Put-in Access

The Crystal River put-in access in Pitkin County provides entry to a significant whitewater resource in Colorado. This is a large river system with a total length of 36.25 miles and an average gradient of 78 feet per mile, indicating substantial elevation change and current throughout the drainage. With an average flow of 389.73 cubic feet per second and velocity of 3.25 feet per second, paddlers should expect moving water conditions typical of a Stream Order 7 river system.

The drainage area of 365 square miles means this river receives substantial water input from its watershed. The location sits at an elevation where the river ranges from 1848 meters to 2709.90 meters across the system, with the put-in providing access to water that will eventually flow over 1333 miles to the river mouth. Boaters using this access should be prepared for whitewater paddling conditions and have appropriate skills and equipment for moving water travel.