Know Before You Go

Respect the Yampa and respect other river users

Current Yampa River Data at:

JUMP TO:     Quick River Stats   |   Weather    |   Safety Notes   |   Translation of Flows  |   River Maps   |   River Miles   |   River Updates on Social   |   River Etiquette Videos

Whitewater

The pilots of watercraft should be skilled and knowledgeable about current river conditions and they should follow all of the recommended safety guidelines regarding proper equipment and safe boating practices. All recreators should be equipped with PFDs and utilize extreme caution when floating near irrigation diversions and other structures in the river. Recreators should utilize their best judgment based on conditions, experience, and safety-first protocols.

Quick River Stats

  • Gage height: 1.51 ft
USGS

*Showing data from location 09244490 on the Yampa above Elkhead Creek near Hayden, CO.

Weather in Hayden

Safety Notes

Diversion

Be aware of diversion above Yampa River State park.

Private Property

Private/ Public property are marked with Red/ blue signage, respectively. These are rough estimates and not true property boundaries.

Scout Bridges

Scout railroad bridge at highway 40 ~Mile Marker 105 and bridge on north walnut/ CR 80 at high water.

Donate

Support the Know Before You Go dashboard and Friends of the Yampa here!

We need your help!

If you recreated on the Yampa River on any section from the Flat Tops through to Deerlodge, please fill out this survey!

Interpretive Translation of Flows

Pump Station to Dorsey
This section is mostly flatwater with some diversions that can be Class II to III depending on flows. There is limited public land on this stretch.

= All Activities= Tubing  = Sup/Small Craft= Large Craft  = Fishing

0-350 cfs (ft3/s) = River use is not recommended.

Many times when the flow is this low, the water is too warm and/or fish habitat is very limited. Leave this flow for the fishes.

350-900 cfs (ft3/s)

Tubing not advised due to lack of public land. Standing in river on private property is trespassing.

Advised.

Rafts/doreys possible but you are avoiding cobble and scraping.

Ideal trout fishing.

900-1,500 cfs (ft3/s)

Tubing not advised due to lack of public land. Standing in river on private property is trespassing.

Advised.

Ideal flows.

A little high for ideal fishing.

1,500-4,000 cfs (ft3/s)

Tubing not advised due to lack of public land. Standing in river on private property is trespassing.

Use caution, smaller crafts need whitewater experience.

High water, use caution.

Flows too high for ideal fishing.

4,000+ cfs (ft3/s)

Tubing not advised due to lack of public land. Standing in river on private property is trespassing.

Smaller crafts not advised.

High water, use caution.

Flows too high for ideal fishing.

River Miles

Use our handy table below to find out river mileage of floats on the Hayden section of Yampa River.

Access Points

River Miles Between Access Sites

Hayden Pump Station 00
Yampa River State Park 13
Dorsey 7

River Maps

Yampa River Access: (Click maps to enlarge)

River Updates on Social

* If you have an update and aren’t on social media email outreach@friendsoftheyampa.com.

*This information is provided to better prepare Yampa River users. Friends of the Yampa assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this website. Friends of the Yampa assumes no responsibility or liability for any accidents or dissatisfaction for all river users.

Watch Related Videos