Colorado River

THE COLORADO RIVER

When people speak of the Colorado River, they often put the adjective “mighty” before the name.  Up here in Grand County, however, at its source, the river responsible for the creation of the Grand Canyon begins as a trickle of snow melt high in the Rocky Mountain National Park. From this small trickle comes a clear brook tumbling across verdant meadows and down cramped red rock gorges.

The 1,450-mile Colorado River encompasses parts of seven U.S. and two Mexican states, and it all starts right here in Grand County. The headwaters of the Colorado River can be found in Rocky Mountain National Park. The river starts on the Continental Divide at La Poudre Pas in the park as a tiny stream and and drains into a wet meadow. As the river travels through the county, it gains strength as it flows into Shadow Mountain Lake and Lake Granby. As the river passes Hot Sulphur Springs and Kremmling, the Fraser River flows into the Colorado River, and the Blue River, adding to its strength. The Colorado River then flows through Gore Canyon as it leaves Grand County into Summit County.

Fly fishermen from around the world come here to test their skills while river rafters enjoy spectacular white water challenges as the river winds its way through Gore Canyon and beyond. The Colorado River then flows along Highway 40 providing breathtaking views to drivers.  Better yet, discover the Colorado River by traveling the 80 miles on the Colorado River Scenic and Historic Byway.