Cruise with Colorado Whitewater (CW)
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader (Scott Winkleman) for that cruise, or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
See full list of cruises and wavier information here.
Cruise leader is Scott Winkleman . As events get closer and volunteers step up, they will reach out to those who have registered and confirm details of the activity.
A CW cruise is a fun river meet up for members to meet other paddlers and have a good time on the river.
There is no instruction available during the cruise. Be confident your skills are appropriate for this section of river.
You must have appropriate gear for cold water.
Please plan to help with boat shuttle. This is almost always a challenge.
As the event gets closer and the leader has confirmed your skill level and confirmed appropriate water flows, the cruise leader will share specific details of meeting location.
All participants must be CW members and sign a waiver.
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader (Jesse), or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
As events get closer Jesse will reach out to those who have shown interest and confirm details of the activity.
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader (Jen Kling), or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
As events get closer Jen will reach out to those who have shown interest and confirm details of the activity.
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader for that cruise, or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
See full list of cruises and waiver information here.
Cruise leader is Chris Zeller. As events get closer, he will reach out to those who have registered and confirm details of the activity.
As the event gets closer and the leader has confirmed your skill level and confirmed appropriate water flows, the cruise leader will share specific details of meeting location and time.
All participants must be CW members and sign a 2025 waiver.
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader (John Leventhal) for that cruise, or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
Cruise leader is John Leventhal . As events get closer and volunteers step up, they will reach out to those who have registered and confirm details of the activity.
Join us for our first River Weekend of the 2025 season Friday, June 6 - Sunday, June 8 in the beautiful Roaring Fork Valley!
Volunteer lead cruises will be offered on Saturday and Sunday, but come Friday evening for the river camaraderie!
Camping is available at Ami's Acres in West Glenwood Springs. There will be limited parking/van-camping space, but tent spots are plentiful! (Carpooling is encouraged!!) Please indicate what you'll be camping in when you register. No vehicles over 22'. If you want to bring your camper or raft trailer, please make a reservation directly by calling Ami's Acres at 970-945-5340. There are absolutely no trailers in CW group space per management.
There are also tons of other great activities in the Glenwood Springs area, including the famous hot springs. Please note that some access points on the Roaring Fork are Colorado State Wildlife Areas (SWA) and anyone 16 or older now need either a fishing license or the new "SWA Pass" (available for purchase at www.cpwshop.com) to access the river from those points.
As a reminder, river weekends are not instructional events. Although we're all there to support one another, plan on boating within your skill set.
UPON ARRIVAL: We are going to be cozy at camp so plan on making new friends when you're there. This is especially true with regards to parking. If you can carpool, please do so. There are three camping areas and upon arrival you will be directed to one of the three depending on your camping style. There is a chance that you may move vehicles to come and go, communication is key!
SOME GUIDELINES:
DIRECTIONS: From Denver take I-70 to Glenwood springs, take exit 114 Hwy 6, take the 3rd exit for the traffic circle to follow Hwy 6, campground is down 1.1 miles on the right.
Map Link
VOLUNTEERS: Seeking volunteers to lead/sweep a day (or two). Also seeking a coordinator at the campground to assist in directing participants on Friday afternoon/evening. Please email to offer your services and ask any questions.
CRUISES: We're meeting at 9:30am on Saturday and Sunday at Two Rivers Park (740 Devereux Rd, Glenwood Springs, CO). Have your gear, food/drinks, dog, etc. with you so we can organize the cruise groups and depart for the river. There will be signup sheets for cruises at camp on Friday evening so you can see who is running what and if you can workout a carpool, go for it! The following are proposed cruise options but actual cruises may vary depending on interest:
NO GROUP POTLUCK DINNER: Sorry, there will be no group potluck this year.
The weather is unpredictable and the water is always a bit chilly in Colorado so dress appropriately.
Questions? Email Laurie at president@coloradowhitewater.org with "Roaring Fork Weekend" in the subject line.
Cruise leader is Chris Zeller. As events get closer, he will reach out to those who have shown interest and confirm details of the activity.
All participants must be CW members and sign a 2025 waiver
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader (Lorraine Bruteig), or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
As events get closer Lorraine will reach out to those who have shown interest and confirm details of the activity.
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader (Jeremy Hittle), or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
As events get closer Jeremy will reach out to those who have shown interest and confirm details of the activity.
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader (Miles Small) for that cruise, or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
Cruise leader is Miles Small. As events get closer and volunteers step up, they will reach out to those who have registered and confirm details of the activity.
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader (Jonathan Brunsman) for that cruise, or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
Cruise leader is Jonathan Brunsman . As events get closer and volunteers step up, they will reach out to those who have registered and confirm details of the activity.
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader (Paul Downing) for that cruise, or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
Cruise leader is Paul Downing. As events get closer and volunteers step up, they will reach out to those who have shown interest and confirm details of the activity.
All participants must be CW members
Arkansas River Weekend - July 11 - 13, 2025!
Get ready for Arkansas River Weekend 2025! We're planning to have cruises on Saturday and Sunday for most skill levels, ranging from easy runs like Big Bend to Salida to the more challenging runs like the Numbers. (Let us know if you're willing to lead or sweep a cruise!) Camping will be at Paul's Lot in downtown Buena Vista at the River Park. If you're willing to help with leading or sweeping a cruise, registration or other needs during the event email Noelle Wilhite at noellewilhite@gmail.com.
We will be meeting at 9:00 Saturday and Sunday mornings to divide into cruise groups. Each group will then sort out their shuttles. Day attendees should arrive at the site by 8:30 to check in and sign up for cruises. Don't be the hold up! You don't have to be in your pfd yet but be prepared to leave to go boating shortly after the meeting. Swiftwater Rescue Class also available this weekend!
As a reminder, river weekends are not instructional events and are not suitable for those who have not had instruction or experience in whitewater kayaking or rafting. For those of you who are interested in instruction, our friends at Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center (RMOC) offer classes. Sign up directly with RMOC.
CAMPING / REGISTRATIONS: We'll have group camping in Paul's Lot at the River Park in Buena Vista this year. We'll be in a great location near the river & town, which is similar to where we were in 2019. Participants should register as either planning on the group camping area or staying elsewhere as a day participant so that we can monitor how many people will be camping. We are limited to 100 people in total including campers and day participants. The Town of Buena Vista is charging us for the site under a Special Event & Camping Permit and we will bring in toilet and trash facilities. Although the club is still subsidizing, the event camping will cost $30/person for the weekend. Note this is per person, not per site, and applies to everyone present including children and significant others.
Upon arrival you'll need to check in as usual so your registration, membership and release can be confirmed. You'll receive a wristband, which will be different colors depending on whether or not you're camping. There will be opportunities to sign up for cruises in the evening as well as in the morning before the meeting. CW will be providing porta pots, hand wash stations, and a dumpster for trash but beyond these you must plan on being self supported and bring whatever water you need. Do not arrive at the camping area before 3:00 Friday afternoon. We have the site Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
The entrance to Paul's Lot is at the end of Main Street in the River Park. Look for a CW banner on the right once the road turns to dirt.
REALLY SERIOUS SUBJECTS:
SOME MORE GUIDELINES:
Questions? Email Noelle at noellewilhite@gmail.com and include "CW Arkansas River Weekend" in the subject line.
Note: Registration for Arkansas River Weekend is non-refundable.
This Arkansas River Weekend come learn Swiftwater Rescue!
Saturday-Sunday July 12-13 on the Arkansas River in Buena Vista, CO - time TBD
$290 for CW Members! Normal Price: $350
"Being prepared as a paddler is an essential skill to learn and develop. Whitewater enthusiasts of all disciplines and skill levels, as well as guides and instructors, benefit from a rescue course. Build skills to manage risk on the river. Develop a rescue mindset and learn an assessment process to “get the big picture” in critical situations. Practice using rescue gear and simple to complex rescue techniques. This course combines an outdoor classroom with hands-on learning scenarios in whitewater.
Swiftwater Rescue Instruction
ACA Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue Certificate of Completion; accepted by most river outfitters, kayak schools, and outdoor programs
Rescue and river gear available upon request"
Link to for more details: https://www.whitewaterattainment.com/courses/swiftwater-rescue-skills
Must be:
18 years of age or older
Competent class II-III boater with solid self-rescue skills
Required gear to bring to the class: Complete kayak kit including kayak, paddle, helmet, PFD, sprayskirt, kayak floatation. Dry suit strongly recommended.
Note: This event registration is non-refundable.
Please register for the cruise if you would like to attend. For all cruises, please have some experience running the class of whitewater that is listed with each cruise. If you have any questions about the skill level required for the cruise you wish to attend, please contact the cruise leader (Ryan Ness), or send an email to cruises@coloradowhitewater.org.
As events get closer Ryan will reach out to those who have shown interest and confirm details of the activity.
Colorado River Weekend - September 12 - 15, 2025!
Join us for the last river weekend of 2025 on the Colorado River!
We have reserved the two group sites at Pumphouse and looking forward to a fun weekend for all! Come on Friday, stay until Monday. Must pay the BLM for day use at the kiosk upon entry.
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash and picked up after!
Participants will be required to pay a $10 parking fee on-site per vehicle per night to the Pumphouse Recreation Area. This will give you access to park at the campground overnight and park at the boat launches / take-out both days. BRING CASH!
Potential for runs on the Upper Colorado below Pumphouse and Lower Blue depending on flows. Swiftwater Rescue Class also available.
Hoping to bring back the Saturday night pot luck dinner to show our community spirit.
More details to follow, but please register to confirm your spot!
Any questions, please email Chris Zeller and include CO Weekend in the subject.
This Colorado River Weekend come learn Swiftwater Rescue!
Ladies only! (Male instructor)
Saturday-Sunday September 13-14, 2025 on the Colorado River at Pumphouse, CO - time TBD
Colorado Whitewater is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 1312 17th St #76767, Denver, CO 80202
©2025 Colorado Whitewater.