Lake Fork of the Gunnison River Rafting

The Lake Fork River is one of the many tributaries of the Gunnison. The river runs south of the Curecanti Recreation Area, flowing 16 miles by Hinsdale and Gunnison, and runs north of Lake City in southwest Colorado. The river is deeply cut into its floodplain, forming a canyon within a canyon. Lake Fork River is fed entirely by snowmelt from the San Juan Mountains. The rafting season for this river runs from May to July.

The upper Lake Fork River is a mellow float with Class II rapids, making it a fun family trip. Suddenly the river shifts abruptly to a precipitous gorge, plunging through a steep box canyon with wild Class IV - Class V rapids. This beautiful forested canyon contains the wild Surprise, Big Drop and Rattlesnake Rapids, dropping at an average rate of 50 feet per mile. The final decent brings you into Blue Mesa Reservoir. To raft this section of the river, you must be at least 12 years old and have previous white water experience..

The International Rapid Rating Scale:

• Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles, small waves.
• Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids, wide, clear channels.
• Class III: Intermediate. Rapids, moderate, irregular waves.
• Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful rapids, precise boat handling.
• Class V: Expert. Long, obstructed, violent rapids.

Places to Stay & Fun things to Do

Three Rivers Resort & Outfitting Raft, Fish, Kayak
10 miles north of Gunnison in Almont, on Taylor, East & Gunnison Rivers. Features modern river front cabins and vacation homes. Fly shop. Rafting, Fishing & Kayaking. Smokehouse Grill open in summer.

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More Activities & Information

Lake City - includes Powderhorn
Gunnison - includes Almont, Blue Mesa Lake, Ohio City, Parlin, Sargents, Sapinero, Taylor Park & Waunita Hot Springs

Animas River Whitewater Rafting • Arkansas River Whitewater Rafting • Blue River Whitewater Rafting • Cache la Poudre River Whitewater Rafting • Clear Creek River Whitewater Rafting • Colorado River Whitewater Rafting • Dolores River Whitewater Rafting • Eagle River Whitewater Rafting • Green River Whitewater Rafting • Gunnison River Whitewater Rafting • Lake Fork River Whitewater Rafting • Little Cimarron River Whitewater Rafting • Lower Colorado River Whitewater Rafting

North Platte River Whitewater Rafting • Piedra River Whitewater Rafting • Rio Chama River Whitewater Rafting • Rio Grande River Whitewater Rafting • Roaring Fork River Whitewater Rafting • San Juan River Whitewater Rafting • San Miguel River Whitewater Rafting • South Platte River Whitewater Rafting • St. Vrain River Whitewater Rafting • Taylor River Whitewater Rafting • Uncompahgre River Whitewater Rafting • Upper Colorado River Whitewater Rafting • White River Whitewater Rafting • Yampa River Whitewater Rafting

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