2026 Class II Whitewater Trip
This will be a joint trip with the Missouri Whitewater Association using the same format as last year. Participants will camp three days at Turtle Rock Campground north of Buena Vista, then cross the Continental Divide to the Taylor River to camp at Lottis Creek Campground. Focus for day paddling will be Class II runs, but some Class III routes are available.
Tentative Date
August 16 – 22, 2026 Group Campgrounds have not yet been booked. Please contact the trip coordinator to indicate your interest.
Coordinator
Chris Kelly: 573-489-0684 or cskelly1022@gmail.com
The Plan So Far
Chris plans to follow the same template used last year. The trip will begin on or about August 16. The current plan is to paddle the Arkansas River first for three days of camping at Turtle Mountain Campground north of Buena Vista. We will then travel over the Continental Divide to the Taylor River, camp at Lottis Creek Campground and paddle for two days on the Taylor River. These are both group campgrounds and both campgrounds also have individual sites available. Turtle Mountain has pit toilets but no water or electricity. Lottis Creek has pit toilets, potable water, a large, covered picnic shelter and some spots with electricity. Both have spotty cell service.
Class III runs are easily available at both venues, and all are welcome to attend. However, the focus will be on Class II stretches. On the Arkansas our choices will include the Milk Run, Stone Bridge to Big Bend or Salida and the Fractions. As of March, water levels on the Arkansas are uncertain so choices will be somewhat water dependent. Chris switched to the Arkansas first so we can take advantage of the last two days of artificial release. The Taylor is always runnable.
Last year, and on all other trips Chris has conducted, he valued the assistance of experienced paddlers to lead the smaller groups we will break into, to provide safety and paddling tips to newer folks. The focus of the trip is to provide an opportunity to safely paddle class II water in the beautiful Colorado mountains and to get to know other like-minded paddlers. Canoes, kayaks and inflatables are all welcome.
Last year we had about 30 participants.
Chris has not yet made campground reservations because he wants to get a sense of interest. Chris encourages last year’s participants to add their own comments.
Please let Chris know if you are interested. If anyone needs gear, please let Chris know. It is likely we can accommodate any reasonable need. In terms of safety gear: everyone should have a Coast Guard approved PFD, a helmet and floatation bags in the boats. For those of you who know how to use it, other safety and first aid gear is very welcome. We may do some short safety drills but only if people are amenable.
ACA annual membership required
This is a club sponsored and American Canoe Association covered trip. All participants must be paid up members of either the Missouri Whitewater Association or the Rocky Mountain Canoe Club and have a valid ACA number. Event waivers are not acceptable.
Ground rules
Chris has only two rules. One, Chris will designate a starting time in the morning and expect everyone to be ready to depart then. Two, if Chris or the on-the-water leader asks anyone to walk any rapid or reach, the paddler is expected to comply. On the river we will, of course, endeavor to paddle safely. It is important that all members and guests read and follow our safe paddling guidelines. Here’s a link: https://rockymountaincanoeclub.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/RMCC-Boating-Requirements-and-Recommendations-2020.pdf
Help needed
Please let Chris know if you are interested. Last year Chris had wonderful help from members of both clubs and will need that again, especially in the area of lists and internet communication. Chris needs that help again. Please let Chris know how you are willing to help.