Yampa River: South Beach to Duffy Mountain

May 4-5, 2026    Flatwater/Class I Canoe Camping

Coordinator:  Dan Custer:  custer.dan@gmail.com

Good Beginner Float

The South Beach to Duffy Mountain Stretch of the Yampa is an easy flatwater/Class I trip.  Early May is a good time to float the Yampa because the bugs should not be a problem, we expect little competition for campsites, and usually the water level is good.  Fingers crossed on water level this year.

This is an easy trip for people new to canoeing and canoe camping.  Pack a warm sleeping bag because the mornings can be frosty.  A headwind is guaranteed and it could be very strong.

On day one we float through private ranch land where we expect to see the eagle nests and perhaps hear baby eagles.  The second day we will paddle through BLM land and Little Yampa Canyon, which is more scenic but with fewer eagle nests.

Camping

This stretch has about a half dozen improved campsites.  Improved means a table and a fire ring.  We are likely to camp on a large island inside BLM land without improvements.  The trip could be run in one long day, but your coordinator likes it as a two-day trip. Takeout is expected to be around 2 or 3 in the afternoon of the second day.  Much of the drive back to Denver is in day light.

State Park Pass Required

Provided we get approval from Yampa State Park office, we can camp at the put-in, South Beach, the night before launching.  There is no fee to camp at South Beach, but everyone will need to either have an annual state park pass for their vehicle, or purchase day passes at headquarters at 6185 W. US Hwy. 40, Hayden, CO 81639.  State Park passes are also needed for parking while we are on the river.  Both the put-in and the take-out are managed by Yampa River State Park.  Both have pit toilets.  While on the river, we will have to pack out our waste.  Wag bags are allowed, but we will probably use a groover.  If you prefer not to camp the night before we launch, there are motel rooms in Craig, CO, about 10- or 15-minutes from the put-in.

You will prepare your own meals.

Boat types:

Canoe and decked kayaks are preferred.  No pack rafts.  Inflatables are allowed if the paddler can handle a strong head wind.

Paddler limit:

The trip is full at 15 paddlers.

ACA Waivers Required

This will be an ACA insured trip.  Current ACA members are covered, but non-ACA folks will need to sign an event waiver and pay a $10 insurance fee either online or in cash at the put in.  The ACA has a new system for electronic waivers.  Let’s give it a try.   When doing the on-line waiver use the event name:  Yampa River.  Use the date:  May 4, 2026. If you are not an ACA member, you can sign an Event Waiver online using this link:  https://aca.sport80.com/public/wizard/a/1370/home.  This wizard will have you create an account with the ACA without becoming a full-fledged ACA member.   This waiver will not collect the $10 fee in advance.  If you want to create an Event Waiver and pay the fee directly to the ACA, use this link:  https://aca.sport80.com/public/wizard/a/1371/home. Again, you will be creating an account with the ACA just for the purpose of signing and paying for an event waiver.  The ACA makes no refunds if you pay for the waiver in advance even if the trip is cancelled.  Paper waivers are also an option. You can print (NEW ACA WAIVER) in advance or fill out the form your trip coordinator has at the put in. Pay $10 cash or pay by check payable to the ACA to the trip coordinator before you get on the water. Minor waivers are at: AMERICAN CANOE ASSOCIATION, INC

Safe Paddling

To keep our events both fun and safe for everyone, each participant needs to have the skills and the equipment appropriate to the waters and the weather.  Each participant is the first judge of whether they have the skills and equipment necessary, but trip coordinators have the final say. Please read the RMCC Requirements and Recommendations for ACA-Sanctioned Events