Submitted by zoe on Fri, 2011-07-15 16:29

River levels are coming down after the spike last week in water levels due to snow melt, reservoir releases and rain. The Eagle River Class III and Class IV stretches are terrific right now and are running at optimum levels this week. Because the Eagle is one of the few rivers that does not have a dam on it, the water levels are very much dependent upon snowmelt and to a much smaller extent, rain. Dowd Chute water levels are dropping and will very likely be commercially run-able this coming week, IF water levels continue to decrease.
Don't let the reports of higher water levels worry you. Being able to run the Eagle River at this point of the summer is a unique opportunity for July visitors to Vail and Beaver Creek.

The Arkansas River is also looking wonderful right now. If reservoir releases remain steady, rafters should have the option of doing the Class IV/V stretch called Pine Creek/Numbers next week. As of today, the Arkansas is still a bit higher than average. This is keeping commercial rafters away from Numbers and Pine Creek, but Brown's Canyon (Class III) is tons of fun now and amazingly scenic.

On the Colorado River, raft companies are still waiting for Shoshone to drop. When and how long commercial rafters will be able to run Shoshone is anyone's guess. But there is still an opportunity to head down the Colorado River through Glenwood Canyon, which is absolutely the best way to see this beautiful canyon. Putting in below Shoshone at Grizzly Creek has been a fun stretch already this season at the higher river levels. If a float trip is more your speed, then the Mighty Upper Colorado - above Dotsero or State Bridge - is a great float trip for all including families with little ones. Both Colorado River Guides and Colorado River Runs specialize in running trips on the "Upper C." Timberline Tours runs all kinds of trips on all of our local rivers as well as the Arkansas.

If rafting is on your "bucket list" of fun things to do in the summer, this is a great summer to get on the rivers! Weekends are typically the busiest days, so consider a weekday adventure if your schedule allows. Rafting companies constantly monitor the rivers and rely on their expertise to make sure customers get the experience they desire and keep travel time to and from the river to a mininum.

-- Today's river rafting report provided by Timberline Tours, Defining Vail Rafting Since 1971!

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