Arkansas River – From Florence to Pueblo Reservoir and Canon City to Florence

This is a pair of class II-II+ day trips that will need about 800-1500cfs to be within the water levels desired.

August 2 Arkansas River, from Florence to Pueblo Reservoir

This 15 mile day trip has a few class I rapids, but requires some skill due to the need to avoid a number of strainers and rocks. Those who want to will camp Friday and/or Saturday nights at Indian Springs Ranch Campground several miles NW of Penrose. It is $10/person/night, cash or check only, but includes showers and a pool. There will be an optional Friday eve $10 guided hike to historical and dinosaur fossil sites, and an optional Saturday eve cookout/potluck if there is enough interest. We want 800-1500cfs on the Parkdale gauge. You may want to bring wheels for the 200 yard trek to the put-in at the SE corner of Hwy 115 and the river. Limit 10 paddlers.

August 3 Arkansas River, from Canon City to Florence

This class II+ day trip starts at the Train Depot boat ramp, has several rapids and a few strainers, requires a portage around Minnequa Dam and may deserve wheels at the Hwy 115 takeout (same spot as the above put-in). It is about 11 miles long. See the prior day’s trip for campground details. Limit 10 paddlers.

Floatation and helmets are required,  and ACA membership or a $5 ACA insurance fee is required.

Please contact Karen Amundson (canoekarena@msn.com) if you are interested in this trip!