Rafting the Blue River in Silverthorne Colorado
Rafting in Summit County Colorado near the Dillon reservoir just downstream from Silverthorne Colorado. The Blue River because of its crystal-clear water and close proximity to Denver is a favorite day boating area for many folks. Its location also makes it one of the most controlled rivers in the Southern Rocky Mountains. Two reservoirs, Dillon and Green Mountain offer a terrific day boating stretch.
Dillon reservoir was built after an agreement that Green Mountain Reservoir would be filled each year before Denver takes water from the Blue. However, the Denver Water Board, in dry years often balks at its agreement to release water into Green Mountain for ranchers.
What does all this mean for the Bue River? First, courting its water for Denver results in severe flow reduction. Second, the water board usually fills Green Mountain reservoir early so we can begin routing the water into the Roberts tunnel. Releases from both dams are erratic, but high flows from Dillon, early in the season while those from the Green Mountain reservoir often occur a little later. The water released from the bottom of both reservoirs makes it extremely cold. Swimming in the Blue River is not advised.
The Blue River occupies a pastoral valley between soaring monarchs of the Gore Range to the West and the Williams Fork Mountains to the east. It is swift and cold but not overbearing rated class I and III for most of the distance between the two reservoirs Green Mountain and Dillon. The state highway follows the river most of the way. Many bridges present the main hazard on the Blue River at high water levels. The river passes dangerously close to the undersides of many of these local bridges wich can appear suddenly around the corners of the river.
There is a kayak course at the base of Dillon Dam as well, sponsored by the Cores Beer Company. Large boulders were positioned in the riverbed and gates hung over the water. A popular race takes place here each June water permitting.
The next 4 miles past the town of Silverthorne and the gravel quarrys lead to the newly constructed take out on river left. Just a short distance below Dillon Damn this makes a good access point. 1/2 mile below the campground, at the mouth of Boulder Creek sits the biggest rapid in this stretch. Boulder Creek rapid. Boulder Creek stumbles for 2 miles through a series of exhilarating class II and class III drops in a shallow canyon then it sweeps into the valley of green fields separated from the river. Look out for Oh - No rock really called Oh SH** Rock and the two other rapids called Triplet and Pipe Line.
Good takeouts are found as well as several campgrounds at the head of the Green Mountain reservoir and further down stream.
Comments(0)