65°
7%
15 mph SW
Mostly Sunny
Tue
Mar 31
55°
63%
13 mph WSW
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Wed
Apr 1
46°
82%
10 mph SW
Slight Chance T-storms
Thu
Apr 2
51°
39%
15 mph SW
Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Fri
Apr 3
39°
42%
15 mph W
Chance Snow Showers

Current River Conditions

What's the current CFS for Glenwood Canyon (Shoshone Rapids) based on the nearest USGS gauge?

No recent flow data available

Ideal Water Level

1,2506,000CFS

Flow Trend

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Common Questions

What paddlers most often want to know about Glenwood Canyon (Shoshone Rapids).

What class of rapids are in the Shoshone section of Glenwood Canyon?

The Shoshone section of Glenwood Canyon runs Class III–IV, featuring continuous rapids including Entrance Exam, The Wall, Tombstone, and Man-Eater through the limestone walls of one of Colorado's most dramatic gorges.

Do I need a permit to raft Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River?

No permit is required to raft the Shoshone section through Glenwood Canyon. It is a publicly accessible run with a well-marked put-in and take-out at Two-Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs.

What are the ideal flow levels for Shoshone Rapids in Glenwood Canyon?

Glenwood Canyon runs best between 1,250 and 6,000 CFS. Flows in the 2,000–4,000 CFS range deliver the most powerful and enjoyable Shoshone Rapids experience; below 1,250 CFS the river becomes too shallow for most boats.

How long is the Shoshone Rapids section through Glenwood Canyon?

The Shoshone section is approximately 4.5 miles long, making it a quick and action-packed half-day run through the spectacular 1,300-foot limestone walls of Glenwood Canyon.

Where is the take-out for the Glenwood Canyon rafting section?

The take-out for the Shoshone section is at Two-Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where the Roaring Fork joins the Colorado River. The put-in is at the Shoshone Power Plant, accessible from I-70.