The Colorado River, between the small communities of Dotsero and State Bridge, can provide good canoeing for a Scout troop. This area of the Colorado River lies north of 1-70 west of Vail and Beaver Creek ski areas A one to four-day canoe float trip can be planned for this particular segment of the river. How to get there: 1 or 2-Day Trip - Drive I-70 west to the Dotsero exit, No. 133, which is about 12 miles west of Eagle. Drive north from Dotsero on CR301 about 5 miles to Lyons Gulch. There is an undeveloped camping area about .5 miles south of the gulch on BLM land. Set up camp here. Leave a vehicle or two so you can pick up your other vehicles later. Drive the remaining vehicles and canoes north, where Alamo Creek intersects with the road (8-9 miles), there is a BLM access road to the river (look for a small sign). Drive to the river, this is where you put in your canoes and float back to your campsite. An option, if you are going home the next day, is to let the group float down to Dotsero (5 miles) and pick them up there as you start your drive home. 2 or 3-Day Trip - Your trip would start at Burns, and float south. There are several campsites on BLM land to use for this extra night of camping. 3 or 4-Day Trip - Start at State Bridge, exit I-70 at Wolcott, and drive north on CO131 for 12 miles. This is your starting point. Notes: There are several gravel/dirt roads along the river for access to the river, look for that small BLM sign. The Colorado River at run-off time can be very dangerous. August and September would be better months for Scouts to cope with the river.
Created on: 2024-09-11 20:15:37