This trip starts on the north side of the Metropolitan Denver area and can be done in one long day or two short days. “This is an easy one!” How to get there: From I-25 and 104th Avenue, take 104th Avenue east, it turns into CO44. About 6 miles from the I-25 exit CO44 crosses the South Platte River. Put canoes in the river at the 104th Avenue bridge, east bank, south side of 104th (CO44). Paddle north or downstream towards Brighton. The trip: There are several dams on the river which you should portage. At the first dam, portage is on the east bank. Take out is semitough. One husky guy should be on the bank to help the crews out and pull canoes out of the water. Reenter below the dam and continue until the second dam, portage is again on the east bank. Easy out and in for this portage. If overnight camping is planned it is advisable to arrange this in advance of the trip. A good site is just north of Brighton; about 2-3 miles north on US 85, turn west on the road next to the radio tower. The farmer that owns the west bank north of the bridge lives on the west side of the river and north of the road about 300 yards. The third dam is a low one. If you decide to run it, stick to the left spillway. Canoe-eating rocks are found elsewhere. Take canoes out at Ft. Lupton, east bank. Parking is available to leave cars for pickup. The road that crosses the river at this point is CO52. Note: If you continued downriver from this point a large dam would block your passage in about .75 mile.
Created on: 2024-09-11 20:08:04